WARNING
cFor AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
c Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Your vehicle is equipped with full-time All-
Wheel Drive (AWD).
Switching the driving mode is not necessary. The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, the warning light
will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high powertrain oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light turns
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning
light blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
CAUTION
c
If the warning light remains on after the
above operation, have your vehicle checked
by an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
c If the warning light comes on while driving
there may be a malfunction in the AWD sys-
tem. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
SSD0336B
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-47
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REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in-
sects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from
the paint surface to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are avail-
able at an INFINITI retailer or any automotive
accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows, do
not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or
chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They
could damage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window defroster
elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid staining or
discoloring the wheels:
cDo not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or
alkali contents to clean the wheels.
c Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels
when they are hot. The wheel temperature
should be the same as ambient temperature.
c Rinse the wheel to completely remove the
cleaner within 15 minutes after the cleaner is
applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non- abra-
sive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
c Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
c Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
c Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
c Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care7-3
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Steering wheel:Check for changes in the steer-
ing conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air comes
out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the
wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for the
oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
ªPRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVINGº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from
the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCLEANING EXTERIORº in the ª7. Appearance
and careº section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
s1.
If the oil level is below
s2, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
s3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil mainte-
nance intervals or during the break-in period,
depending on the severity of operating condi-
tions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Operat-
ing the engine with an insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such damage is
not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Change the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
cPlace the safety jack stands under the
vehicle jack-up points.
c A suitable adapter should be attached to
the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the undercover in place.
VK45DE engine
SDI1822
VQ35HR engine
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drainplug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
s1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of properly.
c Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Loosen the oil filters2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket re-
maining on the mounting surface of the engine.
Failure to do so could lead to engine failure.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten ad-
ditionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N´m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N´m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to pre-
vent oil spillage from the dipstick hole while
filling the engine with oil.
See ªCAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTSº in the ª9. Technical and
consumer informationº section for drain and refill capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine the proper
amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionas the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the un- dercover in place. Be careful not to strip
the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions and weights ....................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate......... 9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................... 9-11
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Emission control information label ..............9-12
Tire and loading information label ..............9-13
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-13Installing front license plate
.......................9-14
Vehicle loading information ........................9-15
Terms ......................................... 9-15
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-18
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-18
Flat towing ...................................... 9-19
Automatic transmission ........................ 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-19
Treadwear .................................... 9-19
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty .................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-23
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-23
In the event of a collision ......................9-24
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Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure
Imp measureLiter
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ÐÐÐ HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ÐÐÐ NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1:For additional information, see ªENGINE OILº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see ªENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATIONº later in this section.
*3: INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at your INFINITI retailer.
*4: For 5-speed AT: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic
S ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI
new vehicle limited warranty.
For 7-speed AT: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32ÉF (0ÉC).
*6:
If Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent (if
available) may also be used.
*7:
DEXRONTMVI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through an INFINITI retailer.
*9: For additional information, see ªVEHICLE IDENTIFICATIONº later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
Technical and consumer information9-3
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1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance, see ªCA-
PACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTSº earlier in this section.
INFINITI recommends the use of an energy
conserving oil in order to improve fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE viscos-
ity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant to select the engine oil viscosity based on
the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in ªChange intervalsº.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and a
filter other than the specified quality, or exceed-
ing recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of
incorrect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is
not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited
warranty.
STI0505
9-6Technical and consumer information
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