
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-8
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system ...................8-15
Drive belts ....................................... 8-15Spark plugs
..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-17
Cleaning ...................................... 8-17
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-22
Lights ........................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Exterior
and interior lights ..................... 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
Tire pressure .................................. 8-28
Tire labeling .................................. 8-31
Types of tires ................................. 8-33
Tire chains ................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-35

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 no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 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
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” 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
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Drive belts
11. Engine coolant reservoir
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The antifreeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Addi-
tional engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
●
Never remove the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap when the engine is hot. Wait until
the engine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator. See precautions
in “IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6.
In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
● The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine dam-
age, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
SSI0388
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
If the cooling system requires coolant fre-
quently, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by an INFINITI retailer. The service pro-
cedures can be found in the appropriate INFINITI
Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater
performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
●
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine
is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high
pressure fluid escaping from the radiator.
●Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.
● Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply 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
1.
If the oil level is below
2, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
3.
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
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.
●Place the safety jack stands under the
vehicle jack-up points.
● A suitable adapter should be attached to
the jack stand saddle.
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself

5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the centerpoint of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and support
points are used to avoid vehicle damage.
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.
●Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
● Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the
engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter2with 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 damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
Two-wheel drive (2WD) models
SDI2024
All-wheel drive (AWD) models
SDI2047
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until aslight 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.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” 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.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of children.
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Cargo light................... .2-56
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst .....5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning . . . .4-88
Center multi-function control panel .......4-2
Child restraints ................. .1-20
Booster seats ................ .1-34
LATCH system ................ .1-22
Precautions on child restraints .......1-21
Child safety ................... .1-19
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes Audible reminders ............. .2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime .....2-16
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ........7-2, 7-4
Climate control, Automatic climate control . .4-39
Clock ...................... .2-44
Coat hooks ................... .2-48
Cockpit ...................... .2-2
Cold weather driving .............. .5-83
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ..................... .4-65
Compact spare tire ............... .8-37
Compass ..................... .2-8
Console box .................. .2-47
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ....................... .4-5
Controls Control panel button .............4-2
INFINITI Controller .............. .4-5
Coolant Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-7
Corrosion protection .............. .7-6Cover, Cargo cover
............... .2-48
Cruise control .................. .5-32
Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC
system) ................... .5-50
Cup holders ................... .2-45
Current fuel consumption ............2-27
D
Daytime
running light system ..........2-37
Defroster switch, Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch .........2-34
Dimensions ................... .9-9
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system .....5-54
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light .................. .2-14
Distance to empty ............... .2-28
Door/lift gate open warning ..........2-24
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ........2-20
Drive belts ................... .8-15
Drive positioner ................ .3-24
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ............5-74
All-wheel drive (AWD) safety precautions . .5-7
Cold weather driving .............5-83
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-12
On-pavement and off-road driving ......5-5
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
DS (Drive Sport) mode ..............5-14
DVD player operation ............. .4-66
E
Economy, Fuel ................. .5-73
Elapsed time .................. .2-27Elapsed time and trip odometer . . .
.....2-27
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty . ......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-11
Break-in schedule ............. .5-73
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-7
Checking engine oil level ...........8-8
Coolant temperature gauge .........2-7
Emergency engine shut off .........5-10
Engine block heater .............5-85
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine
cooling system............8-6
Engine oil .................. .8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator ......2-26
Engine oil viscosity ............. .9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Engine start operation indicator . . . . . .2-23
If your vehicle overheats ..........6-10
Starting the engine ............. .5-11
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner .................... .3-24
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ...........9-21
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .........5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . . .9-11
10-2

Outside mirrors.............. .3-23
Vanity mirror ................ .3-24
Monitor, Rearview monitor ...........4-22
Moonroof .................... .2-52
N
New vehicle break-in .............. .5-73
No key warning ................. .2-23
O
Odometer ..................... .2-6
Off-road recovery ................ .5-6
Oil Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-8
Engine oil .................. .8-8
Engine oil viscosity ............. .9-5
Oil filter replacement indicator .......2-26
Operation, Indicators for operation ......2-23
Outside air temperature .............2-28
Outside mirrors ................ .3-23
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......6-10
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................... .9-21
P
Panic alarm ................... .3-14
Parking Brake break-in ............... .5-77Parking brake operation
...........5-16
Parking brake release warning .......2-24
Parking on hills .............. .5-76
Personal lights ................. .2-55
Phone Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ......4-93
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) . . .4-103
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-92
Power Front seat adjustment .............1-2
Power door lock ............... .3-4
Power outlet ................ .2-44
Power
steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ............5-77
Power windows ............... .2-50
Precautions All-wheel drive (AWD) driving safety .....5-7
Audio operation .............. .4-48
Braking precautions .............5-77
Child restraints ............... .1-21
Cruise control ................ .5-32
Lane departure warning (LDW) system . . .5-18
Maintenance ................. .8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving ......5-5
Seat belt usage ............... .1-12
Supplemental restraint system .......1-37
When starting and driving ..........5-2
Preview function ................ .5-78
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................. .5-54
Preview Function warning light .........2-16
Push starting .................. .6-10
Push-button ignition switch .........5-8, 5-9 R
Radio ...................... .4-48
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-92
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... .4-62
Rapid air pressure loss ..............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test .................... .9-20
Rear center seat belt .............. .1-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock. . .3-6
Rear seats .................... .1-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ...................... .2-34
Rear window wiper blades ...........8-19
Rearview monitor ............... .4-22
Recorders, Event data ..............9-21
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system ..........3-13
Reporting safety defects .............9-19
Roadside assistance program . . . .......6-2
Rollover ...................... .5-5
Roof Moonroof .................. .2-53
Roof
rack.................. .2-50
S
Safety, Child seat belts .............1-19
Satellite radio operation ............4-63
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .........1-2
Front seats .................. .1-2
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................. .1-19
10-5