NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the brake
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-84Starting and driving
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
For further brake fluid specification information,
see “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●Use only new fluid from a sealed container.
Old, inferior or contaminated fluid may dam-
age the brake system. The use of improper
fluids can damage the brake system and af-
fect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
● Be sure to clean the filler cap before
removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces. This
will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, wash
the surface with water. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
is below the MIN line
2or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line
1. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be stored
carefully in marked containers out of the reach
of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
window washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
SDI2025SDI2191
BRAKE FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
shield washer antifreeze. Follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driv-
ing conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
CAUTION
●Do not substitute engine anti-freeze coolant
for window washer solution. This may result
in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the window washer reservoir tank
with washer fluid concentrates at full
strength. Some methyl alcohol based
washer fluid concentrates may permanently
stain the grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir tank.
● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with wa-
ter to the manufacturer’s recommended lev-
els before pouring the fluid into the window
washer reservoir tank. Do not use the win-
dow washer reservoir tank to mix the washer
fluid concentrate and water. ●
Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
● Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
● If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative () battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING
● Do not expose the battery to flames or elec-
trical sparks. Hydrogen gas generated by
the battery is explosive. Do not allow battery
fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a battery or
battery cap, do not touch or rub your eyes.
Thoroughly wash your hands. If the acid con-
tacts your eyes, skin or clothing, immedi-
ately flush with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.
● Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in the
battery is low. Low battery fluid can cause a
higher load on the battery which can gener-
ate heat, reduce battery life, and in some
cases lead to an explosion.
● When working on or near a battery, always
wear suitable eye protection and remove all
jewelry. ●
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
● Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal16-5/8 gal 76 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt4-3/8 qt4.9 •Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2*3
•Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt4 qt4.6
Cooling system With reservoir9-1/8 qt7-5/8 qt8.6 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt0.8
Automatic transmission fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Differential gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE
80W-90*5
Transfer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ——— NISSAN A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*3: INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available from an INFINITI retailer.
*4: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 32°F (0°C).
*6: Using transfer fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*7: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF
*8: Available in mainland US through an INFINITI retailer.
*9: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information