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
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-7
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 ................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................ 8-12
Brake fluid ................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-15Variable voltage control system
...................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ...................................... 8-18
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
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 ..................... 8-25
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-27
Tire pressure .................................. 8-27
Tire labeling .................................. 8-30
Types of tires ................................. 8-32
Tire chains ................................... 8-32
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-33
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking the
tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires cannot be rotated, as front
tires are a different size from rear tires and the
direction of wheel rotation is fixed in each tire.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If nec-
essary, adjust the pressure in all tires, includ-
ing the spare, to the pressure specified. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter components: Replace the TPMS transmit-
ter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the
tires are replaced due to wear or age. Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not
catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechanism: On
a fairly steep hill, check that the vehicle is held
securely with the selector lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down
further than normal, the pedal feels spongy or
the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see an
INFINITI retailer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs ad-
justed, see an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the
belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if so equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
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 washers 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 and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between
the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure that the drive belt
is 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 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 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
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precautions
which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. For
manual transmission models, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral). For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
● Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
● If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts. ●
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
● If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by a jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
● Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
key is in the OFF position and the engine is
not running. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
● The fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced
by an INFINITI retailer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the en-
gine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down.
● Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also avail-
able. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, we recommend that it be done by an
INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmis-
sion models)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner 9. Radiator filler cap
10. Drive belt location
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12. Engine oil dipstick
SSI0345
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK
position before servicing the drive belt. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of un-usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by an INFINITI
retailer.
2. Have the belt condition checked regularly.WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the
spark plugs. An incorrect socket can damage
the spark plugs.
VQ37VHR engine
SDI2119
DRIVE BELT SPARK PLUGS
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
●The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indicators
are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
●Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6 years
old checked by a qualified technician,
because some tire damage may not be
obvious. Replace the tires as necessary
to prevent tire failure and possible per-
sonal injury.
●Improper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it is
necessary to repair the spare tire, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity as originally equipped. (See “SPECIFICATIONS”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
●
The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of different
brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), or tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and could re-
sult in serious personal injury.
●
If the wheels are changed for any reason, al-
ways replace with wheels which have the
same off-set dimension. Wheels of a different
off-set could cause premature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteristics and/or
interference with the brake discs/drums. Such
interference can lead to decreased braking ef-
ficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe wear.
See “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section of this
manual for wheel off-set dimensions.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel
or tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural damage
and could fail without warning.
● The use of retread tire is not recommended.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
10. Install the license plate bracket with thebolts.
11. Install the license plate with bolts that are not longer than 0.55 in (14 mm).WARNING
●It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside the vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
●Do not allow people to ride in any area
of vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
●Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before loading
your vehicle:
●Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, flu-
ids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not
include
passengers and cargo. ●
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
●GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers,
luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load
and any other optional equipment.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
●GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
●GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing) - The maximum total weight rat-
ing of the vehicle, passengers, cargo,
and trailer.
●Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit,
Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the ve-
hicle. This is the maximum combined
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
9-16Technical and consumer information