●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. Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
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.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion. Depress the clutch pedal fully to the
floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried when op-
erating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Depress the brake pedal (AT model)
or the clutch pedal (MT model) 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 or the clutch pedal (MT
model) with the ignition switch in any posi-
tion. ●
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
pedal and the clutch pedal (MT model)
and pushing the push-button ignition
switch to start the engine. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheelnuts alternately and evenly in the se-
quence as illustrated (
1,2,3,4,5)
until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts se-
curely in the sequence as illustrated.
Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
●Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become
loose or come off. This could cause an
accident.
● Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or
nuts. This could cause the nuts to become
loose.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle
has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km)
(also in cases of a flat tire, etc.). ●
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specifications at all times. It is recommended
that the wheel nuts be tightened to specifica-
tions at each lubrication interval.
● Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for 3 hours
or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label affixed to the
driver side center pillar.
5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equipment in the vehicle.
6. Place the jacking tool case and the trunk floor board over the damaged tire.
7. Close the trunk.
WARNING
● Always make sure that the spare tire and
jacking equipment are properly secured af-
ter use. Such items can become dangerous
projectiles in an accident or sudden stop.
● The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
If needed Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty Information
Booklet (Canada).
In case of emergency6-13
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on
a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
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:
●Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or
alkali contents to clean the wheels.
● Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels
when they are hot. The wheel temperature
should be the same as ambient temperature.
● 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:
● Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
● Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
● Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
● Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care7-3
Occasionally remove loose dust from the inte-
rior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl
and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth
dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe
clean with a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot steam
cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the seat
or occupant classification sensor. This can also
affect the operation of the air bag system and
result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
●Never use benzine, thinner, or any similar
material. ●
Small dirt particles can be abrasive and damag-
ing to the leather surfaces and should be re-
moved promptly. Do not use saddle soap, car
waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents or ammonia-based cleaners as they
may damage the leather’s natural finish.
● Only use fabric protectors approved by
INFINITI.
● Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter
or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens
cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
● Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per-
manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh-
ener in a location that allows it to hang free
and not contact an interior surface.
● Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on
the vents. These products can cause imme-
diate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions before using air fresheners.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that may
result in a collision or injury:
● NEVER place a floor mat on top of another
floor mat in the driver front position.
● Use only genuine NISSAN floor mats specifi-
cally designed for use in your vehicle model.
See your INFINITI retailer for more
information.
● Properly position the mats in the floorwell
using the floor mat positioning aid. See
“Floor mat positioning aid” later in this
section.
The use of NISSAN floor mats can extend the life
of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to
clean the interior. Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
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
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