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
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 pro-
tection. The antifreeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine cooling
system additives are not necessary.
WARNING
●Never remove the radiator or coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is hot. Wait until the
engine and radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing 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.
CAUTION
●When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
is pre-diluted to provide antifreeze protection
to 34°F (37°C). If additional freeze protec-
tion is needed due to weather where you oper-
ate your vehicle, add Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concentrate fol-
lowing the directions on the container. If an
equivalent coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used,
follow the coolant manufacturer’s instructions
to maintain minimum antifreeze protection to
34°F (37°C). The use of other types of cool-
ant solutions other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling system.
●The life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant
is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mix-
ing any other type of coolant other than Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue), including Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life expectancy
of the factory-fill coolant. Refer to the INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide for more
details.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level
2, open the reservoir tank
cap and add coolant up to the MAX level
1.If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill
the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening
and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level
1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant.
If the cooling system frequently requires cool-
ant, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SDI2043
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
●Check your local regulations.
(Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. 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.
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 the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, 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 clips out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clips through the undercover into the holes in the frame, then push the
center of the clips in to lock the clips in
place.
d. Install the bolts that hold the undercover 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 the reach of
children.
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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 and pour the window washer fluid into the
reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
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.
CAUTION
When the battery cable is removed from the
battery terminal, do not close either of front
doors. The automatic window adjusting func-
tion will not work, and the side roof panel may
be damaged.
To disconnect the negative () battery terminal,
perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Close the windows.
2. Open the hood.
3. Close and lock all the doors.
4. Disconnect the negative () battery termi- nal.
SDI2027
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
5. Securely close the hood.
To connect the negative () battery terminal,
perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Unlock and open the driver side door. Donot close the door.
2. Open the hood.
3. Connect the negative () battery terminal. Then close the hood.
4. Fully open the driver side door window.
5. Close the driver side door and the win- dow.
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.
Check the fluid level in each cell (Remove the
battery cover if it is necessary). It should be
between the UPPER LEVEL
1and LOWER LEVEL
2lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening. Do not overfill.
DI0137MA
8-14Maintenance 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