●When towing rear wheel drive models with
the front wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies: Push the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. For models with a
steering wheel lock mechanism, never se-
cure the steering wheel by selecting the
LOCK position. This may damage the steer-
ing lock mechanism.
● If you have to tow manual transmission mod-
els with the rear wheels on the ground (if you
do not use towing dollies) or four wheels on
the ground:
– Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion and turn off all accessories.
– Always release the parking brake.
– Move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
– Observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances for manual trans-
mission models only:
● Rear wheels on the ground:
Speed: Below 50 MPH (80 km/h)
Distance: Less than 50 miles (80 km) ●
Four wheels on the ground:
Speed: Below 70 MPH (112 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles (800 km)
– If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft be-
fore towing to prevent damage to the
transmission.
In case of emergency6-13
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 should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your vehicle is
equipped with different sized tires in the front
and rear, tires cannot be rotated.
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 periodic 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 your 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, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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 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
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply 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.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point 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 drainplug.
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.
Two-wheel drive (2WD) models (VQ25HR/VQ37VHR engine)
SDI2335
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI re-
tailer for servicing.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule in
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide”, but
do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recommended
or equivalent ones.Remove the retainers
1as illustrated and pull
out the filter element
2.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte-
nance intervals. See “INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide” for maintenance intervals.
SDI2020
SDI2033
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-53
Advanced air bag system ............1-46
Air bag system Advanced air bag system ..........1-46
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... .1-47
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-50
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-50
Air bag warning labels .............1-53
Air bag warning light ...........1-53, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-37
Air conditioner specification label .....9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ......4-37, 9-7
Automatic climate control .........4-28
In-cabin microfilter .............4-37
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ............... .2-28
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions ................... .5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) ............. .5-44
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ......2-11
Antenna .................... .4-83
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-53Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light
....................... .2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ...........7-4
Armrest ..................... .1-12
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and
ashtrays) .................... .2-41
Audible reminders ............... .2-17
Audio operation precautions .........4-38
Audio system ................. .4-38
Steering wheel audio controls .......4-82
Autolight system ............... .2-33
Automatic Automatic adjusting function (front
windows) .................. .2-51
Automatic climate
control ......4-29, 4-31
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-12
Climate control .............. .4-28
Door locks .................. .3-5
Drive positioner .............. .3-29
Driving with automatic transmission . . .5-12
Moonroof .................. .2-51
Seat positioner .............. .3-29
Average fuel consumption and speed . . . .2-24
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5
B
Battery ..................... .8-14
Battery saver system ............2-34
Intelligent Key ............... .8-24Variable voltage control system
......8-16
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-17
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) . . . . . . .4-84
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .....4-95
Bluetooth streaming audio ..........4-66
Booster seats ................. .1-36
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . . . . . .5-53
Brake and clutch fluid ...........8-13
Brake fluid ................. .8-13
Brake system ............... .5-49
Parking brake operation ..........5-18
Warning light ................ .2-11
Break-in schedule ............... .5-43
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ...........4-7
Instrument panel ............. .2-35
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-10
Bulb replacement ............... .8-26
C
Cabin air filter ................. .4-37
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............4-84
Card holder .................. .2-46
Cargo
net retainers .............. .2-48
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst . . . .5-2
Oil filter replacement indicator.......2-22
Operation, Indicators for operation ......2-20
Outside air temperature .............2-25
Outside mirrors ................. .3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......6-10
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................... .9-26
P
Panic alarm ................... .3-15
Parking Brake break-in ............... .5-50
Parking brake operation ...........5-18
Parking brake release warning .......2-21
Parking on hills .............. .5-46
Personal lights ................. .2-53
Phone Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ......4-84
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) . . . .4-95
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-84
Power Front seat adjustment .............1-3
Power door lock ............... .3-4
Power outlet ................ .2-40
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-49
Power windows .............. .2-48
Pre-crash seat belts .............. .1-16
Precautions Audio operation .............. .4-38
Braking precautions .............5-49
Child restraints ............... .1-21Cruise control
................ .5-19
Maintenance ................. .8-5
Seat belt usage ............... .1-13
Supplemental restraint system .......1-40
When starting and driving ..........5-2
Preview function ................ .5-50
Preview function
(for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................. .5-43
Preview Function warning light .........2-14
Push starting .................. .6-10
Push warning (Automatic Transmission
models) ..................... .2-20
Push-button ignition switch .........5-8, 5-9
R
Radio ...................... .4-38
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-84
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................. .4-54
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ........2-30
Rapid air pressure loss ..............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test (US only) .............. .9-25
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock. . .3-6
Rear seats .................... .1-7
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ...................... .2-31
Rearview monitor ................ .4-21
Recorders, Event data ............. .9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-12
Remote keyless entry system ..........3-14
Reporting safety defects ............9-24
Roadside assistance program ..........6-2
Rollover ...................... .5-5Roof, Moonroof
................. .2-52
S
Safety, Child seat belts .............1-15
Satellite radio operation .............4-55
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .........1-3
Front seats .................. .1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................. .1-15
Infants .................... .1-16
Injured persons ............... .1-16
Larger children ............... .1-16
Pre-crash seat belts .............1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-13
Pregnant women .............. .1-16
Seat belt cleaning ...............7-5
Seat belt
extenders .............1-20
Seat belt maintenance ............1-20
Seat belt warning light and chime .....2-14
Seat belts .................. .1-13
Seat belts with pretensioners . . . .....1-52
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-19
Small children ................ .1-16
Three-point type .............. .1-17
Seat synchronization function .........3-30
Seat(s) Driver-side memory .............3-29
Heated seats ................ .2-37
Seats ..................... .1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system . . .2-27
Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............. .2-28
Selector lever, Shift lock release . . ......5-16
10-5