CAUTION
●Always connect positive (+) to positive (+)
and negative () to body ground (as illus-
trated) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compartment and
that clamps do not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicleA
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
Aat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump
started
B.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1). 8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
● Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to
do so may cause transmission damage.
● Three way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing since the three
way catalyst may be damaged.
● Never try to start the vehicle by towing it;
when the engine starts, the forward surge
could cause the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.
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 & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
PUSH STARTING
6-10In case of emergency
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01/13/10—pattie
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
Vk56vd engine ................................. 8-6
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-10
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-14
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system ...................8-18Drive belts
....................................... 8-18
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ...................................... 8-20
Replacing ..................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Exterior
and interior lights ..................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-30
Tire pressure .................................. 8-30
Tire labeling .................................. 8-34
Types of tires ................................. 8-36
Tire chains ................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-37
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07/26/10—dmoore
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
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01/13/10—pattie
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. 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
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01/13/10—pattie
1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder
SDI2538
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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01/13/10—pattie
1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder
SDI2537
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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01/13/10—pattie
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
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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01/13/10—pattie
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.
1. Remove the cell plugsA.
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
1line.
If the side of the battery is not clear, check
the distilled water level by looking directly
above the cell; the condition
1indicates
OK and the conditions
2needs more to be
added.
3. Tighten cell plugsA.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe conditions require frequent checks
of the battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see “JUMP START-
ING” in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact an
INFINITI retailer.
DI0137MASDI1480C
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
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01/13/10—pattie