8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement .................................... 8-2Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
VK50VE engine ................................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-11 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-16
Battery .............................................................. 8-17 Jump starting ................................................ 8-19
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-19 Drive Belts ........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-22 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-22
Replacing..................................................... 8-23
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-24 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-24
Fuses ................................................................ 8-25 Engine compartment .................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment............................... 8-26
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-27
Lights................................................................ 8-29
Headlights ................................................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: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
operation. 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
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing 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 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
steering 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
properly.
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 tempera- tures or under 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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3) 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
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
HEADLIGHTS
Replacing
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of
the exterior lights in the rain or in a car
wash. A temperature difference between
the inside and the outside of the lens
causes the fog. This is not a malfunction. If
large drops of water collect inside the lens,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
Xenon headlight bulb (if so equipped):
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI
retailer.
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they pro-
duce a high voltage. To prevent an electric
shock, never attempt to modify or disas-
semble. Always have your xenon headlights
replaced at an INFINITI retailer. For addi-
tional information, see “Headlight and turn
signal switch” (P.2-36).
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W)Bulb No.
Headlight*
High/Low beams (Xenon) 35D2S
Front turn signal light* 21WY21W
Fog light* 35H8
Parking light* 5W5W
Front side marker light* 5W5W
Rear combination light*
back-up 21W21W
stop/tail LED—
side marker 5W5W
turn signal* 21W21W
License plate light* 5W5W
Puddle light* LED—
Map light 8—
Rear personal light 8—
Cargo light 8—
Vanity mirror light 1.4—
Step light* 5—
High-mounted stop light* LED—
*: See an INFINITI retailer for replacement.
NOTE: Always check with the Parts Department at an INFINITI retailer for the latest
information about parts.
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. The safety chains can be attached to
the bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to
the bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack
in the chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more than
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer retailer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact an
INFINITI retailer or reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is
properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly
to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
.
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the
vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up
or nose-down condition; check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn
suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible
in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low. .
Load the trailer so approximately 60%
of the trailer load is in the front half and
40% is in the back half. Also make sure
the load is balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light opera-
tion, and trailer wheel lug nuts every
time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local
regulations. If not, install any mirrors
required for towing before driving the
vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the
vehicle and trailer so the required
clearance is known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’ s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Steering stability, and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin
or lock to prevent the coupler from
Technical and consumer information9-25
If your vehicle overheats .............................. 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-14
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner ... 3-33
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................... 9-31
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................... 5-3
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-12
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-21
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-12
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) .... 2-42
Flat tire ............................................................... 6-2 Flat towing ........................................................ 9-27
Floor mat cleaning .............................................. 7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-16
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil .................................................... 8-11
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ................................... 8-16
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ........................................................ 4-63
Fog light switch ................................................ 2-42
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system ........... 5-67
Front passenger air bag and status light ........... 1-44
Front power seat adjustment ............................... 1-3 Front seat, Front seat adjustment ........................ 1-3 Front-seat active head restraint ........................... 1-9
Fuel
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Fuel economy............................................... 5-74
Fuel economy information (display) .............. 4-11Fuel octane rating .......................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation ..................................... 9-4Fuel-filler cap ............................................... 3-24
Fuel-filler door ............................................. 3-24
Gauge ............................................................ 2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ............................. 3-26
Fuses ................................................................ 8-25
Fusible links ..................................................... 8-25
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink®
Universal Transceiver ........................................ 2-65
Gas cap ............................................................ 3-24
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge ................. 2-8
Fuel gauge ..................................................... 2-8
Odometer....................................................... 2-6
Speedometer ................................................. 2-6
Tachometer .................................................... 2-7
Trip computer .............................................. 2-28
General maintenance ................................... 8-2, 8-3
Glove box ......................................................... 2-52
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth®
(models with navigation system) ....................... 4-94
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth®
(models without navigation system) ................ 4-105
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................... 2-42
Head restraints ................................................... 1-6 Headlight aiming control .................................. 2-39
Headlights Aiming control (See adaptive front lighting
system (AFS)) ............................................... 2-40
Bulb replacement ......................................... 8-30
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-37
Xenon headlights ......................................... 2-36
Headrest ........................................................... 1-10
Heater Automatic climate control .................. 4-43, 4-45
Engine block heater ..................................... 5-87
HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ...................... 2-65
Hood release .................................................... 3-18
Hook
Coat hooks .................................................. 2-53Luggage hook .............................................. 2-54
Horn ................................................................. 2-43
I
Ignition switch (Push-button) ............................ 5-10
Immobilizer system ........................................... 2-32
In-cabin microfilter ............................................ 4-48
10-3
10-4
IndicatorDot matrix display ....................................... 2-21
Lights .......................................................... 2-18
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System .................. 2-32
INFINITI voice recognition system .................... 4-120
INFO button ........................................................ 4-9
Inside mirror ..................................................... 3-29
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .................... 9-31
Instrument brightness control ........................... 2-41
Instrument panel ................................................ 2-5
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator light ... 2-19
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system ................. 5-70
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system (Full
Speed Range) ................................................... 5-31
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light .................................................... 2-15
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system,
Preview function ............................................... 5-54
Intelligent Key ..................................................... 3-2 Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator ........ 2-24
Intelligent Key insertion indicator ...................... 2-24
Intelligent Key removal indicator ....................... 2-24
Intelligent Key system ......................................... 3-7 Battery replacement ..................................... 8-27
Intelligent Key system warning light ............ 2-15
Key operating range ....................................... 3-9
Key operation .............................................. 3-10
Warning signals ........................................... 3-12
Interior light control switch ............................... 2-63 Interior light replacement .................................. 8-30Interior lights .................................................... 2-63 iPod®player operation ..................................... 4-80
ISOFIX child restraint ........................................ 1-21
J
Jump starting ...................................................... 6-8
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless
entry system) .................................................... 3-14
Keys ................................................................... 3-2 For Intelligent Key system .............................. 3-7
L
LabelsAir bag warning labels ................................. 1-50
Air conditioner specification label ................ 9-13
Emission control information label ............... 9-13
Engine serial number ................................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........ 9-12
Tire and Loading information label ...... 8-34, 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .............. 9-11
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) ON
indicator light ................................................... 2-19
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system ........... 5-24
Lane departure warning (LDW) system .............. 5-22
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system ................... 5-21
Lane departure warning chime .......................... 2-21
Lane departure warning light ............................ 2-15 LATCH system ................................................... 1-21
License plate, Installing front license plate ....... 9-14
Lift gate ............................................................ 3-18
Light
Air bag warning light ................................... 1-50
Bulb replacement ......................................... 8-29
Cargo light ................................................... 2-65
Fog light switch ........................................... 2-42
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-37
Headlights bulb replacement ....................... 8-30Indicator lights ............................................ 2-18Interior light control switch .......................... 2-63Interior lights ............................................... 2-63
Map lights ................................................... 2-63
Personal lights ............................................. 2-63
Replacement ................................................ 8-29
Vanity mirror lights ...................................... 2-64
Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders ........................................ 2-13
Xenon headlights ......................................... 2-36
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-30
Loading information (See vehicle
loading information) ......................................... 9-15 Lock Automatic door locks ..................................... 3-6
Door locks ..................................................... 3-4
Lift gate lock ................................................ 3-18
Power door lock ............................................. 3-4
Locking with mechanical key ............................... 3-4
Low fuel warning .............................................. 2-25
Low tire pressure warning light ......................... 2-15
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)) ................................. 5-4Low washer fluid warning ................................. 2-25
Luggage hooks ................................................. 2-54
M
Maintenance Battery ......................................................... 8-17
General maintenance ............................. 8-2, 8-3
Indicators for maintenance ........................... 2-26
Inside the vehicle .......................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements ............................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-17
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) ....................... 2-19
Map lights ........................................................ 2-63
Master warning light ......................................... 2-17
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .............. 3-3
Memory storage, Automatic drive positioner ..... 3-34
Meter, Trip computer ......................................... 2-28 Meters and gauges ............................................. 2-6 Instrument brightness control ...................... 2-41
Mirror
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-29
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-30
Vanity mirror ................................................ 3-32
Monitor, Rearview monitor ................................ 4-24
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-60
N
Net, Cargo net .................................................. 2-54
New vehicle break-in ......................................... 5-74
No key warning ................................................. 2-24
O
Odometer............................................................ 2-6
Off-road recovery ................................................ 5-7
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Engine oil .................................................... 8-11
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
Oil filter replacement indicator ..................... 2-26
Operation, Indicators for operation ................... 2-24 Outside air temperature .................................... 2-29
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-30
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ................... 6-11
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .............................................. 9-32
P
Panic alarm ...................................................... 3-16
Parking Brake break-in ............................................. 5-79
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-20
Parking brake release warning ..................... 2-24 Parking on hills ........................................... 5-76
Personal lights .................................................. 2-63
Phone Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .................. 4-94
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) ........... 4-105
Car phone or CB radio ................................. 4-93
Power Front seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Power door lock ............................................. 3-4
Power outlet ................................................ 2-49
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Power steering system ................................. 5-77
Power windows ............................................ 2-58
Precautions
Audio operation ........................................... 4-49
Braking precautions ..................................... 5-78
Child restraints ............................................ 1-20Cruise control .............................................. 5-29Driving safety................................................. 5-8
Lane departure warning (LDW) system ......... 5-22
Maintenance .................................................. 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving .................. 5-7
Seat belt usage ........................................... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ..................... 1-37
When starting and driving .............................. 5-3
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ........ 1-13
Preview function ............................................... 5-79
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................................................. 5-54
10-5
Rear Active Steer system ............................. 5-85
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ...................................................... 4-91
Tilt/telescopic steering ................................. 3-27
Storage ............................................................. 2-50
Sun visors ........................................................ 3-28
Sunglasses holder ............................................ 2-51 Supplemental air bag warning labels ................ 1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-50, 2-17Supplemental restraint system .......................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental
restraint system ........................................... 1-37
Switch
Autolight switch ........................................... 2-37
Continuous Damping Control mode
select switch ................................................ 2-47
Fog light switch ........................................... 2-42
Hazard warning flasher switch ..................... 2-42
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-37
Ignition switch ............................................. 5-15
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF switch ...... 2-47
Power door lock switch .................................. 3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ........................................... 2-36
Snow mode switch ....................................... 2-46
Turn signal switch ........................................ 2-42 Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ...... 2-48
Warning systems switch ............................... 2-46T
Tachometer ......................................................... 2-7
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge .............................................. 2-8Theft (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start ...................................................... 2-32
Thigh extension .................................................. 1-5
Three-way catalyst .............................................. 5-3
Tilt/telescopic steering ...................................... 3-27
Tire Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light .... 2-15
Tire replacement indicator ............................ 2-26
Tires Flat tire .......................................................... 6-2Low tire pressure warning system .................. 5-4
Spare tire .................................................... 8-42
Tire and Loading information label ...... 8-34, 9-13
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Tire dressing .................................................. 7-4
Tire pressure................................................ 8-32
Tire pressure information (display) ............... 4-11
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) ....................................... 5-4, 6-2
Tire rotation ................................................. 8-39
Types of tires ............................................... 8-38
Uniform tire quality grading ......................... 9-28
Wheel/tire size .............................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires .......................................... 8-32
Tonneau cover (see cargo cover) ....................... 2-55
Touch screen system ........................................... 4-6 Towing
Flat towing ................................................... 9-27
Tow truck towing .......................................... 6-12
Towing a trailer ............................................ 9-19Towing safety ............................................... 9-23
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system .............. 5-4
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system ................... 6-2
Trailer towing .................................................... 9-19
Transceiver, HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ... 2-65
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-15
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-19
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-14
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................................ 9-11
Trip computer ................................................... 2-28 Trip odometer ................................................... 2-28
Turn signal switch ............................................. 2-42
U
Underbody cleaning ............................................ 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-28
USB memory operation ..................................... 4-71
V
Vanity mirror ..................................................... 3-32
Vanity mirror lights ........................................... 2-64
Variable voltage control system ........................ 8-19
10-7