6-14In case of emergency
.Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away from
it.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. 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).
SCE0653
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle
*A, position the two vehicles
(
*Aand*B) to bring their batteries
into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. 3.
Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical
systems (headlights, heater, air condi-
tioner, etc.).
5. Remove the vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth
*Cto
reduce explosion hazard.
6. Connect jumper cables in the sequenceas illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).
CAUTION
. Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (−) to body ground (as
illustrated) —not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
7. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*Aand let it run for a few minutes.
8. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
*Aat about 2,000 rpm, and
start the engine of the vehicle
*Bbeing
jump started.
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.
9. After starting your engine, carefully
disconnect the negative cable and then
the positive cable (
*4?*3?*2?
*1).
10. 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.
GUID-131551FA-3D80-4698-B819-14F30AFBED38Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.
CAUTION
. Automatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. Attempt-
ing 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 avail-
able. 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 Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
In case of emergency6-15
PUSH STARTING
6-16In case of emergency
GUID-ACE17335-4E03-448D-9AFB-B5A07B6F0C0C
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Do not stop the engine.
3. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. If engine overheating is caused by
climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
5. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the engine.) Do not open the hood
further until no steam or coolant can be
seen.
6. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
7. Visually check the drive belt for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling
fan is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool- ant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
8. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir with the
engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir if necessary. Have your vehi-
cle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. 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 Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
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 ...
........................................... 8-3
Explanation of maintenance items ...
................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ...
..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ...
................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine ...
............................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ...
......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...
......................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ...
................................. 8-9
Engine oil ...
.......................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ...
............................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ...
....................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ...
............................. 8-12
Power steering fluid ...
........................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ...
....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...
.................................................... 8-14
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ...
.......................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ...
......................................... 8-14
Battery ...
.............................................................. 8-15
Jump starting ...
................................................ 8-17
Variable voltage control system ...
......................... 8-17 Drive belt
...
.......................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ...
...................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ...
................................. 8-18
Air cleaner ...
........................................................ 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ...
................................... 8-20
Cleaning ...
...................................................... 8-20
Replacing ...
..................................................... 8-20
Brakes ...
.............................................................. 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes ...
................................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................. 8-21
Fuses ...
................................................................ 8-22
Engine compartment ...
.................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ...
............................... 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................... 8-24
Lights ...
................................................................ 8-26
Headlights ...
................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...
........................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ...
............................................... 8-29
Tire pressure ...
............................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ...
................................................ 8-32
Types of tires ...
............................................... 8-34
Tire chains ...
................................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ...
........................... 8-35
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-9FB7DCA1-3FE0-4652-9162-B01E9905971EYour new INFINITI has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with long service intervals to save you both
time and money. However, some day-to-
day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your INFINITI’s fine mechanical
condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make
sure that the scheduled maintenance, as
well as general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCEGUID-B0ACF81E-E383-494C-B6B7-5062AA198F1BFor your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items are
described and listed in your“INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide”. You must
refer to that guide to ensure that necessary
maintenance is performed on your INFINITI
at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCEGUID-4173B2B1-D0A4-4C18-873E-ABF420155377General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures reg-
ularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICEGUID-5EA3938F-7396-4FA7-AFB1-B920B6B8F9F9If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced by an
INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and in-retailer-
ship information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehicles beforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle
—in a reliable and
economical way.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT
GUID-7E681473-8113-4EFB-B5DA-7A7484E2409FDuring the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see“Maintenance precau-
tions” (P.8-5).
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
GUID-4DADA991-350E-4791-AC1F-B7D348E957C5Additional information on the following
items with “*”is found later in this
section.
Outside the vehicleGUID-935F9711-28E8-44B7-926E-055C6CC77282The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
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 check-
ing 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 necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter 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 Book-
let.
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 vehicleGUID-AAA8A546-692D-407E-9E98-33BD16F490A2The 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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) mechan-
ism: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
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, adjusters 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 recliners, 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 washers operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicleGUID-6687B186-528E-4C5C-A54D-1DCA274537D4The 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 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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3) 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 corrected 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
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see “Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
GUID-10AF39EE-6E4C-416A-9D4D-B725EAC05CA0When performing any inspection or main-
tenance 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 mod-
els, move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission 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 ignition switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected 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
supported 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 auto-
matic 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 disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS