2012 INFINITI G-CONVERTIBLE check engine

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

GUID-525850E4-370C-413C-8AEB-A266E40A1898
SSI0345
VQ37VHR ENGINEGUID-A979648E-87A1-4FAB-A735-8E8F3227852A1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission models)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Radiator filler cap 10. Drive belt location
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12. Engine oil dipstick
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

SDI2043
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELGUID-DA7D7105-DC17-4713-B231-B4FA68BFD877Check the coolant levelin 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
coolant, have it checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTGUID-448B6596-5480-4B35-8757-8FBCB36BF623Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by an INFINITI retailer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of the reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-D6CB878A-AAC3-4398-B058-77A171E0C394
SDI2045
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVELGUID-806540FD-DD98-45E7-8655-4199E7FCE41B1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing 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
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by the war-
ranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTERGUID-F404E429-876E-48DC-8B0E-5858D249A08E
Vehicle set-upGUID-5EE5B5DE-2ACC-4CF1-80B3-8DE973DC3EAA1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing 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 underthe vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be at-tached to the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover. a. Remove the small plastic clips at the center of the undercover.
b. Then remove the bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and support
points are used to avoid vehicle damage.
ENGINE OIL