Black plate (405,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement...
.................................... 8-3
Scheduled maintenance ...
.................................. 8-3
General maintenance ...
....................................... 8-3
Where to go for service ...
................................... 8-3
General maintenance ...
........................................... 8-3
Explanation of maintenance items ...
................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ...
..................................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ...
................... 8-8
VQ37VHR engine ...
............................................. 8-8
Engine cooling system ...
......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ...
....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ...
............................... 8-10
Engine oil ...
.......................................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ...
............................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ...
....................... 8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ...
............................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ...
........................................... 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ...
....................................... 8-14
Brake fluid ...
.................................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ...
.......................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ...
......................................... 8-15
Battery ...
.............................................................. 8-16
Coupe ...
........................................................... 8-17
Sedan and coupe ...
.......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ...
................................................ 8-18 Variable voltage control system
...
......................... 8-19
Drive belts ...
........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...
...................................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ...
................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ...
........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ...
................................... 8-22
Cleaning ...
...................................................... 8-22
Replacing ...
..................................................... 8-22
Brakes ...
.............................................................. 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes ...
................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................. 8-23
Fuses ...
................................................................ 8-24
Engine compartment ...
.................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment ...
............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................... 8-26
Lights ...
................................................................ 8-28
Sedan ...
.......................................................... 8-28
Coupe ...
.......................................................... 8-29
Headlights ...
................................................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ...
........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ...
............................................... 8-33
Tire pressure ...
............................................... 8-33
Tire labeling ...
................................................ 8-37
Types of tires ...
............................................... 8-39
Tire chains ...
................................................... 8-40
Condition:
Black plate (408,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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 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 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-9BC72144-3F74-486E-818A-C3F8D037D67DThe 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) 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
Condition:
Black plate (409,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
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 vehicleGUID-29B64B94-E77F-40DC-A4B2-6B5D542860EDThe 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.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
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) 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 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
Condition:
Black plate (416,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2335
Two-wheel drive (2WD) models
Engine oil and filterGUID-189A8074-AB5D-4F02-B5E6-2CEF3A0EAAE31. 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.
SDI2047
All-wheel drive (AWD) models.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter
*2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning
it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting
surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to engine
damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
additionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the
drain plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” (P.9-2) for drain and
Condition:
Black plate (419,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
SDI2025
BRAKE FLUIDGUID-99026060-C0AC-4F76-8C26-6B47003C3E51Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line
*2or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
*1. If fluid must be added frequently, the
system should be checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
SDI1906A
CLUTCH FLUID (if so equipped)GUID-27C4E9C5-6E75-49DB-A514-FE503E946A9FCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line
*1, add
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake
Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the
MAX line
*2. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
GUID-9300F307-19B1-4EC9-B93C-3421C155DC4A
SDI2027
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out
of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add window washer fluid
when the low window washer fluid warning
appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir tank and pour
the window washer fluid into the tank
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Condition:
Black plate (427,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
SDI2362
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle
*A. This may cause improper windshield
washer operation. If the nozzle is clogged,
remove any objects with a needle or small
pin
*B. Be careful not to damage the
nozzle.
GUID-32FB5E6D-5B48-42A8-9F60-83E657B04471If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKESGUID-2D98160D-8918-4BF3-999B-F13E2922E177Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjust-
ing brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See an INFINITI retailer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNINGGUID-0D7DECB1-F0F3-4C66-A768-32FE17341FFFThe disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in
motion. This scraping sound will first occur
only when the brake pedal is depressed.
After more wear of the brake pad, the
sound will always be heard even if the
brake pedal is not depressed. Have the
brakes checked as soon as possible if the
wear warning sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is
normal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information,
see the maintenance log section of your
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide”
for maintenance intervals.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
BRAKES
Condition:
Black plate (428,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
8-24Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-41D7E39E-6F5A-404E-A0B5-F23908CDD33C
SDI1479A
ENGINE COMPARTMENTGUID-1BD473A4-2C19-4D87-ADC3-1791751AF8EF
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed tothe OFF or LOCK position and the
headlight switch is turned to OFF. 2. Open the engine hood and remove the
cover on the battery and the fuse/
fusible link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder
cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
SDI1754
5. If the fuse is open*A, replace it with a
new fuse
*B. Spare fuses are stored in
the passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired
by an INFINITI retailer.
Fusible linksGUID-E9133FFB-99A7-4084-8BC3-32BBC0B20EACIf any electrical equipment does not
operate and fuses are in good condition,
check the fusible links. If any of these
fusible links are melted, replace only with
genuine INFINITI parts.
FUSES
Condition:
Black plate (429,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 7/ 6 Model: V36-D ]
SDI2034
PASSENGER COMPARTMENTGUID-B150D9E0-F345-4BB5-BF72-57CEBE3509C0
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed tothe OFF or LOCK position and the
headlight switch is turned to OFF. 2. Open the fuse box lid.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
*A.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired
by an INFINITI retailer. Spare fuses are
stored in the fuse box.
SDI2704
Extended storage fuse switch (if so
equipped)
GUID-686D0C65-BB54-46EA-AAE5-01212C2311DDTo reduce battery drain, the extended
storage fuse switch comes from the factory
switched off. Prior to delivery of your
vehicle, the switch is pushed in (switched
on) and should always remain on.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, remove the extended storage fuse
switch and check for an open fuse.
NOTE:
If the extended storage fuse switch mal-
functions, or if the fuse is open, it is not
necessary to replace the switch. In this
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
Condition: