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 ................... 8-7 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 .......................................................... 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-18
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 .................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment............................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-25
Lights................................................................ 8-27 Headlights ................................................... 8-27
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
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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 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.
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 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.
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2025
BRAKE FLUID
Check 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.
SDI1906
CLUTCH FLUID (if so equipped)
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line
*2, 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.
SDI2027
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add window washer fluid
when the low washer fluid warning ap-
pears on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap and pour the window washer
fluid into the reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your 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 WARNING
The 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”.
SDI1479A
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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 to the OFF or LOCK position and the
headlight switch is turned to OFF.
BRAKES FUSES
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Replacing
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.2-34).
Use the same number and wattage shown
in the following chart as originally in-
stalled.
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI
retailer.
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W)Bulb No.
Headlight*
High/Low beams (Xenon) 35D2S
Front turn signal light* 21WY21W
Front fog light* 55H11
Parking light* 5W5W
Front side marker light* 5W5W
Rear combination light*
back-up 16W16W
turn signal 21W21W
stop/tail/side marker LED—
License plate light* 5W5W
Map light 8—
Vanity mirror light 2—
Step light* 8—
Trunk 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.
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
If you have a flat tire, see“Flat tire”(P.6-
3).
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h). Also, this system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire while driving).
For more details, see “Low tire pressure
warning light” (P.2-12),“Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-4) and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
(P.6-3).
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure of the tires
(including the spare) often and al- ways prior to long distance trips. The
recommended tire pressure specifi-
cations are shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label under the
“Cold Tire Pressure”
heading. The
Tire and Loading Information label is
affixed to the driver side center pillar.
Tire pressures should be checked
regularly because:
.Most tires naturally lose air over time.
.Tires can lose air suddenly whendriven over potholes or other
objects or if the vehicle strikes a
curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle
has been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
Incorrect tire pressure, including
under inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
. Improperly inflated tires can fail
suddenly and cause an accident.
. The Gross Vehicle Weight rating
(GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.S.
S./C.M.V.S.S. label. The vehicle
weight capacity is indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not load your vehicle
beyond this capacity. Overloading
your vehicle may result in reduced
tire life, unsafe operating condi-
tions due to premature tire failure,
or unfavorable handling character-
istics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond
the specified capacity may also
result in failure of other vehicle
components.
. Before taking a long trip, or
whenever you heavily load your
vehicle, use a tire pressure gauge
to ensure that the tire pressures
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI1663
Tire wear and damage
1.Wear indicator
2.Wear indicator location mark
WARNING
.Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bul-
ging or objects caught in the
tread. If excessive wear, cracks,
bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced. .
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When wear
indicators are visible, the tire(s)
should be replaced.
. Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because
some tire damage may not be
obvious. Replace the tires as
necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.
. Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal
injury. If it is necessary to repair
the spare tire, contact an INFINITI
retailer.
. For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information ”(US) or “Tire
Safety Information ”(Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carry-
ing capacity as originally equipped. (See
“Specifications” (P.9-8) for recommended
types and sizes of tires and wheels.)
WARNING
. The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of tires
of different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-tire
clearance, tire chain clearance, speed-
ometer calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could result in
serious personal injury.
. If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an accident
and personal injury.
.If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could cause
premature tire wear, degrade vehicle
handling characteristics and/or interfer-
ence with the brake discs/drums. Such
interference can lead to decreased brak-
ing efficiency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. See “Wheels and tires” (P.9-
9) of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.
. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
. Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been repaired.
Such wheels or tires could have struc-
tural damage and could fail without
warning. .
The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
. For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or“Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle
handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. There-
fore, they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Care of wheels
. Wash the wheels when washing the
vehicle to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside of the vehicle is washed.
. Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents
or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.
. INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
(T-type) spare tire) (if so equipped)
Observe the following precautions if the T-
type spare tire must be used, otherwise
your vehicle could be damaged or involved
in an accident.
WARNING
. The T-type spare tire should be used for
emergency use. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first
opportunity to avoid possible tire or
differential damage.
. Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39