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 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-10
Inverter cooling system...................................... 8-11
Checking inverter coolant level ...................... 8-12
Changing inverter coolant.............................. 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-17 12-volt battery .................................................. 8-18
Checking battery fluid level.......................... 8-19
Jump starting ............................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-22
Brakes .............................................................. 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-23
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24
Engine compartment or trunk room.............. 8-24
Passenger compartment............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-26
Lights................................................................ 8-29 Headlights ................................................... 8-29
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
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 5,000 miles (8,000 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 vehicle
The 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 shift 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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). 12-volt battery*:
Check the fluid level in
each cell. It should be between the MAX
and MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high
temperatures 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 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
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 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
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 hybrid system. 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.
Inverter coolant lebel: Check the coolant
level when the inverter is cold.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold,
with the hybrid system off. Check the lines
for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
10 Index
Number
12-volt battery charge warning light ................. 2-11
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ......................... 5-99
Accelerator downshift - In D (Drive) position - ... 5-16
Active noise control ........................................ 5-105
Active trace control ......................................... 5-101
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .................. 2-40
Advanced air bag system .................................. 1-42
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting
system (AFS) ..................................................... 2-40
Air bag system Advanced air bag system ............................. 1-42
Front passenger air bag and status light ...... 1-44
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ....................... 1-47
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ....................... 1-47
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-50
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-50, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service ................................. 4-47
Air conditioner specification label ................ 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................. 4-47, 9-7
Automatic climate control ............................ 4-34
In-cabin microfilter ....................................... 4-47 Operation (See automatic climate control) .... 4-34
Air filter
In-cabin microfilter ....................................... 4-47
Air vent ............................................................... 7-5
Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ........................................... 2-33
Alcohol, drugs and driving .................................. 5-8
Antenna ............................................................ 4-83
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......................... 5-99
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light .... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ................................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................ 7-4
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system .................................. Hybrid System-9
Armrest ............................................................... 1-4
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) .... 2-50
Assist charge gauge ................. Hybrid System-5, 2-8
Audible reminders ............................................ 2-20
Audio operation precautions ............................. 4-48
Audio system .................................................... 4-48 Steering wheel audio controls ...................... 4-82
Auto closure ..................................................... 3-19
Autolight system ............................................... 2-39
Automatic
Automatic climate control .................. 4-35, 4-39
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Climate control ............................................ 4-34
Door locks ..................................................... 3-5 Drive positioner ........................................... 3-27
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-13
Seat positioner ............................................ 3-27
Average fuel consumption and speed ................ 2-29
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-7B
Battery .............................................................. 8-18 Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ............... 3-2
Battery saver system ................................... 2-40
Intelligent Key .............................................. 8-26
Before starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ................................................ 5-12
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON
indicator light ................................................... 2-18
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system/Blind Spot
Intervention
TM(BSI) system ............................... 5-31
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot Intervention
(BSI) system warning light ................................ 2-11
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ....................... 4-84
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .................. 4-95
Booster seats .................................................... 1-34
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-99
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-16
Brake force distribution ............................. 5-101
Brake system ............................................... 5-96
10-4
G
Garage door openerHomeLink®Universal Transceiver ................. 2-63
Gas cap ............................................................ 3-20
Gauge ................................................................. 2-6
Assist charge gauge ....................................... 2-8
Fuel gauge ..................................................... 2-8
Odometer....................................................... 2-7
Speedometer ................................................. 2-7
Tachometer .................................................... 2-8
Trip computer .............................................. 2-28
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Glove box ......................................................... 2-52
H
Hands-free phone system
Bluetooth®(models with
navigation system) ....................................... 4-84
Bluetooth
®(models without
navigation system) ....................................... 4-95
Hazard warning flasher switch ............................ 6-2
Head restraints/headrests ................................... 1-5
Headlights
Aiming control (See adaptive front lighting
system (AFS)) ............................................... 2-40
Bulb replacement ......................................... 8-29
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-38
Xenon headlights ......................................... 2-38
Heated seats .................................................... 2-44
Heated steering wheel ...................................... 2-43 Heater
Automatic climate control ............................ 4-34
Engine block heater ................................... 5-104
High temperature warning light ......................... 2-14
High voltage cautions ..................... Hybrid System-2
High voltage components .............. Hybrid System-10
Hill start assist system ................................... 5-102
HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ...................... 2-63
Hood release .................................................... 3-16
Hook
Coat hooks .................................................. 2-54
Horn ................................................................. 2-44
How to enable/disable the BSW system using the
settings menu ................................................... 5-35
How to enable/disable the FCW system using the
setting menu .................................................... 5-85
How to enable/disable the LDP system using
the settingsmenu .............................................. 5-29
How to enable/disable the LDW system using the
settings menu ................................................... 5-25
Hybrid EPS (Electrical Power Steering)
warning light .................................................... 2-14
Hybrid system over heat warning ...................... 2-25
Hybrid system start operation indicator ............ 2-23
Hybrid vehicle characteristics ........ Hybrid System-11
Hybrid vehicle precautions ............ Hybrid System-10
I
If the vehicle does not start ................................ 6-9
Ignition switch (Push-button) ................................................. 5-9 Automatic transmission models ................... 5-13
Immobilizer system ........................................... 2-34
In-cabin microfilter ............................................ 4-47
Indicator Dot matrix display ....................................... 2-21
Lights .......................................................... 2-17
Indicator lights ................................................. 2-17
Infiniti Connection (models with
navigation system) ............................................ 4-24
Infiniti Direct Response
Hybrid system ................................. Hybrid System-2
INFINITI Drive mode selector.............................. 5-18
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System .................. 2-34 Engine start ................................................. 2-34
INFINITI voice recognition system .................... 4-109
INFO button ...................................................... 4-10
Inside mirror ..................................................... 3-24
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .................... 9-20
Instrument brightness control ........................... 2-42
Instrument panel ................................................ 2-5
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator light ... 2-18
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system ................. 5-86
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system ............... 5-48
Preview function .......................................... 5-69
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system MAIN
switch indicator ................................................ 2-25
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light .................................................... 2-14
Intelligent Key ..................................................... 3-2
Intelligent Key battery discharge ....................... 5-11
Intelligent Key ignition indicator ....................... 2-24
10-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3
Push starting ............................................... 6-12
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ........................................... 5-12
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ................................................ 5-12
Starting the vehicle ........................................... 5-13
STATUS button .................................................. 4-10
Status light, Front passenger air bag ................ 1-44
Steering
Heated steering wheel ................................. 2-43
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Power steering system ................................. 5-95
Steering lock release
malfunction indicator ................................... 2-23
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ...................................................... 4-82
Tilt/telescopic steering ................................. 3-22
Steering lock (if so equipped) ........................... 5-10
Storage ............................................................. 2-51
Streaming audio via Bluetooth
®(models with
navigation system) ............................................ 4-74
Sun visors ........................................................ 3-23
Sunglasses holder ............................................ 2-52
Sunshade (rear) ................................................ 2-59
Supplemental air bag warning labels ................ 1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-50, 2-17
Supplemental restraint system .......................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental
restraint system ........................................... 1-37 Switch
Autolight switch ........................................... 2-39
Fog light switch ........................................... 2-43
Hazard warning flasher switch ....................... 6-2
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-38
Ignition switch ............................................. 5-13
Ignition switch automatic
transmission models .................................... 5-13
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF switch ...... 2-47
Power door lock switch .................................. 3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ........................................... 2-37
Turn signal switch ........................................ 2-43
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ...... 2-48
Warning systems switch ............................... 2-47
T
Tachometer ......................................................... 2-8
Theft (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System) Engine start ................................................. 2-34
Three-way catalyst .............................................. 5-4
Tilt/telescopic steering ...................................... 3-22
“TIMER” indicator.............................................. 2-24
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light .................... 2-15
Tires Flat tire .......................................................... 6-3
Low tire pressure warning system ... 5-4, 6-3, 8-32
Spare tire .................................................... 8-42
Tire and Loading information label ...... 8-34, 9-11
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39 Tire dressing .................................................. 7-4
Tire pressure................................................ 8-32
Tire pressure information (display) ............... 4-12
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) .............................. 5-4, 6-3, 8-32
Tire replacement indicator ............................ 2-26
Tire rotation ................................................. 8-39
Types of tires ............................................... 8-38
Uniform tire quality grading ......................... 9-17
Wheel/tire size .............................................. 9-8
Wheels and tires .......................................... 8-32
Touch screen system ........................................... 4-6
Towing
Flat towing ................................................... 9-17
Tow truck towing .......................................... 6-13
Towing a trailer ............................................ 9-17
TPMS Tire pressure monitoring system ... 5-4, 6-3, 8-32
Tire pressure warning system ....... 5-4, 6-3, 8-32
Trailer towing .................................................... 9-17
Transceiver
HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ................. 2-63
Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-13
Transmission shift lever lock release ............ 5-16
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-13
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................................. 9-9
Trip computer ................................................... 2-28
Trip odometer ................................................... 2-30