Black plate (429,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
7 Appearance and care
Cleaning exterior...
................................................. 7-2
Washing ...
.......................................................... 7-2
Waxing ...
............................................................ 7-2
Removing spots ...
............................................... 7-3
Underbody ...
...................................................... 7-3
Glass ...
............................................................... 7-3
Wheels ...
............................................................ 7-3
Chrome parts ...
.................................................. 7-4
Tire dressing ...
................................................... 7-4 Cleaning interior
...
................................................. 7-4
Air fresheners ...
................................................ 7-5
Moonroof sunshade ...
....................................... 7-5
Floor mats ...
..................................................... 7-6
Seat belts ...
...................................................... 7-6
Corrosion protection ...
............................................ 7-7
Most common factors contributing to
vehicle corrosion ...
........................................... 7-7
Environmental factors influence the rate
of corrosion ...
................................................... 7-7
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ...
........... 7-7
Condition:
Black plate (434,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
7-6Appearance and care
FLOOR MATSY51D-V-E01-7EBEC747-2285-4A16-B3E7-D47C43B29BF3
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision or injury:
.NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position.
. Use only genuine NISSAN floor mats
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle model. See your INFINITI retailer
for more information.
. Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning aid.
See “Floor mat positioning aid” (P.7-6).
The use of INFINITI floor mats can extend
the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. Mats should be
maintained with regular cleaning and
replaced if they become excessively worn.
SAI0050
Front (example)
Floor mat positioning aidY51D-V-E01-D9CDBE08-03DE-4459-9F04-93DA3AC654D3This model includes front floor mat brack-
ets to act as floor mat positioning aid.
INFINITI floor mats have been specially
designed for your vehicle model. The front
floor mats have grommet holes in them. To
install, simply position the mat by placing
the floor mat bracket through the floor mat
grommet hole while centering the mat in
the floor pan contour.
Periodically check to make certain that the
mats are properly positioned.
SAI0051
Bracket positions
The illustration shows the location of the
floor mat brackets.
SEAT BELTSY51D-V-E01-2D317E9D-E485-4E01-BEF8-63AE0061A86CThe seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry
completely before using them.
See “Seat belts” (P.1-10).
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or chemi-
Condition:
Black plate (435,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
cal solvents to clean the seat belts, since
these materials may severely weaken the
seat belt webbing.
Y51D-V-E01-7C9F6819-C67C-4001-ADB4-4331407552AC
MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRI-
BUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION
Y51D-V-E01-E979CBFD-D47E-46D2-AB44-0988347AF315.The accumulation of moisture-retaining
dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLU-
ENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION
Y51D-V-E01-C2F6F55B-7D15-4DC8-A7A4-CB5B62B9E8C9
MoistureY51D-V-E01-12E981E2-C1A4-4D98-9FBC-150933E5F21DAccumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can accelerate
corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should
be removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidityY51D-V-E01-64711E0F-757E-409A-B8A7-2864F3659D0FCorrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those
areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing where atmospheric pollution ex-
ists, or where road salt is used.
TemperatureY51D-V-E01-EA28CD9A-484D-45B8-B7CF-AC2A62B65F06A temperature increase will accelerate the
rate of corrosion to those parts which are
not well ventilated.
Air pollutionY51D-V-E01-CB81F8AB-C2B9-4F0F-BD74-30B3EB1BA3D5Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disinte-
gration of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
Y51D-V-E01-88825C6B-922A-4901-8950-E810E911CD7E. Wash and wax your vehicle often to
keep the vehicle clean.
. Always check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as possible.
. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors open to avoid water accumula-
tion.
. Check the underbody for accumulation
of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash
with water as soon as possible.
Appearance and care7-7
CORROSION PROTECTION
Condition:
Black plate (439,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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
VK56VD engine ...
............................................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine ...
............................................. 8-9
Engine cooling system ...
....................................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ...
....................... 8-13
Changing engine coolant ...
............................... 8-14
Engine oil ...
.......................................................... 8-14
Checking engine oil level ...
............................... 8-15
Changing engine oil and filter ...
....................... 8-15
Automatic transmission fluid ...
............................. 8-18
Power steering fluid ...
........................................... 8-18
Brake fluid ...
......................................................... 8-19
Brake fluid ...
.................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid ...
......................................... 8-19
Battery ...
.............................................................. 8-20
Jump starting ...
................................................ 8-22
Variable voltage control system ...
......................... 8-22 Drive belts
...
........................................................ 8-22
Spark plugs ...
...................................................... 8-23
Replacing spark plugs ...
................................. 8-23
Air cleaner ...
........................................................ 8-24
Windshield wiper blades ...
................................... 8-25
Cleaning ...
...................................................... 8-25
Replacing ...
..................................................... 8-26
Brakes ...
.............................................................. 8-27
Self-adjusting brakes ...
................................... 8-27
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................. 8-27
Fuses ...
................................................................ 8-28
Engine compartment ...
.................................... 8-28
Passenger compartment ...
............................... 8-29
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................... 8-30
Lights ...
................................................................ 8-33
Headlights ...
................................................... 8-33
Exterior and interior lights ...
........................... 8-34
Wheels and tires ...
............................................... 8-36
Tire pressure ...
............................................... 8-36
Tire labeling ...
................................................ 8-40
Types of tires ...
............................................... 8-42
Tire chains ...
................................................... 8-43
Changing wheels and tires ...
........................... 8-43
Condition:
Black plate (441,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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 vehicleY51D-V-E01-42334435-BDC5-4B4B-BA49-0B1C06D00D3DThe 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
Condition:
Black plate (442,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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 vehicleY51D-V-E01-B3361551-A047-4A72-ACCF-65F901F88160The 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.
Condition:
Black plate (443,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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.
Y51D-V-E01-239C92D7-82C6-4E8E-B4CA-4F36484B9DCBWhen 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. Move the shift 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.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an INFINITI retailer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Condition:
Black plate (446,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2538
1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder
Condition: