8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-12
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-18Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-24
INFINITI Intelligent Key ......................... 8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Fog lights ..................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-27
Wheels
and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-34
Types of tires .................................. 8-37
Tire chains .................................... 8-38
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-38
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 checking
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).
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, 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.
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 Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged 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 per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found in this section.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur- ther 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.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism 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.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see an INFINITI retailer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints and
headrests move up and down smoothly and the
locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Rear window wiper blade
Contact an INFINITI retailer if checking or re-
placement is required.If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear 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 indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional 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 regard-
ing brake inspections, refer to the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:● The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
● The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount. ●
The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle. A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
Technical and consumer information9-23
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact an INFINITI retailer or repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter
will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Electric Trailer Brakes -
Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . For additional information, refer
to “Electric trailer brake controller” in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake con-
troller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller jumper
harness, perform the following procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
Jumper Harness
LTI0117
Technical and consumer information9-25
●While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “INFINITI Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”. ●
When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described in this section. ●
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Downshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● INFINITI recommends that the cruise control
not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
9-28Technical and consumer information
10 Index
2nd row bench seat adjustment......1-5,1-7
A
Aiming control, headlights ...........2-34
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-48
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-55
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-66
Airbagwarninglight...........1-66,2-12
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-66, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-53
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ...............4-45
Heater and air conditioner controls ....4-46
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-53
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-25
Anchor point locations .............1-31
Antenna .....................4-97
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-9
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-95
Armrests .....................1-8
Around View™ Monitor .............4-27
Audible reminders ...............2-15 Audio system
..................4-53
AMradioreception.............4-54
Bluetooth®audio..............4-91
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-73
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Player
Operation ..................4-76
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-68
FMradioreception.............4-53
iPod® Player .............4-85,4-87
iPod® player operation .......4-85,4-87
Radio ....................4-53
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-95
USB interface ............4-80,4-81
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port..................4-80,4-81
Autolight switch .................2-33
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-34
Automatic power window switch .....2-55
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-32
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
Automatic drive positioner ...........3-34
B
Backup Collision Intervention (BCI)
system ......................5-44
Backup Collision Warning (BCW) system . .5-44
Battery .................5- 104, 8-14
Chargewarninglight.............2-9 Battery replacement
INFINITI Intelligent Key ...........8-25
Before starting the engine ...........5-16
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-17
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) system .....5-32
Block heater Engine ...................5-106
Bluetooth® audio ................4-91
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system.................4- 109, 4-123
Boosterseats..................1-45
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-95
Brake fluid ..................8-13
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-27
Brake system ................5-94
Brakewarninglight..............2-9
Brakewearindicators........2-15,8-21
Parking brake operation ..........5-21
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-21
Brake fluid ....................8-13
Brakes ......................
8-21
Brake system ..................5-94
Break-inschedule ...............5-88
Brightness/contrast button ........4-9,4-18
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-35
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-8
Bulbreplacement................8-27
Heatedseats..........2-37,2-38,2-40
Security indicator light ..............2-14
Security system (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
enginestart..............2-26,5-15
Security systems Vehicle security system ...........2-25
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-21
Service manual order form ...........9-33
Servicing air conditioner .............4-53
Spark plug replacement .............8-18
Spark plugs ...................8-18
Specifications ...................9-8
Speedometer ...................2-5
Speedometer and odometer ...........2-4
SRS warning label ................1-66
Stability control .................5-98
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-16
Jump starting .............6-10,8-16
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-4
Push starting .................6-12
Starting the engine .............5-16
Starting the engine ...............5-16
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-41
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-94
Steering wheel ..................3-29
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-95
Stoplight.....................8-27
Storage......................2-47
Storagebin....................2-52
Sunglassescase.................2-47
Sunglassesholder................2-47 Sunroof...................2-55,7-4
Sun visors
....................3-31
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-66
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-66, 2-12
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-55
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-66
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-48
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-48
Switch Autolightswitch...............2-33
Automatic power window switch ......2-55
Foglightswitch ...............2-36
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Headlightaimingcontrol ..........2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-31
Headlight control switch ..........2-32
Instrument brightness control ........2-35
Power door lock switch ............3-6
Power inverter switch ............2-44
Rear sonar system off switch ........2-42
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-31
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-30
Steering wheel switch for audio
control/Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone
System ....................4-95
Turn signal switch ..............2-36
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-43
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-27 T
Tachometer ....................2-6
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Theft (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ..............2-26,5-15
Three-way catalyst ................5-4
Tire Flat tire .....................6-3
Spare
tire ................6-5,8-41
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Tire chains ..................8-38
Tire pressure .................8-31
Tire rotation..................8-38
Types of tires .................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-29
Wheels and tires ...............8-31
Wheel/tire size .................9-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .......2-10
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....5-5
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-30
Towing Flattowing..................9-29
Towing load/specification ..........9-22
Towtrucktowing...............6-13
Trailer towing .................9-18
Towing a trailer ..................9-18
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .......2-60,2-61,2-62,2-63,
2-63, 2-64
10-6