8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions..................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine .................. .8-3
Engine cooling system ................... .8-3
Checking engine coolant level .............8-4
Changing engine coolant ................8-4
Engine oil ........................... .8-5
Checking engine oil level ................8-5
Changing engine oil .................. .8-5
Changing engine oil filter ................8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............8-7
Brake fluid .......................... .8-7
Window washer fluid .................... .8-8
Battery ............................ .8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery ...............8-10
Maintenance free battery ................8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System .........8-10
Battery replacement .................. .8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection ...................... .8-12
Jump-starting ...................... .8-12
Drive belt .......................... .8-12
Spark plugs ..........................8-13
Air cleaner filter ...................... .8-13
Wiper blades .........................8-13 Cleaning
..........................8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades ........8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade ..........8-15
Brakes ............................ .8-17
Self-adjusting brakes ..................8-17
Fuses ............................. .8-17
Before replacing a fuse .................8-17
Engine compartment .................. .8-17
Passenger compartment ................8-18
Intelligent key battery replacement ..........
.8-20
Checking the
battery ..................8-20
Replacing the battery ..................8-20
Lights ............................ .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-22
Replacement procedures ................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-26
Tire Pressure ...................... .8-26
Tire inflation pressure .................8-28
Tire labeling ...................... .8-28
Types of tires ..................... .8-30
Tire chains ....................... .8-31
Tire wear and damage .................8-31
Tire rotation ...................... .8-32
Replacing wheels and tires ..............8-32
Wheel balance ..................... .8-34
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Press the P (Park) button.
•Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
•Do not work under the hood while the en-
gine is hot. Always turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
•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 any jewelry, such as rings,
watches, etc. before working on your ve-
hicle.
•If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to es-
cape.
•Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported by a jack.
•Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel and the battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the bat-
tery or any transistorized component con-
nector while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
•On gasoline engine models with the Multi-
port Fuel Injection system, the fuel filter and
fuel lines should be serviced by an INFINITI
retailer or qualified workshop because the
fuel lines are under high pressure even
when the engine is turned off.
•Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and the engine
is not running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
•Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
•Never leave the engine or the transmission
related component harness connector dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
•Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can hurt the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluids.
This “ 8. Do-it-yourself” section provides in-
structions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended you have it done by
an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
2.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-3)
2. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-5)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-5)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-7)5. Engine air cleaner filter (P. 8-13)
6. Battery (P. 8-9)
7. Fuse box (P. 8-17)
8. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-8)
WARNING
The engine cooling system is filled at the fac-
tory with a high-quality, year-round, antifreeze
coolant solution. The antifreeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore
additional cooling system additives are not
necessary.
•Never remove the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap when the engine is hot. Wait until
the engine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high-pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. For addi-
tional information on precautions, refer to
If your vehicle overheats
in the6. In case
of emergency section
•The engine coolant reservoir tank is
equipped with a pressure type cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a genuine
INFINITI pressure cap.
CAUTION
•Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may clog
the cooling system and cause damage to
the engine, transmission and/or cooling
system.
NIC2833
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-3
WARNING
•To avoid being scalded, never change the
coolant when the engine is hot.
•Never remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator.
•Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as pos-
sible.
•Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches the normal operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick
1and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be within the range
2and3.
If the oil level is below
3, remove the oil
filler cap and pour the recommended oil into
the opening. Do not overfill
2. It is normal to add some oil between oil mainte-
nance intervals or during the break-in period,
depending on the severity of operating condi-
tions.
CAUTION
The oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient amount
of oil can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by the warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
WARNING
•Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
•Try to avoid direct skin contact with used
oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner and plenty of wa-
ter as soon as possible.
•Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil
may be hot.
NDI15962.0L gasoline engine
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-5
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches the normal operating temperature,
then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it coun- terclockwise.
4. Remove the engine undershield.
5. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be changed,
remove and replace it at this time. For
additional information, refer to Changing
engine oil filter later in this section.
•Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
•Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.Drain
plug tightening torque: 22 ft-lb, 30 N•m
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
For additional information on drain and refill
capacity, refer to Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities in the
9. Maintenance and Schedules section.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as
required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
1.
4. Loosen the oil filter
1with an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil
may be hot.
NDI1622NDI16102.0L gasoline engine
8-6Do-it-yourself
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface witha clean rag.
CAUTION
•Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the en-
gine. Failure to do so could lead to an oil
leak and engine damage.
•The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick hole
when filling the engine with oil.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis- tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn. Engine oil filter tightening torque:
19 ft-lb, 25 N•m
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil
if necessary. It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer if checking or replacement is required.
CAUTION
•Use only Shell DCT-M1 or equivalent. Do not
mix with other fluids.
•Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Shell DCT-M1 may cause deterioration
in driveability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission. Damage caused by the use of
fluids other than as recommended is not
covered by the warranty.
WARNING
•Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake systems.
The use of improper fluids can damage the
brake system and affect the vehicle’s stop-
ping ability.
•Clean the filler cap before removing.
•Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
•Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces.
This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled,
wash with water.
NDI1599
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) BRAKE FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-7
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
2, the brake
warning light will illuminate. Add brake fluid up
to the MAX line
1. For additional information
on the recommended type of brake fluid, refer
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities in the9. Maintenance and Sched-
ules section.
If the brake fluid must be added frequently, the
brake system should be thoroughly checked. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service. Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir peri-
odically. Add fluid when the low washer fluid
warning appears on the vehicle information
display.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir open-
ing.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driv-
ing conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine INFINITI Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
CAUTION
•Do not substitute engine antifreeze coolant
for window washer solution. This may result
in damage to the paint.
•Do not fill the window washer reservoir tank
with washer fluid concentrates at full
strength. Some methyl alcohol based
washer fluid concentrates may permanently
stain the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
•Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with wa-
ter to the manufacturer’s recommended lev-
els before pouring the fluid into the window
washer reservoir tank. Do not use the win-
dow washer reservoir tank to mix the
washer fluid concentrate and water.
NDI1601
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-8Do-it-yourself
Parking brake*:
Check the parking brake operation regularly.
Also make sure that the vehicle is held securely
on a fairly steep hill when only the parking
brake is applied. If the parking brake needs
adjustment, it is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seats
:
Check seat position controls such as seat ad-
justers, 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.
Seat belts
:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (for
example, buckles, anchors, adjusters and re-
tractors) operate properly and smoothly, and
are installed securely. Check the belt webbing
for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel
:
Check for changes in the steering condition,
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 good 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).
Battery*
:
Except for maintenance free battery, check the
fluid level in each cell. It should be between the
“UPPER” and “LOWER” lines. Vehicles operated
in high temperatures or under severe condi-
tions require frequent checks of the battery
fluid level.
NOTE
Care should be taken to avoid situations that can
lead to potential battery discharge and potential
no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories 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.
Coolant level*
:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt(s)*
:
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.
9-4Maintenance and Schedules