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 enclosedspace 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
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,
then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise.
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 toChanging
engine oil filterlater 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 toRecommended fluids/
lubricants and capacitiesin the9. Maintenance
and Schedulessection.
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 apply
the 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.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface
with a clean rag.
NDI1622NDI16102.0L gasoline engine
8-6Do-it-yourself
•Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
•Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
•If the vehicle is not used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the
-negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
NOTE
Care should be taken to avoid situations that can
lead to potential battery discharge and potential
no-start conditions such as:
•Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, etc).
•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.
WARNING
•Do not expose the battery to flames, an
electrical spark or a cigarette. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explosive. Ex-
plosive gases can cause blindness or injury.
Do not allow battery fluid to contact your
skin, eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. Sul-
furic acid can cause blindness or injury. Af-
ter touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush with wa-
ter for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention.
•Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in the
battery is low. Low battery fluid can cause a
higher load on the battery which can gener-
ate heat, reduce battery life, and in some
cases lead to an explosion.
•When working on or near a battery, always
wear suitable eye protection and remove all
jewelry.
•Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
•Keep battery out of the reach of children.
•Do not tip the battery. Keep the vent caps
tight and the battery level.
BATTERY
Do-it-yourself8-9
Replace the spark plugs according to the main-
tenance schedule shown in a separate mainte-
nance booklet.
If replacement is required, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer.
Always replace spark plugs with recommended
or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are off
and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
•Be sure to use the correct socket to remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
cause damage to the spark plugs.It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer if checking or replacement is required.
WARNING
•Operating the engine with the air cleaner
filter off can cause you or others to be
burned. The air cleaner filter not only cleans
the intake air, it also stops the flame if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner is not
installed and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Never drive with the air
cleaner filter off. Be cautious working on the
engine when the air cleaner is off.
•Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result in
serious injury.
CLEANING
If the windshield or rear window is not clear
after using the window washer or if a wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or other
material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield or rear
window with a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. The windshield or rear window is clean if
beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blade with clear water. If the wind-
shield or rear window is still not clear after
cleaning the blades and using the wiper, re-
place the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage the
windshield and impair driver vision.
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER FILTER WIPER BLADES
Do-it-yourself8-13
If the brakes do not operate properly, it is
recommended that you have the brakes
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes. The disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied.Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the
same rating, which you can recognise by the
color and fuse rating. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
The fuses in your vehicle disconnect faulty
circuits. if a fuse blows, all the components on
the circuit and their functions will fail.
BEFORE REPLACING A FUSE
•Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
•Switch off all electrical consumers.
•Remove the key from the ignition lock.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
•Fusebox in the engine compartment on the
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in
the direction of travel.
•Fuse box in the front-passenger footwell.
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in
the front-passenger footwell.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
WARNING
Never use a fuse of higher or lower amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical system
or electronic control units or cause a fire.
BRAKES FUSES
Do-it-yourself8-17
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed on
235/45 R19 or 235/50 R18 size tires. Installa-
tion of the tire chains/cables on 235/45 R19 or
235/50 R18 size tires will cause damage to the
vehicle. If you plan to use tire chains/cables,
you should install 215/60 R17 size tires on your
vehicle.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure that they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed according
to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chains must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility of
whipping action damage to the fenders or un-
derbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the front
wheels and not on the rear wheels.Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire
(TEMPORARY USE ONLY).
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in
such conditions can cause damage to the vari-
ous mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress.
1: Wear indicator
2: Location mark
TIRE WEAR AND DAMAGE
WARNING
•Tires should be periodically inspected for
wear, cracking, bulging or objects caught in
the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire should be
replaced immediately.
•The original tires have a built-in tread wear
indicator. When the wear indicator is vis-
ible, the tire should be replaced.
SDI1663Z
Do-it-yourself8-33
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance is
essential to maintain your vehicle’s good me-
chanical condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the specified maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation of the vehicle. They are essential
if your vehicle is to continue to operate prop-
erly. It is your responsibility to perform these
procedures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks and inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician, or if you prefer,
an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed underMainte-
nance scheduleslater in this section are re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals. How-
ever under severe driving conditions, additional
or more frequent maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your ve-
hicle appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips and training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on INFINITI vehiclesbefore
work begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retailer’s
service department can perform the service
needed to meet the maintenance requirements
on your vehicle.During normal day-to-day operation of the ve-
hicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have
an INFINITI retailer do it promptly. In addition, it
is recommended you notify an INFINITI retailer if
you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observeExplanation of general
maintenance itemslater in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following items
with “*” is found later in the “Do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood
:
Check that all doors, the lift gate and the engine
hood operate smoothly. Also make sure that all
latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and Schedules
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 oper-
ating properly and installed securely. Also
check the aim of the headlights.
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 marked with directional indi-
cators can only be rotated between front and
rear. Make sure that the directional indicators
point in the direction of wheel rotation after the
tire rotation is completed.
Tires*
:
Check the pressure with a gauge often and
always prior to long distance trips. Adjust the
pressure in all tires to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter 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
INFINITI 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 damaged wind-
shield repaired by a qualified repair facility.
Wiper blades*
:
Check for cracks or wear if not functioning
correctly. Replace as necessary.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal
:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that the pedal does not catch or require
uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechanism
:
On a fairly steep hill, check that your vehicle is
held securely when P (Park) has been activated,
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, have your vehicle
checked immediately. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes
:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Maintenance and Schedules9-3