5. To lift the vehicle, securely hold and turn the
ratchet handle
1clockwise as shown.
6. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire
clears the ground.
7. Remove the wheel bolts, then remove the
wheel with the flat tire.
WARNING
The wheel is heavy. Be sure that your feet are
clear of the wheel and use gloves as necessary
to avoid injury.
Installing the wheel
WARNING
•A temporary use spare wheel and tire is
designed for emergency use.
•Never use wheel bolts other than those
provided with your vehicle. Incorrect wheel
bolts or improperly tightened wheel bolts
may cause the wheel to become loose or
come off. This could cause an accident.
•Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts.
This may cause the wheel bolts to become
loose.ATighten
BLoosen
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and the hub.
2. Carefully fit the wheel and tighten the wheel
bolts with your fingers. Check that all the
wheel bolts contact the wheel surface hori-
zontally and on the bevelled side.
Models with wheel lock bolt (if equipped):
Insert the wheel lock key into the wheel lock
bolt and tighten into the wheel finger tight.
3. With the wheel wrench, tighten the wheel
bolts alternately and evenly in the sequence
as illustrated (
1-5) until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground.
NCE449NCE435
6-8In case of emergency
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................8-5
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.........8-11
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.........................8-13Cleaning..........................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.......................8-27
Tire Pressure.......................8-27
Tire inflation pressure.................8-29
Tire labeling.......................8-30
Types of tires.......................8-31
Tire chains........................8-33
Tire wear and damage.................8-33
Tire rotation.......................8-34
Replacing wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel balance......................8-36
If you have a flat tire, refer toFlat tirein the6.
In case of emergencysection.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
the tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).
For additional information, refer toTire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)in the5. Starting and
drivingsection.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips.
The recommended tire pressure specifications
are shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label or
the Tire and Loading Information label (if so
equipped) under the Cold Tire Pressure head-
ing. The Tire and Loading Information label is
affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire
pressures should be checked regularly be-
cause:
•Most tires naturally lose air over time.
•Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
WARNING
•Improperly inflated tires can fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
•The Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) is
located on the F.M.V.S. S./C.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label. The vehicle weight capacity is
indicated on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label (if so equipped). Do not load your
vehicle beyond this capacity. Overloading
your vehicle may result in reduced tire life,
unsafe operating conditions due to prema-
ture tire failure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to a se-
rious accident. Loading beyond the speci-
fied capacity may also result in failure of
other vehicle components.
•Before taking a long trip, or whenever you
heavily load your vehicle, use a tire pres-
sure gauge to ensure that the tire pressures
are at the specified level.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the Warranty Information Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Do-it-yourself8-27
Tire and Loading Information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number
of occupants that can be seated in the
vehicle.
2Vehicle load limit: SeeVehicle loading
informationin the10. Technical infor-
mationsection.
3Original size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the fac-
tory.
4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to
this pressure when the tires are cold.
Tires are considered COLD after the ve-
hicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
at moderate speeds. The recommended
cold tire inflation is set by the manufac-
turer to provide the best balance of tire
wear, vehicle handling, driveability, tire
noise, etc., up to the vehicle’s GVWR.
5Tire size — seeTire labelinglater in
this section.
6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped).
SDI2703
8-28Do-it-yourself
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Checking tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge squarely onto the
valve stem. Do not press too hard or force
the valve stem sideways, or air will escape. If
the hissing sound of air escaping from the
tire is heard while checking the pressure,
reposition the gauge to eliminate this leak-
age.3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem
and compare it to the specification shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label.
5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too much air
is added, press the core of the valve stem
briefly with the tip of the gauge stem to
release pressure. Recheck the pressure and
add or release air as needed.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all other tires, includ-
ing the spare.
Size Cold tire infla-
tion pressure
Front
original
tire235/50 R18 (2WD) 35 psi, 240kPa
235/50 R18
(4WD/AWD)35 psi, 240kPa
235/45 R19 (2WD 32 psi, 220kPa
Rear
original
tire235/50 R18 (2WD) 32 psi, 220kPa
235/50 R18
(4WD/AWD)35 psi, 240kPa
235/45 R19 (2WD 32 psi, 220kPa
Spare tire NONE
SDI1949Z
Do-it-yourself8-29
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1 DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of
Transportation”. The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the left or right of the
Tire Identification Number.
2 Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark
3 Two-digit code: Tire size
4 Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5 Four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the num-
bers 3103 means the 31st week of 2003. If
these numbers are missing, then look on
the other sidewall of the tire.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufactur-
ers also must indicate the materials in the
tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester,
and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible in-
flation pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load
in kilograms and pounds that can be
carried by the tire. When replacing the
tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that
has the same load rating as the factory
installed tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tube-
less”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name”
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are defined
throughout this section, Intended Outboard
Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the
outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
•When changing or replacing tires, be sure
all four tires are of the same type (i.e, sum-
mer, all season or snow) and construction.
An INFINITI retailer may be able to help you
with information about tire type, size, speed
rating and availability.
•Replacement tires may have a lower speed
rating than the factory equipped tires, and
they may not match the potential maximum
vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
NDI1623Example
Do-it-yourself8-31
•Tires degrade with age and use. Have tires,
including the spare, over 6 years old
checked by a qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent tire
failure and possible personal injury.
•Improper service of the spare tire may re-
sult in serious personal injury. If it is neces-
sary to repair the spare tire, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the Warranty Information Booklet.
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 visible,
the tire should be replaced.
Improper servicing of a tire may result in seri-
ous personal injury. If it is necessary to repair a
tire, it is recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
TIRE ROTATION
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire replacing
procedures, refer toFlat tirein the6. In case
of emergencysection.As soon as possible,
tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 96 ft-lb (130 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to speci-
fications at all times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
•After rotating the tires, check and adjust
the tire pressure.
•Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer toImportant Tire Safety Information
(US) orTire Safety Informationin the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
REPLACING WHEELS AND TIRES
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels or tires could
have structural damage and could fail without
warning.
When replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. (SeeWheels and Tiresin the9.
Maintenance and SchedulesMaintenance and
Schedulessection for recommended types and
sizes of tires and wheels.)
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a different
offset could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake discs/
drums. Such interference can lead to decreased
braking efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear.
8-34Do-it-yourself
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that
you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. (SeeMeasurement of
weightslater in this section.)
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the Tire and Loading Information label.
LOADING TIPS
•The GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as
specified on the F.M.V. S.S./C.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label.
•Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
•Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo
higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
•Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your vehicle can
break, tire damage could occur, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control and cause
personal injury.
•Overloading could not only shorten the life
of your vehicle and the tires, but also could
cause unsafe vehicle handling and longer
braking distances. This may cause a prema-
ture tire failure which could result in a seri-
ous accident and personal injury. Failures
caused by overloading are not covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels separately to
determine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are given
on the vehicle certification label. If weight rat-
ings are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.Your vehicle was designed to be used to carry
passengers and luggage
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
10-16Technical information