4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-tances.
.Observing the speed limit and notexceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following distance
behind other vehicles reduces unne-
cessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to anticipatechanges in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to roadconditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effectivein providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions. 8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to
use special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-8).)
Starting and driving5-123
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
When 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 per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion 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 when-
ever 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
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key 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.
. Because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off,
it is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
.
Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly dis-
posed engine oil, coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties 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.
Do-it-yourself8-3
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
.Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it isn’t
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed, and be care-
ful when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed.
. 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.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the main-
tenance schedule shown in the “9. Main-
tenance and schedules” section. When
replacing the filter, wipe the inside of the
air cleaner housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
When maintenance is required, it is recom-
mended you contact an INFINITI retailer for
servicing.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other materi-
al may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild
detergent. Then rinse the blade with clear
water. If your windshield is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the
wiper, replace the blades.
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage
the windshield and impair driver vision.
When a washer nozzle is clogged
It is recommended you see an INFINITI
retailer if a washer nozzle is clogged or any
malfunction occurs. Do not attempt to clean
the nozzle using a needle or a pin. Doing so
may damage the nozzle.
Do-it-yourself8-21
AIR CLEANER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The main-
tenance schedule indicates at which mile-
age/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance, your
vehicle requires that some items be checked
during normal day-to-day operation. Refer
to “General maintenance” (P.9-2).
Items marked with “*” are recommended by
INFINITI for reliable vehicle operation. You
are not required to perform maintenance on
these items in order to maintain the warran-
ties which come with your vehicle. Other
maintenance items and intervals are re-
quired.
When applicable, additional information can
be found in the “8. Do-it yourself” section of
this manual.
NOTE:
INFINITI does not advocate the use of non-
OEM approved aftermarket flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against perform-
ing these services on an INFINITI product.
Many of the aftermarket flushing systems
use non-OEM approved chemicals or sol-
vents, the use of which has not been
validated by INFINITI.For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Capacities
and recommended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-
2) of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying or
cracking and for proper tension. Replace any
damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving
for prolonged periods in dusty conditions,
check/replace the filter more frequently.
Engine coolant* (for VR30DDTT engine
models):
Replace coolant at the specified interval.
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with the
proper mixture. (Refer to “Engine cooling
system (for VR30DDTT engine models)”
(P.8-6) to determine the proper mixture for
your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the
recommended service interval of the cool-
ant.Engine coolant* (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models):
Replace coolant at the specified interval.
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only BASF Glysantin® G48® or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture. (Refer to
“Engine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo
gasoline engine models)” (P.8-8) to deter-
mine the proper mixture for your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the
recommended service interval of the cool-
ant.
Intercooler coolant (for VR30DDTT engine
models):
Intercooler coolant is maintenance-free.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the
specified intervals. For recommended oil
grade and viscosity refer to “Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2).
Engine valve clearance*:
Inspect only if valve noise increases. Adjust
valve clearance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-6Maintenance and schedules
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tight-
en connections or replace parts as necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new
plugs of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTE-
NANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation.
Check for chafing, cracks, deterioration,
and signs of leaking. Replace any deterio-
rated or damaged parts immediately.
Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler
and hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration,
and damage. Tighten connections or replace
parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving
for prolonged periods in dusty conditions,
replace the filter more frequently.Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (4WD/AWD/RWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving condi-
tions, inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) according to the instructions
under “Explanation of general maintenance
items” (P.9-2). When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if neces-
sary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at
specified intervals.
To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, INFINITI provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive.
These schedules contain both distance and
time intervals, up to 120,000 miles
(192,000 km)/144 months. For most peo-
ple, the odometer reading will indicate when
service is needed. However, if you drive very
little, your vehicle should be serviced at the
regular time intervals shown in the schedule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions;
should be performed
on vehicles that are driven under especially
demanding conditions. Additional mainte-
nance items should be performed if you
primarily operate your vehicle under the
following conditions:
. Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
. Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9-8Maintenance and schedules
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE (for VR30DDTT engine)
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OP-
ERATION
Perform at number of
miles, kilometers or
months, whichever
comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Drive belts See NOTE (1) I*I* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) RR
EVAP vapor lines I*I* I*
Fuel lines I*I* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* See NOTE (4) (5)
Engine oil See NOTE (6) RR RR R R
Engine oil filter See NOTE (6) RR RR R R
Spark plugs See NOTE (7) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve
clearance* See NOTE (8)
MAINTENANCE OP-
ERATION
Perform at number of
miles, kilometers or
months, whichever
comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Drive belts See NOTE (1) I*I*I*I* I* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) RR
EVAP vapor lines I*I* I*
Fuel lines I*I* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* See NOTE (4) (5)
Engine oil See NOTE (6) RRRR R R
Engine oil filter See NOTE (6) RRRR R R
Spark plugs See NOTE (7) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve
clearance* See NOTE (8)
NOTE:
(1) After 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48
months, inspect every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the
drive belts if found damaged.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired.
(3) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000
miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. After first replacement, replace every 75,000
miles (120,000 km) or 60 months.
(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
with proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the life expectancy of the factory fill cool-
ant.
(6) If the oil replacement indicator is
displayed, change the engine oil and filteras soon as possible. After replacing the
engine oil, reset the display.
(7) Replace spark plug when the plug gap
exceeds 0.043 in (1.1 mm) even if within
specified replacement mileage.
(8) Periodic maintenance is not required.
However, if valve noise increases, inspect
valve clearance.
*: Maintenance items and intervals with “*”
are recommended by INFINITI for reliable
vehicle operation. The owner need not to
Maintenance and schedules9-9
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE (for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine)
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OP-
ERATION
Perform at number of
miles, kilometers or
months, whichever
comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Engine compartment See NOTE (1) II I
V-belt See NOTE (2) I*I* I*
Air cleaner filter Replace every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months
Fuel lines I*I* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Engine coolant* Replace every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months
Engine oil RR RR R R
Engine oil filter RR RR R R
Spark plugs Replace every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months
Maintenance and schedules9-11