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 movingparts.
.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 thefuel 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.10-25).)
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
8-4Do-it-yourself
JVC0968X
VR30DDTT ENGINE
1. Battery
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Fuse/fusible link holder6. Air cleaner
7. Engine drive belt location
8. Radiator filler cap
9 Intercooler cooling reservoir
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
JVC0646X
2.0L TURBO GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Fuse and fusible link holder
2. Main battery*
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir6. Fuse and fusible link holder
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine drive belt location
9. Power steering fluid reservoir (if so
equipped)
10. Window washer fluid reservoir*: The auxiliary battery is located in the
trunk. (See “Auxiliary battery location
(for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine mod-
els)” (P.8-17).)
Do-it-yourself8-5
8-14Do-it-yourself
JVM0332X
WARNING
Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of the reach of children.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The
fluid level should be checked when the fluid
is cold at fluid temperatures of 0 to 30°C (32
to 86°F). The fluid level can be checked with
the level gauge which is attached to the cap.
To check the fluid level, remove the cap. The
fluid level should be between the MAX
and MINlines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
line, addGenuine NISSAN E-PSF. Remove the cap
and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
.Do not overfill.
.Use Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or
equivalent.For further brake fluid information, see
“Capacities and recommended fluids/lubri-
cants” (P.10-2) of this manual.
WARNING
.Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
.Clean the filler cap before removing.
.Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers 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 the surface with water.
POWER STEERING FLUID (models with
hydraulic pump electric power steering)BRAKE FLUID
JVM0731X
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN lineor the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be checked. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
JVM0253X
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir per-
iodically. Add window washer fluid when the
low window washer fluid warning appears in
the vehicle information display.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the
window washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.To check the window washer fluid level, use
your finger to plug the hole
of the cap/
tube assembly, then remove it from the
reservoir. If there is no fluid in the tube,
add fluid.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
.Do not fill the window washer re-
servoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir.
Do-it-yourself8-15
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
9-4Maintenance and schedules
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 sufficient 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*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe condition 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 electro-
nic accessories 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.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Intercooler coolant level*:Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: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.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. (See “Precautions when starting and
driving” (P.5-4).)
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use isnormal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the
engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
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
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OP-
ERATION
Perform at of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000)
MonthsMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8)
610
(16)
1215
(24)
1820
(32)
2425
(40)
3030
(48)
3635
(56)
4240
(64)
4845
(72)
5450
(80)
6055
(88)
6660
(96)
72
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors$II I I I I
Brake fluid$RR R
Automatic transmission
fluidSee NOTE (1)
Transfer fluid and dif-
ferential gear oilSee NOTE (2) I I I I I I
Steering gear and link-
age, axle and suspension
parts$II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Propeller shaft and drive
shaft boots (AWD mod-
els)$II I I I I
Exhaust system$II I
In-cabin microfilter R R R R
Stop lamp switch and
brake pedal positionSee NOTE (4) I I I I I I
Intelligent Key battery R R R R
Maintenance and schedules9-13