8-2Do-it-yourself
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 instruc-
tions 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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
.
If the oil level is below, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
.Place the safety jack stands under thevehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be attachedto the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
.Remove the small plastic clip at the center point of the undercover.
.Then remove the other bolts that holdthe undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
SDI2543
VK56VD engine — 2WD models
SDI2335
VQ37VHR engine — 2WD models
Do-it-yourself8-11
WARNING
Be sure the engine and the 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 damage the spark plugs.
SDI2020
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, it is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the
conventional type spark plugs since they will
last much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule shown in the “9. Maintenance and
schedules” section, but do not reuse them by
cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2549
VK56VD engine
Do-it-yourself8-19
SPARK PLUGSAIR CLEANER
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 operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
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*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance trips.
If necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, to the pressure speci-
fied. Check carefully for damage, cuts or
excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter 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 windshield repaired by a
qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift lever in
the P (Park) position 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.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, it is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, 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,
adjuster and retractors) 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 conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
Maintenance and schedules9-3
9-4Maintenance and schedules
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.
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) for exhaust gas (Carbon
monoxide).)
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 is
normal. 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.
11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ................... 5-122
Active noise cancellation ................................. 5-128
Air bag systemFront-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ..................... 1-49
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system ...... 1-49
Air bag warning labels ........................................ 1-51
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-52, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ......... 10-16
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 10-10
Automatic climate control .......................... 4-32
Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ............................................ 2-30
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................... 5-9
Antenna .................................................................. 4-38
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................... 5-122
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................... 7-4
Armrest ...................................................................... 1-4
Around View
®Monitor ...................................... 4-10
Ashtrays ................................................................. 2-45
Audible reminders ................................................ 2-19 Auto closure .......................................................... 3-20
Autolight system .................................................. 2-35
Automatic
Automatic climate control ......................... 4-34
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ....... 8-13
Climate control ............................................... 4-32
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-15
Automatic door locks ............................................ 3-6
Automatic drive positioner ............................... 3-28
Automatic seat positioner ................................ 3-28
Average fuel consumption and speed ........... 2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-7
B
Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) .............. 5-54
Battery .................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ......... 3-2
Battery saver system .................................... 2-36
Intelligent Key ................................................. 8-25
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-18
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-13
Belts (See drive belts) ......................................... 8-18
Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) ......................... 5-42
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON
indicator light ......................................................... 2-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ............................... 5-32
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............. 5-122
Brake fluid ....................................................... 8-14 Brake force distribution ............................ 5-124
Brake system ................................................ 5-121
Parking brake operation .............................. 5-19
Brake warning light ............................................. 2-12
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-116
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-11
Bulb replacement ................................................. 8-27
C
Camera aiding sonar function ......................... 4-23
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ....................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ....................................... 4-38
Card holder ............................................................ 2-49
Catalytic converter Three way catalyst .......................................... 5-5
Chassis and body maintenance ....................... 9-10
Check tire pressure warning ............................. 2-23
Child restraints ...................................................... 1-19 LATCH system ............................................... 1-21
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-19
Child safety ............................................................ 1-17
Child safety rear door lock .................................. 3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .......................................... 2-19
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-15
Circuit breaker Fusible link ...................................................... 8-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ................... 7-2, 7-4
Standard maintenance .................................... 9-7
Under the hood and vehicle ......................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) .................... 2-18
Map lights .............................................................. 2-57
Master warning light .......................................... 2-15
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .......... 3-3
Memory function ................................................. 3-30
Memory storage Automatic drive positioner ......................... 3-29
Meter
Trip computer ................................................. 2-27
Meters and gauges ................................................ 2-6 Instrument brightness control ................... 2-38
Mirror Inside mirror .................................................... 3-25
Outside mirrors .............................................. 3-26
Vanity mirror ................................................... 3-28
Monitor Around View
®Monitor ............................... 4-10
RearView monitor ........................................... 4-3
Moonroof ............................................................... 2-54
Moving Object Detection (MOD) ................... 4-27
N
New vehicle break-in ........................................ 5-116
O
Odometer .................................................................. 2-7
Off-road recovery ................................................. 5-8 Oil
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-11
Engine oil ........................................................ 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 10-9
Oil filter replacement indicator .................. 2-25
Operation Indicators for operation ............................... 2-22
Outside mirrors .................................................... 3-26
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ............... 6-12
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ............................................. 10-26
P
Panic alarm ............................................................ 3-15
Parking Parking brake operation .............................. 5-19
Parking on hills ............................................. 5-119
Parking brake break-in .................................... 5-121
Personal lights ...................................................... 2-57
Phone Car phone or CB radio ................................ 4-38
Power Power door lock ............................................... 3-4
Power outlet ................................................... 2-46
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-14
Power steering system ............................. 5-120
Power windows ............................................. 2-51
Power moonroof ................................................. 2-54 Precautions
Braking precautions .................................... 5-121
Child restraints ............................................... 1-19
Cruise control ................................................. 5-65
Maintenance ..................................................... 8-2
Seat belt usage .............................................. 1-10
Supplemental restraint system .................. 1-38
When starting and driving ............................ 5-4
Pre-crash seat belts with
comfort function ................................................... 1-12
Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW) .............................................. 5-108
Push starting .......................................................... 6-11
Push-button ignition switch .................. 5-10, 5-11
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ................................ 4-38
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ..................... 2-33
Rapid air pressure loss ......................................... 5-8
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test (US only) .......................................... 10-25
Rear door auto closure ......................................... 3-5
Rear door lock Child safety rear door lock ........................... 3-6
Rear pocket ........................................................... 2-50
Rear spot lights .................................................... 2-58
Rear sunshade ...................................................... 2-55
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................... 2-34
RearView monitor ................................................. 4-3
11-5