•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
chargers, 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 explo-
sive. Explosive gases can cause blind-
ness or injury. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics or
painted surfaces. Sulfuric acid can cause
blindness or injury. After touching a bat-
tery 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 water
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 generate heat, reduce battery life,
and in some cases lead to an explosion.
•When working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
•Battery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
•Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
•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
maintenance schedule shown in a separate
maintenance booklet.
If replacement is required, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended 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 re-
move 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
detergent. 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 deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
the windshield or rear window is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the wiper,
replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage
the windshield and impair driver vision.
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER FILTERWIPER 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 ev-
ery time the brake pedal is applied.Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize 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 recom-
mended 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:
•Fuse box 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 amper-
age 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
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is sub-
stantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer
tires do not have the tire traction rating M&S
on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use
of snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of
the tire. If you install snow tires, they must be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction ca-
pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked and
corrected as necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on 235/45 R19 or 235/50 R18 size tires.
Installation 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 accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing 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 in-
structions.
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
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle 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.
8-32Do-it-yourself
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 es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. 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 pre-
fer, an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed under "Mainte-
nance schedules" later in this section are re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals.
However under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulle-
tins, service tips and training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehiclesbeforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retail-
er’s service department can perform the ser-
vice needed to meet the maintenance re-
quirements on your vehicle. During normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, 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 observe "Explanation of general
maintenance items" later 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 other-
wise 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
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and Schedules
primary latch is released. When driving in ar-
eas using road salt or other corrosive materi-
als, 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 op-
erating 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
indicators can only be rotated between front
and rear. Make sure that the directional indi-
cators 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)
transmitter components:
Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal,
valve core and cap when the tires are re-
placed 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 nor-
mal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, re-
fer 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.
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) mecha-
nism:
On a fairly steep hill, check that your vehicle is
held securely when P (Park) has been acti-
vated, 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 ve-
hicle 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
Parking brake*:
Check the parking brake operation regularly.
Also make sure that the vehicle is held se-
curely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied. If the parking brake
needs adjustment, 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 se-
curely in all latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system
(for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters 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 condition,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or
strange noises.
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 good 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*:
Except for maintenance free battery, check
the fluid level in each cell. It should be be-
tween the “UPPER” and “LOWER” lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions 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 electronic
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 be-
tween the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the res-
ervoir.
Coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Engine drive belt(s)*:
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 recommended you visit an
9-4Maintenance and Schedules
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. (See "Mea-
surement of weights" later in this section.)
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. 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. certification 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 oc-
cur, or it can change the way your ve-
hicle 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 premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by over-
loading 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 ratings 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