•Keep your engine tuned up.
•Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
•Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
•Keep all the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
•Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
For additional information, see "Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities"
in the "10. Technical information" section
WARNING
•Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged. Accelerating quickly, sharp
steering maneuvers or sudden braking
may cause loss of control.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
•This vehicle is not designed for off-road
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy
or muddy roads that tires may get stuck
in.
•For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to any
drive or reverse position with the engine
running. Doing so may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
•Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make sure that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped
with 4WD before it is placed on a dyna-
mometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
•When a wheel is off the ground due to an
uneven surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) (IF EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-87
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the driver
is responsible for safety.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified
size of tires on all four wheels.
– When installing a replacement tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire and loading informa- tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires" in the
"9. Maintenance and Schedules" section.)
– For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure to prevent each wheel from locking and
sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid ob-
stacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
5-92Starting and driving
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches the normal operating tempera-
ture, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Remove the engine undershield.
5. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and com-
pletely drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be
changed, remove and replace it at this
time. For additional information, refer to
"Changing engine oil filter" later in this
section.
•Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
•Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 22 ft-lb, 30
N•m
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
For additional information on drain and
refill capacity, refer to "Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities" in the "9.
Maintenance and Schedules" section.
The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct
as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
1.
4. Loosen the oil filter
1with an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.
NDI1622NDI1610
2.0L gasoline engine
8-6Do-it-yourself
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
2, the brake
warning light will illuminate. Add brake fluid
up to the MAX line
1. Use Genuine INFINITI
brake fluid DOT4+ or equivalent. Never mix
different types of fluids. For additional infor-
mation on the recommended type of brake
fluid, refer "Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities" in the "9. Maintenance and
Schedules" section.
If the brake fluid must be added frequently,
the brake system should be thoroughly
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir pe-
riodically. Add fluid when the low washer
fluid warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for bet-
ter 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 windshield-washer fluid.Recommended fluid is Genuine INFINITI
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.CAUTION
•Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
•Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
•Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
NDI1601
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-8Do-it-yourself
4. Fit the replacement battery in the vehicle.
REINITIALISATION PROCEDURE
AFTER BATTERY
RECONNECTION
If the battery has been reconnected, check
the following items:
•Clock setting (if so equipped). For details,
see "Clock" in the "2. Instruments and con-
trols" section, or the separately provided
navigation system Owner's Manual, or the
audio device descriptions in " Audio system
(if equipped)" in the "4. Display screen,
heater and air conditioner, and audio sys-
tem" section.
•Reset the desired radio stations to the pre-
set station buttons. For details, see the
audio device descriptions in the “4. Heater
and air conditioner, and audio system”.
JUMP-STARTING
If jump-starting is necessary, see "Jump
starting" in the "6. In case of emergency" sec-
tion. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position before servicing drive belt. The en-
gine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un- usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule as shown in a
separately provided Warranty Informa-
tion and Maintenance booklet.
NDI1635
DRIVE BELT
8-12Do-it-yourself
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
TIRE ROTATION
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire replacing
procedures, refer to "Flat tire" in the "6. In
case of emergency" section.As soon as pos-
sible, 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
specifications 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 ad-
just the tire pressure.
•Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to "Important Tire Safety In-
formation" (US) or "Tire Safety Infor-
mation" in the Warranty 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. (See "Wheels and Tires" in
the "9. Maintenance and Schedules" section
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 de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
Confirm the following for the TPMS:
WARNING
•The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of dif-
ferent brands, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), or tread patterns can
adversely affect the ride, braking, han-
dling, VDC system, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain clear-
ance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of
these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
•For 2WD models, if your vehicle was
originally equipped with 4 tires that
were the same size and you are only re-
placing 2 of the 4 tires, install the new
tires on the rear axle. Placing new tires
on the front axle may cause loss of ve-
hicle control in some driving conditions
and cause an accident and personal in-
jury.
•If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same offset dimension. Wheels
of a different offset could cause prema-
ture tire wear, degrade vehicle handling
characteristics, affect the VDC system
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early
8-34Do-it-yourself
9 Maintenance and Schedules
Maintenance requirements................9-2
General maintenance ................. .9-2
Scheduled maintenance ................9-2
Where to go for service ................9-2
General maintenance ................... .9-2
Explanation of general maintenance items . . . .9-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ......9-5
Emission control system maintenance .......9-6
Chassis and body maintenance ...........9-6
Maintenance schedules ................. .9-7Additional maintenance items for severe
operating systems
.................. .9-7
Oil change monitor .................. .9-7
Maintenance service messages ...........9-7
Standard maintenance ................. .9-10
Emission control system maintenance
(For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine) .........9-10
Chassis & body maintenance ............9-13
Maintenance log ..................... .9-15