•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
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground.
5. Tighten the wheel bolts securely using the wheel wrench in the sequence as illus-
trated.
6. Lower the vehicle completely.
7. Install the wheel cover (if equipped).
Wheel bolt tightening torque: 96 ft-lb (130 N•m, 13 kg-m)
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel bolts
to the specified torque with a torque wrench.
The wheel bolts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recommended
that the wheel bolts be tightened to specifi-
cation at each maintenance interval.
Adjust the tire pressure to the COLD pres-
sure.
COLD pressure is the tire pressure as mea-
sured after the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more or driven for less than 1
mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
and loading information label affixed to the
driver's side center pillar.
Wheel lock bolts (if equipped)
In order to prevent theft, the specially de-
signed wheel lock bolt is installed to each
wheel. The wheel lock bolt cannot be re-
moved with the commonly used tools.
When removing tires, use the lock key pro-
vided with your vehicle.
Removing the wheel lock bolt:
1. Insert the wheel lock key
1to the wheel
lock bolt.
2. To remove the wheel lock bolt, turn the wheel lock key counterclockwise using the
wheel wrench.
CAUTION
•Do not use a power tool to remove the
wheel lock bolts.
•When installing the wheel, tighten the
wheel lock bolts to the same tightening
torque as the normal wheel bolts. For
details, see "Installing the wheel" earlier
in this section.
NCE143Z
In case of emergency6-9
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.................8-2
Engine compartment check locations .........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine ................ .8-3
Engine cooling system .................. .8-3
Checking engine coolant level ............8-4
Changing engine coolant ...............8-4
Engine oil .......................... .8-5
Checking engine oil level ...............8-5
Changing engine oil ................. .8-5
Changing engine oil filter ...............8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..........8-7
Brake fluid ......................... .8-7
Window washer fluid .................. .8-8
Battery ........................... .8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery ..............8-10
Maintenance free battery ..............8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System .......8-11
Battery replacement ................ .8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection ..................... .8-12
Jump-starting .................... .8-12
Drive belt ......................... .8-12
Spark plugs ........................ .8-13
Air cleaner filter ..................... .8-13
Wiper blades ....................... .8-13Cleaning
........................ .8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades ......8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade .......8-16
Brakes ........................... .8-17
Self-adjusting brakes ................ .8-17
Fuses ............................ .8-17
Before replacing a fuse ...............8-17
Engine compartment ................ .8-17
Passenger compartment ..............8-18
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........
.8-20
Checking
the battery ................ .8-20
Replacing the battery ............... .8-20
Lights ........................... .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ..............8-22
Replacement procedures ..............8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-27
Tire Pressure ..................... .8-27
Tire inflation pressure ............... .8-29
Tire labeling ..................... .8-29
Types of tires ..................... .8-31
Tire chains ...................... .8-32
Tire wear and damage ............... .8-33
Tire rotation ..................... .8-34
Replacing wheels and tires .............8-34
Wheel balance .................... .8-35
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to your-
self 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 mov-
ing. Press the P (Park) button.
•Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
•Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Always turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
•If you must work with the engine run-
ning, 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 any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working 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 by a jack.
•Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent connector while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
•On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection system, the fuel
filter and fuel lines should be serviced by
an INFINITI retailer or qualified work-
shop because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the engine is
turned off.
•Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition switch is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
•Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
•Never leave the engine or the transmis-
sion related component harness connec-
tor disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle
fluids can hurt the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluids.
This “ 8. Do-it-yourself” section provides in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage. If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended you
have it done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
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
ACCESSING VEHICLE BATTERY
The vehicle battery is stored under a cover.
To remove the cover to gain access to the
battery:
1. Disconnect the hood release cable
1and
any other cables from the battery cover.
2. Hold the battery top cover firmly and slide it towards the front of the car
2and
upwards
3.
3. Lift the cover up and away from the bat- tery.
NOTE
When installing the battery cover, remem-
ber to replace cables in their original posi-
tion.
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY
For a maintenance free battery it is not re-
quired to check the fluid level. However,
INFINITI recommends to visually check the
status of the green indicator
A(if so
equipped) periodically. If it is not visible, re-
place the battery as soon as possible.
NDI1590
NDI920Z
8-10Do-it-yourself