•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
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
•Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
•Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to re-
move).
•Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
•Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the in-
terior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe
the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean,
soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution,
then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order
to maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that may
stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a soft cloth dampened only with water to
clean the meter and gauge lens covers.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can dam-
age the seat or occupant classification sen-
sor. This can also affect the operation of
the air bag system and result in serious per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
•Never use benzine, thinner or any similar
material on the interior surfaces or sur-
face damage may occur. Such damage is
not covered under the INFINITI war-
ranty.
•Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to leather surfaces and should
be removed promptly. Do not use saddle
soap, car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents or
ammonia-based cleaners as they dam-
age the leather's natural finish.
•Never use fabric protectors unless rec-
ommended by the manufacturer.
•Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam-
age the lens covers.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
•Hanging-type air fresheners can cause
permanent discoloration when they con-
tact vehicle interior surfaces. Place the air
freshener in a location that allows it to
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
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
2.0L GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-3)
2. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-5)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-5)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-7)
5. Engine air cleaner filter (P.8-13)6. Battery (P.8-9)
7. Fuse box (P.8-17)
8. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-8)
WARNING
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round,
antifreeze coolant solution. The antifreeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibi-
tors, therefore additional cooling system
additives are not necessary.
•Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused by
high-pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. For additional information on
precautions, refer to "If your vehicle
overheats" in the "6. In case of emer-
gency" section
•The engine coolant reservoir tank is
equipped with a pressure type cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only a
genuine INFINITI pressure cap.
CAUTION
•Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause dam-
age to the engine, transmission and/or
cooling system.
NIC2833
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-3
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to "Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities" in
the "10. Technical information" section.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying or
cracking and for proper tension. Replace any
damaged drive belts
Engine air filter*:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving
for prolonged periods in dusty conditions,
check/replace the filter more frequently.
Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval.
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only Genuine INFINITI Engine Coolant or
equivalent in its quality (BASF Glysantin®
G40®). (For additional information, refer to
"Engine cooling system" in the "9. Mainte-
nance and Schedules" sectionnanceand
SchedulesMaintenance and Schedules" sec-
tion nanceand SchedulesMaintenance and
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and Schedules" section.)
NOTE
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the rec-
ommended service interval of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the speci-
fied intervals. For recommended oil grade
and viscosity refer to "Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities" in the "10. Techni-
cal information" section calinformationTech-
nical information" section information"
section.
Fuel filter:
Replace the fuel filter and drain the water at
the specified intervals.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new
plugs of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation. Check
for chafing, cracks, deterioration, and signs
of leaking. Replace any deteriorated or dam-
aged parts immediately.
Brake pads, rotors, drums, & 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, re-
place the filter more frequently.
9-6Maintenance and Schedules
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill quantities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedures instructed
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate) Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric Measure US measure Imperial Measure
Fuel tank 50 L
(4WD: 56 L) 13.2 gal
(4WD: 14.8 gal 11 gal
(4WD: 12.3 gal)
–See "Fuel recommendation" later in this section.
Engine oil (*)
Drain and refill with oil filter
change 5.6 L
6 qt5 qt The approximate capacities listed are for refilling during an engine oil change. *:
For additional information, see "Changing engine oil" in the "8. Do-it-yourself"
section.
2.0L gasoline engine:
–Engine oil meeting specification MB229.5, viscosity SAE 0W-30 or equivalent–As an alternative to this recommended oil, engine oils meeting specification
MB229.5, viscosity SAE 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40 may be used and meet
all specifications and requirements necessary to maintain the new vehicle
limited warranty.
For additional information, see "Engine oil and oil filter recommendations" later in
this section.
Cooling system
with Reservoir 7.6
8.1 qt 6.7 qt
–Genuine INFINITI Engine Coolant or equivalent in its quality
BASF Glysantin® G40®
–Use Genuine INFINITI Engine Coolant, or equivalent in its quality, in order to
avoid possible aluminum corrosion within the engine cooling system caused by
the use of non-genuine engine coolant. Note that any repairs for incidents
with the engine cooling system while using non-genuine engine coolant may
not be covered by the warranty even if such incidents occurred during the
warranty period.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) 6.21 L
6.6 qt 5.5 qt Shell DCT-M1
Brake fluid Refill to the proper fluid level accord-
ing to the instructions in the “8. Main- tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
–Genuine INFINITI brake fluid DOT4+ or equivalent.–Never mix different types of fluids.
Differential gear oil 0.74 L0.8 qt0.65 qt
–Castrol BOT 355 75W-85
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
10-2Technical information
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate) Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric Measure US measure Imperial Measure
Multi-purpose grease —— —
–NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioner system refrig-
erant —— —
–HFC-134a
Air conditioner system lubri-
cant —— —
–INFINITI A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Re-
search octane number 95).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rat-
ing of at least 89 AKI number (Research oc-
tane number 93) may be temporarily used,
but only under the following precautions:
•Have the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as
possible.
•Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt ac-
celeration.
Use unleaded premium gasoline for maxi-
mum vehicle performance.
CAUTION
•Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol system, and may also affect war-
ranty coverage.
•Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will dam-
age the three-way catalyst.
•Do not use E-15 or E-85 fuel in your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed to
run on E-15 or E-85 fuel. Using E-15 or
E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifically de-
signed for E-15 or E-85 fuel can ad-
versely affect the emission control de-
vices and systems of the vehicle.
Damage caused by such fuel is not cov-
ered by the INFINITI New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
•Do not use fuel that contains the octane
booster methylcyclopentadienyl man- ganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Using fuel
containing MMT may adversely affect
vehicle performance and vehicle emis-
sions. Not all fuel dispensers are labeled
to indicate MMT content, so you may
have to consult your gasoline retailer for
more details. Note that Federal and
California laws prohibit the use of MMT
in reformulated gasoline.
•U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and black
label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Technical information10-3
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting additive.
INFINITI does not recommend the use of fuel
containing MMT. Such fuel may adversely
affect vehicle performance, including the
emissions control system. Note that while
some fuel pumps label MMT content, not all
do, so you may have to consult your gasoline
retailer for more details.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold com-
mercially. Many of these additives intended
for gum, varnish or deposit removal may con-
tain active solvent or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you detect
a persistent heavy spark knock even when
using gasoline of the stated octane rating, or
if you hear steady spark knock while holding
a steady speed on level roads, it is recom-mended you have an INFINITI retailer cor-
rect the condition. Failure to correct the con-
dition is misuse of the vehicle, for which
INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerat-
ing or driving up hills. This is no cause for
concern, because you get the greatest fuel
benefit when there is light spark knock for a
short time under heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance. For
additional information, refer to "Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities"
earlier in this section.
Select only engine oils that meet the
MB229.5 specification and SAE viscosity
standard. These oils have the MB229.5
specification label on the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause en-
gine damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
Technical information10-5