Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driv-
ing Tips to help you achieve the most fuel
economy from your vehicle.1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.
∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible.
∙ Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.
∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load. ∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not ex- ceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnec-
essary braking.
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
∙ Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed. ∙ Cruise control is particularly effective
in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid Idling
∙ Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
∙ Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid stop-
ping and starting.
9. Winter Warm Up
∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
∙ Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to ef-
fectively circulate the engine oil before
driving.
∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal operat- ing temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-129
10.Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system. ∙ Keep your engine tuned up.
∙ Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. 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, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual. If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
AWD system while the engine is running,
messages are displayed in the meter.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
(AWD) (if so equipped)
5-130Starting and driving
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
Most vehicle corrosion is caused by:∙ The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
∙ Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic collisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry com-
pletely inside the vehicle and should be re-
moved for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where the temperatures stay above freezing
and where atmospheric pollution exists and
road salt is used.
Temperature
High temperatures accelerate the rate of cor-
rosion to those parts which are not well ven-
tilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use
accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt
also accelerates the disintegration of paint
surfaces.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
∙ Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
∙ Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible.
∙ Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation.
∙ Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with
water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
∙ NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debrisfrom the passenger compartment by
washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt
with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
∙ Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this may dam-
age them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corro-
sion and deterioration of underbody compo-
nents such as the exhaust system, fuel and
brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fend-
ers.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended that you consult an
INFINITI retailer.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care7-7
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, applythe parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
∙ Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
∙ 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 work-
ing on your vehicle.
∙ Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle. ∙ 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.
∙ 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 the fuel tank and
battery.
∙ Because the fuel lines on gasoline engine models are under high pressure even
when the engine is off, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for ser-
vice of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
∙ Do not work under the hood while theengine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down. ∙ Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
engine coolant and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid.
∙ Never leave the engine or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) related
component harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
∙ Never connect or disconnect the battery or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “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. For additional information, refer to
“Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended that you have it
done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
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 remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
damage the spark plugs.
If replacement is required, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
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.
To remove the filter from the air cleaner, push
the tabs
Aand pull the cover upward.
The viscous paper type filter element should
not be cleaned and reused. Replace it accord-
ing to the maintenance log shown in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of this
manual.
When replacing the air filter, wipe the inside
of the air cleaner housing and the cover with
a damp cloth.
NOTE:
After installing a new air cleaner, make sure
the air cleaner cover is seated in the housing
and latch the clips
A.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of
airborne dust and pollen particles and re-
duces some objectionable outside odors. The
filter is located behind the glove box. Refer to
the "Maintenance and schedules" section of
this manual for change intervals.
LDI2553
AIR CLEANER
8-16Do-it-yourself
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to en-
sure they operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
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.
The fluid should be at the bottom of the filler
opening. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions require fre-
quent 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 elec-
tronic 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 belt*: Make sure the drive belt is
not 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
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For additional information, refer to
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
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 fuel 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 en-
gine off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, 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, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
9-4Maintenance and schedules
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, oth-
erwise rust may 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 accumulate. For additional informa-
tion, refer to the “Appearance and care” sec-
tion of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the sched-
uled maintenance items that should be regu-
larly checked or replaced. The maintenance
schedule indicates at which mileage/time in-
tervals each item requires service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance, your
vehicle requires that some items be checked
during normal day-to-day operation. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “General main-
tenance” in this section.
Items marked with
“*”are recommended by
INFINITI for reliable vehicle operation. You
are not required to perform maintenance on
these items in order to maintain the warran-
ties which come with your INFINITI. Other
maintenance items and intervals are required.
When applicable, additional information can
be found in the “Do-it-yourself” section of
this manual. NOTE:
INFINITI does not advocate the use of non-
OEM approved aftermarket flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against perform-
ing these services on an INFINITI product.
Many of the aftermarket flushing systems
use non-OEM approved chemicals or sol-
vents, the use of which has not been vali-
dated by INFINITI.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities” in
the “Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belt*:
Check engine drive belt for wear,
fraying or cracking and for proper tension.
Replace any damaged drive belt.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. 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 NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5
equivalent with the proper mixture. (For ad-
ditional information on the proper mixture for
your area, refer to “Engine cooling system” in
the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of the
coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer to
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if valve
noise increases. Adjust valve clearance if nec-
essary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as nec-
essary.
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness, or deterio-
ration. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally 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 damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear, de-
terioration and fluid leaks. Replace any dete-
riorated or damaged parts immediately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the exhaust
pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks, cracks,
deterioration, and damage. Tighten connec-
tions or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified in-
tervals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, replace the filter more fre-
quently.
Propeller shaft(s): Check for damage, loose-
ness, and grease leakage. (AWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots: Check for dam-
age, looseness, and leakage of oil or grease.
Under severe driving conditions, inspect more
frequently.
Tire rotation: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km) according to the instructions under “Explanation of general
maintenance items” in this section. When ro-
tating tires, check for damage and uneven
wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of
leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals.
9-6Maintenance and schedules