8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.........................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ..............8-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-5
Changing engine coolant ......................8-5
Engine oil ........................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .......................8-6
Changing engine oil ...........................8-7
Changing engine oil filter ..................... 8-8
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ....8-9
Power steering fluid ..............................8-9
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-10
Windshield-washer fluid ......................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir .............8-11
Battery ........................................ 8-12
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Drive belt ...................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-16In-cabin microfilter
.......................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ........................ 8-17
Cleaning .................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes ......................................... 8-19
Fuses .......................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................ 8-20
Passenger compartment .....................8-21
Battery replacement ............................ 8-22
INFINITI Intelligent Key ......................8-22
Lights ......................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................. 8-24
Fog lights ................................... 8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-25
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-28
Tire pressure ................................ 8-28
Tire labeling ................................. 8-32
Types of tires ............................... 8-34
Tire
chains .................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ...................8-36
VQ35DD engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Drive belt location
4. Fuse box
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Fuse box
9. Fuse/Fusible link box
10. Battery
11. Engine oil dipstick
12. Radiator cap
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Some engine covers removed for clarity.
LDI3131
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add en-
gine oil if necessary.CAUTION
∙ INFINITI recommends using GenuineNISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in INFINITI CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
∙ Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or Manual transmission fluid in an
INFINITI CVT, as it may damage the CVT.
Damage caused by the use of fluids other
than as recommended is not covered un-
der INFINITI’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused by
the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under INFINITI’s
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, we recommend an INFINITI retailer
for servicing. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the
fluid is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to
86ºF (0 to 30ºC). The fluid level can be
checked with the level gauge which is at-
tached to the cap. To check the fluid level,
remove the cap. The fluid level should be
between the MAX
Aand MINBlines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
Bline, add
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.
LDI2861
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-9
WARNING
Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
∙ DO NOT OVERFILL.
∙ Use of a power steering fluid other thanGenuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent
will prevent the power steering system
from operating properly.
WARNING
∙ Use only new fluid from a sealed con-tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake system. The use of
improper fluids can damage the brake
system and affect the vehicle’s stopping
ability.
∙ Clean the filler cap before removing.
∙ Brake fluid is poisonous and should be stored carefully in marked containers out
of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface with
water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
B, the brake
warning light will illuminate. Add brake fluid
up to the MAX line
A. For additional infor-
mation on the recommended type of brake
fluid, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
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.
For additional information on the location of
the brake fluid reservoir, refer to “Engine
compartment check locations” in this section.
LDI2463
BRAKE FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself
latch keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
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 operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are miss-
ing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge of-
ten and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires, in-
cluding the spare, 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 replaced due to wear or
age. Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle 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 normal 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 regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have
a damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
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 the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal. Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth op-
eration. 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 vehicle checked immediately.
It is recommended that 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.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P
(Park) position mechanism: On a fairly steep
hill check that the vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be se-
curely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
needs adjustment, it is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
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.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
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
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
CHASSIS & BODY
MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace,
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Brake lines & cables II I II I
Brake pads & rotors II I II I
Brake fluid RRR
CVT fluid See NOTE (1)II I II I
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II I II I
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts III
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Propeller shaft (AWD models) & drive shaft boots II I II I
Exhaust system III
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intelligent Key battery RRRR
9-10Maintenance and schedules