5-124Starting and driving
4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-tances.
.Observing the speed limit and notexceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel
efficiency due to reduced aerody-
namic drag.
.Maintaining a safe following distance
behind other vehicles reduces unne-
cessary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to anticipatechanges in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to roadconditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effectivein 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
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe 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 the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-8).)
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
engine is running, warning messages appear
in the vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warningappears, there
may be a malfunction in the Intelligent AWD
system. Reduce vehicle speed and have the
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
The “AWD High Temp.” (high temperature)
warning
may appear while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil tempera-
ture. The driving mode may change to Two-
Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine
idling, as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if
the warning turns off, you can continue
driving.
The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning
may
appear if there is a large difference between
the diameters of front and rear wheels. Pull
off the road in a safe area, with the engine
idling. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
that the tire pressure is correct and that the
tires are not excessively worn.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt 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 drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Starting and driving5-125
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-3
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-4VR30DDTT engine ..................................................... 8-4
2.0L turbo gasoline engine ...................................... 8-5
Engine cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models) ................................................................... 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ................................ 8-7
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models) ................................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ................................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-9
Intercooler cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models) ................................................................... 8-9 Checking intercooler coolant level ...................... 8-10
Changing intercooler coolant ............................... 8-10
Engine oil ........................................................................\
.. 8-10 Checking engine oil level ......................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ................................ 8-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ........................ 8-14
Power steering fluid (models with hydraulic pump
electric power steering) ................................................ 8-14
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Window washer fluid .................................................... 8-15 Battery ........................................................................\
...... 8-16
Main battery location ............................................ 8-17
Auxiliary battery location (for 2.0L turbo
gasoline engine models) ........................................ 8-17
Checking battery fluid level .................................. 8-18
Jump starting ........................................................... 8-19
Variable voltage control system ................................ 8-19
Drive belts ........................................................................\
8-19
Spark plugs ..................................................................... 8-20 Replacing spark plugs ............................................ 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
8-21
Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-22 Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-22
Replacing ................................................................... 8-22
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-23 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-23
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-23 Engine compartment ............................................. 8-24
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ......................... 8-26
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-29 Headlights ................................................................. 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-30
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself 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 moving. Move the shift
lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
. 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 working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work 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 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 fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
. Because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off,
it is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
.
Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly dis-
posed engine oil, coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage. If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended you
have it done by an INFINITI retailer.
Do-it-yourself8-3
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Do-it-yourself
JVC0968X
VR30DDTT ENGINE
1. Battery
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Fuse/fusible link holder6. Air cleaner
7. Engine drive belt location
8. Radiator filler cap
9 Intercooler cooling reservoir
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
JVC0646X
2.0L TURBO GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Fuse and fusible link holder
2. Main battery*
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir6. Fuse and fusible link holder
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine drive belt location
9. Power steering fluid reservoir (if so
equipped)
10. Window washer fluid reservoir *: The auxiliary battery is located in the
trunk. (See “Auxiliary battery location
(for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine mod-
els)” (P.8-17).)
Do-it-yourself8-5
8-10Do-it-yourself
JVM0653X
CHECKING INTERCOOLER
COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level
, add coolant to the
MAX level.
If the intercooler cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CHANGING INTERCOOLER
COOLANT
Intercooler coolant is maintenance-free.
If replacement is required, it is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Improper servicing can result in intercooler
overheating.
WARNING
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the intercooler cooling re-
servoir.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of the reach of
children and pets.
Intercooler coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
JVM0654X
VR30DDTT engine
ENGINE OIL
JVM0429X
2.0L turbo gasoline engine
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
.
If the oil level is below, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill
.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
.Place the safety jack stands under thevehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be attachedto the jack stand saddle.
5. For VR30DDTT engine models: Remove the plastic engine undercover.
.Remove the small plastic clip at thecenter point of the undercover.
.Then remove the other bolts that hold
the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Do-it-yourself8-11