9-2Maintenance and schedules
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance
is essential to maintain your vehicle’s good
mechanical condition, as well as its emission
and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures regularly
as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a
few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this section
are required to be serviced at regular inter-
vals. However, under severe driving condi-
tions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips and training programs.
They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehiclesbeforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer’s service department can perform
the service needed to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have it checked promptly. In addi-
tion, it is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see “Maintenance precautions”
(P.8-2).
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in the “8. Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless other-
wise specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubri-
cate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-4Maintenance and schedules
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. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe condition require frequent
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 electro-
nic 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 belts*: Make sure that no belt is
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 recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. (See “Precautions when starting and
driving” (P.5-4) for exhaust gas (Carbon
monoxide).)
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
gasoline 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
engine off. Check the lines for proper attachment, 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, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will 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 accu-
mulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
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
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The main-
tenance schedule indicates at which mile-
age/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance, your
vehicle requires that some items be checked
during normal day-to-day operation. Refer
to “General maintenance” (P.9-2).
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 vehicle. Other
maintenance items and intervals are re-
quired.
When applicable, additional information can
be found in the “8. 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
validated by INFINITI.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Capacities
and recommended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-
2) of this manual.
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 NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with the
proper mixture. (Refer to “Engine cooling
system” (P.8-8) to determine the proper
mixture for your area.)
NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the
recommended service interval of the cool-
ant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the
specified intervals. For recommended oil
grade and viscosity refer to “Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2).
Engine valve clearance*:
Inspect only if valve noise increases. Adjust
valve clearance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tight-
en connections or replace parts as necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new
plugs of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTE-
NANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation.
Check for chafing, cracks, deterioration,
and signs of leaking. Replace any deterio-
rated or damaged parts immediately.
Maintenance and schedules9-5
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
10-6Technical and consumer information
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 for this service or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating 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.
FUEL INFORMATION (for
VK56VD engine model)
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI number
(Research octane number 91) may be tem-
porarily 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
acceleration. Use unleaded premium gasoline for max-
imum vehicle performance.
CAUTION
.
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
warranty coverage.
. Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage 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 designed for E-15 or E-
85 fuel can adversely affect the
emission control devices and systems
of the vehicle. Damage caused by
such fuel is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
. Do not use fuel that contains the
octane booster methylcyclopentadie-
nyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
Using fuel containing MMT may
adversely affect vehicle performance
and vehicle emissions. 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 iden-
tified by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percen-
tage for that region.
Gasoline specifications
INFINITI recommends using gasoline that
meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications where it is available.
Many of the automobile manufacturers
developed this specification to improve
emission system and vehicle performance.
Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Char-
ter (WWFC) specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. INFINITI supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use
reformulated gasoline when available.
10-8Technical and consumer information
that can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating 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 recommended you have an INFINITI
retailer correct the condition. Failure to
correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which INFINITI is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run 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 for this service or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating 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 heavyengine load.
A vehicle equipped with Intelligent All-
Wheel Drive (AWD) should never be tested
using a two wheel dynamometer (such as the
dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equipment.
Make sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the “ready condition” for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the “ready condition” can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a “not ready condi-
tion”. Before taking the I/M test, check the
vehicle’s inspection/maintenance test readi-
ness condition. Place the ignition switch in
the ON position without starting the engine.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test condition
is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer to set the “ready condition” or to
prepare the vehicle for testing.
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an
EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as:
.
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
. Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was depres-
sing the accelerator and/or brake pedal;
and,
. How fast the vehicle was traveling.
. Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no
personal data (e.g. name, gender, age and
crash location) are recorded. However, other
parties, such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type of
Technical and consumer information10-25
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US only)EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)
11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ................... 5-122
Active noise cancellation ................................. 5-128
Air bag systemFront-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ..................... 1-49
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system ...... 1-49
Air bag warning labels ........................................ 1-51
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-52, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ......... 10-16
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 10-10
Automatic climate control .......................... 4-32
Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ............................................ 2-30
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................... 5-9
Antenna .................................................................. 4-38
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................... 5-122
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................... 7-4
Armrest ...................................................................... 1-4
Around View
®Monitor ...................................... 4-10
Ashtrays ................................................................. 2-45
Audible reminders ................................................ 2-19 Auto closure .......................................................... 3-20
Autolight system .................................................. 2-35
Automatic
Automatic climate control ......................... 4-34
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ....... 8-13
Climate control ............................................... 4-32
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-15
Automatic door locks ............................................ 3-6
Automatic drive positioner ............................... 3-28
Automatic seat positioner ................................ 3-28
Average fuel consumption and speed ........... 2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-7
B
Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) .............. 5-54
Battery .................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ......... 3-2
Battery saver system .................................... 2-36
Intelligent Key ................................................. 8-25
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-18
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-13
Belts (See drive belts) ......................................... 8-18
Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) ......................... 5-41
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON
indicator light ......................................................... 2-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ............................... 5-32
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............. 5-122
Brake fluid ....................................................... 8-14 Brake force distribution ............................ 5-124
Brake system ................................................ 5-121
Parking brake operation .............................. 5-19
Brake warning light ............................................. 2-12
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-116
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-11
Bulb replacement ................................................. 8-27
C
Camera aiding sonar function ......................... 4-23
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ....................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ....................................... 4-38
Card holder ............................................................ 2-49
Catalytic converter Three way catalyst .......................................... 5-5
Chassis and body maintenance ....................... 9-10
Check tire pressure warning ............................. 2-23
Child restraints ...................................................... 1-19 LATCH system ............................................... 1-21
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-19
Child safety ............................................................ 1-17
Child safety rear door lock .................................. 3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .......................................... 2-19
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-15
Circuit breaker Fusible link ...................................................... 8-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ................... 7-2, 7-4
11-2
Climate controlAutomatic climate control .......................... 4-32
Clock ........................................................................\
2-45
Coat hooks ............................................................ 2-50
Cockpit ...................................................................... 2-3
Cold weather driving ........................................ 5-126
Compact spare tire ............................................ 8-40
Console box ........................................................... 2-49
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-9
Corrosion protection ............................................. 7-7
Cruise control ....................................................... 5-65 Fixed speed cruise control (on
ICC system) ..................................................... 5-85
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) ................. 5-67
Cruise indicator .................................................... 2-24
Cup holders ........................................................... 2-47
Current fuel consumption ................................. 2-27
D
Daytime running light system .......................... 2-36
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ............................................. 2-34
Dimensions .......................................................... 10-13
Distance Control Assist (DCA) ........................ 5-88
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator .................................................... 2-24 Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ......................................................... 2-13
Distance to empty ............................................... 2-27
Drive belts .............................................................. 8-18
Drive positioner .................................................... 3-28
Driving
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-126
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ..... 5-4
E
ECO drive indicator light .................................... 2-17
ECO mode ............................................................. 5-21
ECO pedal system ............................................... 5-21
Economy
Fuel .................................................................. 5-117
Elapsed time ......................................................... 2-27
Elapsed time and trip odometer ..................... 2-27
Emission control information label ............... 10-16
Emission control system maintenance ............ 9-8
Emission control system warranty .............. 10-23
Engine Before starting the engine .......................... 5-13
Break-in schedule ........................................ 5-116
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-11
Coolant temperature gauge ......................... 2-8 Emergency engine shut off ......................... 5-12
Engine block heater .................................... 5-127
Engine compartment check locations ........ 8-3
Engine cooling system ................................... 8-8
Engine oil ........................................................ 8-10
Engine oil and oil
filter recommendation .................................. 10-9
Engine oil replacement indicator ............... 2-25
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 10-9
Engine serial number ................................. 10-15
Engine specifications .................................. 10-11
Engine start operation indicator ............... 2-22
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 6-12
Starting the engine ....................................... 5-14
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-8
Entry/exit function
Automatic drive positioner ......................... 3-28
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ........................ 10-25
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........................ 5-4
Explanation of scheduled
maintenance items ................................................. 9-5
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .... 10-15
Filter Air cleaner housing filter ............................. 8-19
Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-11
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch) ......................................................... 6-2
Flat tire ...................................................................... 6-3
Flat towing ......................................................... 10-22