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...............8-9
Maintenance free battery..............8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System.......8-10
Battery replacement.................8-10
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection......................8-12
Jump-starting.....................8-12
Drive belt..........................8-12
Spark plugs.........................8-12
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.................8-18
Passenger compartment..............8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement........
.8-20
Checking the battery.................8-21
Replacing the battery.................8-21
Lights............................8-23
Exterior and interior lights..............8-23
Replacement procedures..............8-25
Wheels and tires......................8-27
Tire Pressure......................8-27
Tire inflation pressure................8-30
Tire labeling......................8-30
Types of tires.....................8-32
Tire chains.......................8-33
Tire wear and damage................8-33
Tire rotation......................8-34
Replacing wheels and tires.............8-34
Wheel balance.....................8-36
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, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Press the P (Park) button.
•Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
•Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Always turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
•If you must work with the engine run-
ning, 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 any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working 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 by a jack.
•Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent connector while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
•On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection system, the fuel
filter and fuel lines should be serviced by
an INFINITI retailer or qualified work-
shop because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the engine is
turned off.
•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.
•Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
•Never leave the engine or the transmis-
sion related component harness connec-
tor disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle
fluids can hurt the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluids.
This “ 8. Do-it-yourself” section provides in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended you
have it done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
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"
•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
LOCATIONSENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-3
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches the normal operating tempera-
ture, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Remove the engine undershield.
5.
Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and com-
pletely drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be
changed, remove and replace it at this
time. For additional information, refer to
"Changing engine oil filter" later in this
section.
•Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
•Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 22 ft-lb,
30 N•m
8. Refill engine with recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
For additional information on drain and
refill capacity, refer to "Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities".
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always
use the dipstick to determine when the
proper amount of oil is in the engine.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct
as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
1.
4. Loosen the oil filter
1with an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
NDI1622NDI1610
2.0L gasoline engine
8-6Do-it-yourself
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface
with a clean rag.
CAUTION
•Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the sealing surface of
the engine. Failure to do so could lead to
an oil leak and engine damage.
•The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole when filling the engine with oil.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
Engine oil filter tightening torque: 19 ft-lb,
25 N•m
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer if checking or replacement is required.
CAUTION
•Use only Shell DCT-M1 or equivalent.
Do not mix with other fluids.
•Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Shell DCT-M1 may cause de-
terioration in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may dam-
age the automatic transmission. Dam-
age caused by the use of fluids other
than as recommended is not covered by
the warranty.
WARNING
•Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
systems. 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 the reach of children.
CAUTION
•Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces.
This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, wash with water.
NDI1599
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(ATF)BRAKE FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-7
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
2, the brake
warning light will illuminate. Add brake fluid
up to the MAX line
1. Use Genuine INFINITI
brake fluid DOT4+ or equivalent. Never mix
different types of fluids. For additional infor-
mation on the recommended type of brake
fluid, refer "Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities".
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.Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir pe-
riodically. Add fluid when the low washer
fluid warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for bet-
ter cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of windshield-washer fluid.Recommended fluid is Genuine INFINITI
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.CAUTION
•Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
•Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
•Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
NDI1601
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-8Do-it-yourself
Parking brake*:
Check the parking brake operation regularly.
Also make sure that the vehicle is held se-
curely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied. If the parking brake
needs adjustment, it is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if so equipped) hold se-
curely in all latched positions.
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.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering condition,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes
are operating properly.Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in good 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*:
Except for maintenance free battery, check
the fluid level in each cell. It should be be-
tween the “UPPER” and “LOWER” lines.
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 electronic
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 be-
tween the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the res-
ervoir.
Coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Engine drive belt(s)*:
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 recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. See "Precau-
tions when starting and driving".
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
9-4Maintenance and Schedules
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".
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.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (4WD/AWD).Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage of
oil or grease.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) according to the instructions un-
der "Tire rotation*" earlier in this section.
When rotating tires, check for damage and
uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil, trans-
fer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at speci-
fied intervals.
9-6Maintenance and Schedules