8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VK56VD engine model .............................................. 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 and filter .................................. 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .......................... 8-8
Power steering fluid ......................................................... 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
... 8-9 Brake fluid ..................................................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 8-11 Jump starting ............................................................. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Spark plugs ....................................................................... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .............................................. 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
. 8-14 Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-15
Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-15
Replacing ................................................................... 8-16
Rear window wiper blades .......................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-17
Brake booster ........................................................... 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-18 Engine compartment .............................................. 8-18
Passenger compartment ...................................... 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement ......................... 8-21
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-23
Headlights ................................................................ 8-24
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ............................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ............................................................. 8-27
Tire labeling .............................................................. 8-31
Types of tires ........................................................... 8-33
Tire chains ................................................................. 8-33
Changing wheels and tires .................................. 8-34
WAA0134X
VK56VD ENGINE MODEL
1. Window washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Fuse/fusible link holder
8. Battery
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Drive belts12. Air cleaner
Do-it-yourself8-3
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-8Do-it-yourself
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into posi-tion as the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip
out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into posi- tion.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push
the center of the clip in to lock the clip
in place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the undercover in place. Be careful not to
strip the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children. When checking or replacement is required,
we recommend an INFINITI retailer for
servicing.
CAUTION
.
It is recommended that you use only
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF may cause deterioration in dri-
veability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission. Damage
caused by the use of fluid other than
as recommended is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited
warranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (
: HOT MAX.,: HOT MIN.) at
fluid temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50 to
80°C) or using the COLD range (
: COLD
MAX.,: COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures
of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove
the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
. Do not overfill.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF) POWER STEERING FLUID
CAUTION
.Do not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will
bypass the variable voltage control
system and the vehicle battery may
not charge completely.
. Use electrical accessories with the
engine running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
The variable voltage control system mea-
sures the amount of electrical discharge
from the battery and controls voltage gen-
erated by the generator.
SDI2533
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Water pump
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position before servicing drive
belts. The engine could rotate unexpect-
edly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condition and tension in accordance with
the maintenance schedule shown in the
“9. Maintenance and schedules” section.
Do-it-yourself8-13
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEMDRIVE BELTS
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
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
missing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance trips.
If necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, to the pressure speci-
fied. 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.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
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,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other damage.
Have a damaged windshield repaired by a
qualified repair facility. It is recommended
that you have a damaged windshield re-
paired by an INFINITI retailer, or an INFINITI
Certified Collision Center. To locate a colli-
sion center in your area, refer to http://
collision.infinitiusa.com.
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 periodic 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.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your vehicle is held securely with the shift lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth
operation. 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 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.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, it is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjuster and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
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/headrests move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if so
Maintenance and schedules9-3
9-4Maintenance and schedules
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, 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 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 belt*: 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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules
Brake pads and rotors:
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,
replace the filter more frequently.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (4WD/RWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving condi-
tions, inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) according to the instructions
under “Explanation of scheduled mainte-
nance items” (P.9-5). When rotating 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.
To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, INFINITI provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive.
These schedules contain both distance and
time intervals, up to 120,000 miles
(192,000 km)/96 months. For most people,
the odometer reading will indicate when
service is needed. However, if you drive very
little, your vehicle should be serviced at the
regular time intervals shown in the schedule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions;
should be performed
on vehicles that are driven under especially
demanding conditions. Additional mainte-
nance items should be performed if you
primarily operate your vehicle under the
following conditions:
. Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
. Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9-8Maintenance and schedules
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = Lubricate
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles × 1,000
(km × 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
7.5
(12) 6 15
(24) 12 22.5
(36) 18 30
(48) 24 37.5
(60) 30 45
(72) 36 52.5
(84) 42 60
(96) 48 67.5
(108) 54 75
(120) 60 82.5
(132) 66 90
(144) 72 97.5
(156) 78 105
(168) 84 112.5
(180) 90 120
(192) 96
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1)RR RR
Automatic transmission fluid NOTE (2)
Brake fluid$ RR R R
Brake lines and cables II II I I I I
Brake pads and rotors$ II II I I I I
Drive belts NOTE (3) I*I*I* I*I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil & oil filter$ RRRRRRRRR R RR R R R R
EVAP vapor lines & Fuel lines I*I* I*I*
Exhaust system$ II I I
Fuel filter NOTE (2)
In-cabin microfilter RR RR R R R R
Intake & exhaust valve clearance NOTE (6)
Intelligent Key battery IRR R R
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (4WD models)$ II II I I I I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD models) LL LL LL LL
Spark plugs NOTE (7)Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts$ II I I
Tire rotation NOTE (8)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil See NOTE (9)II II II II