• Wax your vehicle only after a thoroughwashing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
• Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in-
sects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from
the surface of the paint to avoid lasting dam-
age or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at an INFINITI retailer or any auto-
motive accessory store. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for these
products.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge
dampened in a mild soap solution, especially
during winter months in areas where road
salt is used. If not removed, road salt can
discolor the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid stain-
ing or discoloring the wheels:
• Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid
or alkali contents to clean the wheels. •
Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as am-
bient temperature.
• Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSINGS
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a
compound. This compound may come off the
tire while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
• Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat- ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
• Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
Appearance and care7-3
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 and oil filter ...............8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ............8-10
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ......................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir .............8-11
Battery ........................................ 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Variable voltage control system ................8-15
Drive belt ...................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-16
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-17Windshield wiper blades
........................ 8-18
Cleaning .................................... 8-18
Replacing ................................... 8-18
Brakes ......................................... 8-20
Fuses .......................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................ 8-21
Passenger compartment ....................8-22
Battery replacement ........................... 8-24
INFINITI Intelligent Key .....................8-24
Lights ......................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-26
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-28
Tire pressure ................................ 8-28
Tire labeling ................................ 8-33
Types of tires ............................... 8-37
Tire chains .................................. 8-38
Changing
wheels and tires ................... 8-39
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to pre-
vent serious accidental injury to yourself or dam-
age 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. Push the park button to engage the
P (Park) position.
• Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
• 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 remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
• 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.
• 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 the fuel tank and battery.
• Because the fuel lines on gasoline engine
models are under high pressure even
when the engine is off, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for ser-
vice 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 contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
engine coolant and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid. •
Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
• Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to other
positions.
This “Do-it-yourself” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine INFINITI service manual is also
available. For additional information, see
“Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” (P. 10-36).
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended that you have it
done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” (P. 6-3).
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
WARNING
Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use.
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
It monitors tire pressure of all tires
except the spare. When the low tire
pressure warning light is lit and the
“Tire Pressure Low – Add Air” warning
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play, one or more of your tires is sig-
nificantly under-inflated. If equipped,
the system also displays pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) on the dis-
play screen by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel.
The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
mph (25 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pres-
sure (for example a flat tire while
driving).
For additional information, see “Low
tire pressure warning light” (P. 2-18),
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P. 5-5) and “Flat tire” (P. 6-3).
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long
distance trips. The recommended tire
pressure specifications are shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label or the Tire and Loading In-
formation label under the “Cold Tire
Pressure” heading. The Tire and Load-
ing Information label is affixed to thedriver side center pillar. Tire pressures
should be checked regularly because:
• Most tires naturally lose air over
time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over potholes or other objects
or if the vehicle strikes a curb while
parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at mod-
erate speeds.
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals
outside the vehicle for inflating the
tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. For additional information,
see “TPMS with Tire Inflation Indica-
tor” (P. 5-7).
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-28Do-it-yourself
O1Tire size (example: P215/65R15
95H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de- signed for passenger vehicles (not
all tires have this information).
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millime-
ters of the tire from sidewall edge
to sidewall edge. 3. Two-digit number (65): This num-
ber, known as the aspect ratio,
gives the tire's ratio of height to
width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number (15): This num- ber is the wheel or rim diameter in
inches. 6. Two- or three-digit number (95):
This number is the tire's load index.
It is a measurement of how much
weight each tire can support.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
WDI0395
Example
8-34Do-it-yourself
O7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
O8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, In-
tended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that must
always face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
• When changing or replacing tires, be sure
all four tires are of the same type (i.e.,
Summer, All Season or Snow) and con-
struction. An INFINITI retailer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
• Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
• Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pressure
warning system.
• Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and differen-
tial gears. •
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
• Always use tires of the same size, brand,
construction (bias, bias-belted or radial),
and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Failure to do so may result in a circumfer-
ence difference between tires on the
front and rear axles which will cause ex-
cessive tire wear and may damage the
transmission and drivetrain parts.
• ONLY use spare tires specified for the
AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked and
corrected as necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Do-it-yourself8-37
All season tires
INFINITI specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than All Season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is sub-
stantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer
tires do not have the tire traction rating
“M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use
of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of
the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction ca-
pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are the proper size for
the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.
Use only SAE class “S” chains. Class
“S” chains are used on vehicles with restricted
tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” chains are designed to meet the
minimum clearances between the tire and the
closest vehicle suspension or body compo- nent required to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or cables).
The minimum clearances are determined us-
ing the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tire chain
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end
links of the tire chain must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whip-
ping action damage to the fenders or under-
body. If possible, avoid fully loading your ve-
hicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
8-38Do-it-yourself
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
INFINITI recommends rotating the
tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
For additional information on tire re-
placing procedures, see “Flat tire”
(P. 6-3).
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:
83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It is
recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specification at each tire
rotation interval.
WARNING
• After rotating the tires, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
• Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.).
• Do not include the spare tire in the
tire rotation.
• For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Tire wear and damage
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
WARNING
• Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced.
WDI0258WDI0259
Do-it-yourself8-39