Infiniti EX35 (2012 year). Manual — part 27

7 Appearance and care

Cleaning exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7-2
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Removing spots. . . . . . . . . . . ... 7-3
Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7-3
Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 7-3
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7-4
Tire dressing . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 7-4

Cleaning interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Air fresheners . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7-6

Corrosion protection. . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Most common factors contributing to
vehicle corrosion . . . . . . . . . . ... 7-7
Environmental factors influence the rate
of corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 7-7
To protect your vehicle from corrosion . . ... 7-7

7-2

Appearance and care

In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to take proper
care of it.

To protect the paint surface, wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:

. after a rainfall to prevent possible

damage from acid rain

. after driving on coastal roads
. when contaminants such as soot, bird

droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface

. when dust or mud builds up on the

surface

Whenever possible, store or park your
vehicle inside a garage or in a covered
area.

When it is necessary to park outside, park
in a shady area or protect the vehicle with
a body cover.

Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.

WASHING

Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge
and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle
thoroughly using a mild soap, a special
vehicle soap or general purpose dishwash-
ing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.

CAUTION

.

Do not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid for
cleaning. The acid may react with some
plastic vehicle components, causing
them to crack. This could affect their
appearance, and also could cause them
not to function properly. Always check
with your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.

.

Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents.

.

Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.

.

Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care

must be taken when removing caked-on
dirt or other foreign substances so the
paint surface is not scratched or da-
maged.

Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.

Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt.
Therefore, these areas must be regularly
cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes in
the lower edge of the door are open. Spray
water under the body and in the wheel
wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.

Avoid leaving water spots on the paint
surface by using a damp chamois to dry
the vehicle.

WAXING

Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-
up wax residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance before reapplying wax.

An INFINITI retailer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.

CLEANING EXTERIOR

. Wax your vehicle only after a thorough

washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.

. Do not use a wax containing any

abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.

Machine compound 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,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at an INFINITI
retailer or any automotive accessory
stores.

UNDERBODY

In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from building
up and causing the acceleration of corro-
sion 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 clea-
ners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.

WHEELS

Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.

. Clean the inner side of the wheels when

the wheel is changed or the underside
of the vehicle is washed.

. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents

or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.

. INFINITI recommends that the road

wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.

CAUTION

Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.

Aluminum alloy wheels

Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in
a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is
used. Salt could discolor the wheels if not
removed.

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

Appearance and care

7-3

7-4

Appearance and care

ambient temperature.

.

Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.

CHROME PARTS

Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.

TIRE DRESSING

INFINITI does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce dis-
coloration of the rubber. If a tire dressing is
applied to the tires, it may react with the
coating and form a compound. This com-
pound 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

coating on the tire dissolves more
easily 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 diffi-
cult to remove).

. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a

dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.

. Allow the tire dressing to dry as

recommended by tire dressing manu-
facturer.

Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using
a vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush.
Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a
clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap
solution, then wipe clean with a dry soft
cloth.

Regular care and cleaning is required in
order to maintain the appearance of the
leather.

Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.

Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.

WARNING

Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classification
sensors. This can also affect the operation
of the air bag system and result in serious
personal injury.

CLEANING INTERIOR

CAUTION

.

Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material.

.

Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to the leather surfaces and
should be removed promptly. Do not use
saddle soap, car waxes, polishes, oils,
cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents or
ammonia-based cleaners as they may
damage the leather’s natural finish.

.

Only use fabric protectors approved by
INFINITI.

.

Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.

AIR FRESHENERS

Most air fresheners use a solvent that
could affect the vehicle interior. If you use
an air freshener, take the following pre-
cautions:

. Hanging-type air fresheners can cause

permanent discoloration when they
contact vehicle interior surfaces. Place
the air freshener in a location that
allows it to hang free and not contact

an interior surface.

. Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip

on the vents. These products can cause
immediate damage and discoloration
when spilled on interior surfaces.

Carefully read and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions before using air fresh-
eners.

FLOOR MATS

WARNING

To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision or injury:

.

NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position.

.

Use only genuine NISSAN floor mats
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle model. See your INFINITI retailer
for more information.

.

Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning aid.
See “Floor mat positioning aid” later in
this section.

The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can

extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.

Appearance and care

7-5

7-6

Appearance and care

SAI0039

Floor mat positioning aid

This model includes front floor mat brack-
ets to act as floor mat positioning aid.
NISSAN floor mats have been specially
designed for your vehicle model. The front
floor mats have grommet holes in them. To
install, simply position the mat by placing
the floor mat bracket through the floor mat
grommet hole while centering the mat in
the floorwell.

Periodically check to make certain that the
mats are properly positioned.

SAI0055

Bracket positions

The illustration shows the location of the
floor mat brackets.

SEAT BELTS

The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry
completely before using them.

See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint
system” section.

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or chemi-
cal solvents to clean the seat belts, since
these materials may severely weaken the
seat belt webbing.

MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRI-
BUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION

. The accumulation of moisture-retaining

dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.

. Damage to paint and other protective

coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLU-
ENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION

Moisture

Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can accelerate
corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should
be removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.

Relative humidity

Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those
areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing where atmospheric pollution ex-
ists, or where road salt is used.

Temperature

A temperature increase will accelerate the
rate of corrosion to those parts which are
not well ventilated.

Air pollution

Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disinte-
gration of paint surfaces.

TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION

. Wash and wax your vehicle often to

keep the vehicle clean.

. Always check for minor damage to the

paint and repair it as soon as possible.

. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the

doors open to avoid water accumula-
tion.

. Check the underbody for accumulation

of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash
with water as soon as possible.

CAUTION

.

NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris
from the passenger compartment by
washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt
with a vacuum cleaner.

.

Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this may
damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface deicing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor
pan and fenders.

In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.

For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, consult an INFINITI retailer.

Appearance and care

7-7

CORROSION PROTECTION

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Maintenance requirement . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Scheduled maintenance . . . . . . . . .. 8-2
General maintenance. . . . . . . . . ... 8-2
Where to go for service . . . . . . . . ... 8-2

General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-3

Explanation of maintenance items . . . . ... 8-3

Maintenance precautions. . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Engine compartment check locations . . . . ... 8-7

VQ35HR engine . . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-7

Engine cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Checking engine coolant level . . . . . . . 8-9
Changing engine coolant . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8-10

Checking engine oil level. . . . . . . ... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter . . . . . ... 8-10

Automatic transmission fluid . . . . . . . . 8-12
Power steering fluid. . . . . . . . . . ... 8-13
Brake fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Window washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8-15

Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Variable voltage control system . . . . . . . 8-17
Drive belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8-18

Replacing spark plugs . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Air cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Windshield wiper blades . . . . . . . . ... 8-20

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8-20
Replacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20

Rear window wiper blades . . . . . . . . 8-21
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8-21

Self-adjusting brakes . . . . . . . . ... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning . . . . . . . .. 8-21

Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22

Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Passenger compartment. . . . . . . ... 8-23

Intelligent Key battery replacement . . . . ... 8-24
Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26

Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights . . . . . . ... 8-28

Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-30

Tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-30
Tire labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-33
Types of tires. . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-35
Tire chains. . . . . . . . . . . . ... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires. . . . . . ... 8-37

8-2

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Your new INFINITI has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with long service intervals to save you both
time and money. However, some day-to-
day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your INFINITI’s fine 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 care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items are
described and listed in your “INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide”. You must
refer to that guide to ensure that necessary
maintenance is performed on your INFINITI
at regular intervals.

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 reg-
ularly as prescribed.

Performing general maintenance checks
requires 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.

WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE

If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced by an
INFINITI retailer.

INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and in-retailer-
ship information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehicles before work begins.

You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer’s service department performs the

best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle — in a reliable and
economical way.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT

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 smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.

When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS

Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this
section.

Outside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.

Doors and engine hood: Check that all
doors and the engine hood, operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch

is released.

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 check-
ing 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 specified. 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.

Tire, 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 Book-
let.

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.

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.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-3

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

8-4

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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 selector
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, see an INFINITI retailer
immediately. 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, see an INFINITI
retailer.

Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, 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 restraint/headrest
moves up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in
all latched positions.

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 tempera-

tures or under severe condition require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.

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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section 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,
deformation, 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
substances, 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
accumulate. For additional information,
see “Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appear-
ance and care” section.

Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.

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 selector lever to P
(Park).

.

Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.

.

Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.

.

Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
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 whenever
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 auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key 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.

.

On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
an INFINITI retailer because the fuel lines

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-5

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

8-6

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.

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 engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid.

This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section gives instructions 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” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion.)

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, we recommend
that it be done by an INFINITI retailer.

SSI0388

VQ35HR ENGINE

1.

Fuse/fusible link holder

2.

Battery

3.

Radiator filler cap

4.

Engine oil dipstick

5.

Engine oil filler cap

6.

Brake fluid reservoir

7.

Window washer fluid reservoir

8.

Power steering fluid reservoir

9.

Air cleaner

10. Drive belts

11. Engine coolant reservoir

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

8-8

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-
round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The antifreeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.

WARNING

.

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. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.

.

The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
radiator cap.

CAUTION

.

When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted to
provide antifreeze protection to −348F
(−378C). If additional freeze protection is
needed due to weather where you
operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the direc-
tions on the container. If an equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used,
follow the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to −348F (−378C). The
use of other types of coolant solutions
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling system.

.

The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), including

Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (green), or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
Refer to the INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.

.

Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause
damage to the engine, transmission
and cooling system.

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

SDI2198

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL

Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below MIN

*

2

, open the reservoir

tank cap and add coolant up to the MAX

*

1

level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiator when the
engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level

*

1

.

Tighten the cap securely after adding
engine coolant.

This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years.
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant. Refer
to the INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide for more details.

If the cooling system requires coolant
frequently, have it checked by an INFINITI
retailer.

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT

Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by an INFINITI retailer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.

WARNING

.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.

.

Never remove the radiator cap when the

engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.

.

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 reach of children and
pets.

Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-9