check oil INFINITI FX 2012 User Guide

.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 care7-3

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement .................................... 8-2Scheduled 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
VK50VE engine ................................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-11 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-16
Battery .............................................................. 8-17 Jump starting ................................................ 8-19
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-19 Drive Belts ........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-22 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-22
Replacing..................................................... 8-23
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-24 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-24
Fuses ................................................................ 8-25 Engine compartment .................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment............................... 8-26
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-27
Lights................................................................ 8-29
Headlights ................................................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39

8-4Maintenance 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 restraints move 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”
(P.5-3) 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

SDI2262
VQ35HR ENGINE1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Drive belts11. Coolant reservoir
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

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.
SDI2045
VQ35HR engine
SDI2265
VK50VE engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ENGINE OIL

8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
*1. If the oil level is below*2,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill
*3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
.Place the safety jack stands under
the vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be at-tached to the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover. a. Remove the small plastic clip at thecenter point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and support
points are used to avoid vehicle damage.

SDI2024
VQ35HR engine—2WD models
SDI2047
VQ35HR engine —AWD models
SDI2266
VK50VE engine
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
*1with a
wrench and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter
*2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning
it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to engine
damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
additionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug witha new washer. Securely tighten the
drain plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick hole
while filling the engine with oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” (P.9-2) for drain and
refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends on the oil tempera-
ture and drain time. Use these specifi-
cations for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine the proper
amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required. 11. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover intoposition as the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic
clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the under- cover 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.

10-2
Cargo net .......................................................... 2-54Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................ 5-3
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning ............. 4-90
Center multi-function control panel ..................... 4-3Child restraints ................................................. 1-20 Booster seats ............................................... 1-34
LATCH system .............................................. 1-21
Precautions on child restraints ..................... 1-20
Child safety ...................................................... 1-18
Child safety rear door lock .................................. 3-6
Chimes Audible reminders ....................................... 2-21
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link............................... 8-25
Cleaning exterior and interior ....................... 7-2, 7-4
Climate control Automatic climate control .................. 4-43, 4-45
Clock ................................................................ 2-48
Coat hooks ....................................................... 2-53
Cockpit ............................................................... 2-3Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-85Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio system) ... 4-66
Compact spare tire ........................................... 8-42
Compass ............................................................. 2-9
Console box ...................................................... 2-52
Continuous Damping Control ............................. 5-77
Controller, Center multi-function control panel .... 4-5
Controls
Control panel button ...................................... 4-3INFINITI Controller .......................................... 4-5 Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/ lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................. 8-11Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-10
Corrosion protection ........................................... 7-6 Cover, Cargo cover ............................................ 2-55
Cruise control ................................................... 5-29 Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC system) ... 5-50
Cup holders ...................................................... 2-50
Current fuel consumption .................................. 2-28
D
Daytime running light system ........................... 2-40
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................ 2-36
Dimensions ....................................................... 9-10 Distance Control Assist (DCA) system ................ 5-54
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light .................................................... 2-14
Distance to empty ............................................. 2-28
Door/lift gate open warning .............................. 2-25
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ....................... 2-21
Drive belts ........................................................ 8-19
Drive positioner ................................................ 3-32
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ................................... 5-75
Cold weather driving .................................... 5-85Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-15
On-pavement and off-road driving .................. 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3 Safety precautions ......................................... 5-8
DS (Drive Sport) mode ...................................... 5-17
DVD player operation ........................................ 4-67
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................... 5-74
Elapsed time ..................................................... 2-28
Elapsed time and trip odometer ........................ 2-28
Emission control information label .................... 9-13
Emission control system warranty ..................... 9-29
Engine Before starting the engine ........................... 5-13
Break-in schedule ........................................ 5-74
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................. 8-11Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Coolant temperature gauge ............................ 2-8Emergency engine shut off ........................... 5-12
Engine block heater ..................................... 5-87
Engine compartment check locations ............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................... 8-9
Engine oil .................................................... 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .................. 2-26
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
Engine serial number ................................... 9-12
Engine specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine start operation indicator ................... 2-24

Low tire pressure warning system (See tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)) ................................. 5-4Low washer fluid warning ................................. 2-25
Luggage hooks ................................................. 2-54
M
Maintenance Battery ......................................................... 8-17
General maintenance ............................. 8-2, 8-3
Indicators for maintenance ........................... 2-26
Inside the vehicle .......................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements ............................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-17
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) ....................... 2-19
Map lights ........................................................ 2-63
Master warning light ......................................... 2-17
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .............. 3-3
Memory storage, Automatic drive positioner ..... 3-34
Meter, Trip computer ......................................... 2-28 Meters and gauges ............................................. 2-6 Instrument brightness control ...................... 2-41
Mirror
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-29
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-30
Vanity mirror ................................................ 3-32
Monitor, Rearview monitor ................................ 4-24
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-60
N
Net, Cargo net .................................................. 2-54
New vehicle break-in ......................................... 5-74
No key warning ................................................. 2-24
O
Odometer............................................................ 2-6
Off-road recovery ................................................ 5-7
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Engine oil .................................................... 8-11
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
Oil filter replacement indicator ..................... 2-26
Operation, Indicators for operation ................... 2-24 Outside air temperature .................................... 2-29
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-30
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ................... 6-11
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .............................................. 9-32
P
Panic alarm ...................................................... 3-16
Parking Brake break-in ............................................. 5-79
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-20
Parking brake release warning ..................... 2-24 Parking on hills ........................................... 5-76
Personal lights .................................................. 2-63
Phone Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .................. 4-94
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) ........... 4-105
Car phone or CB radio ................................. 4-93
Power Front seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Power door lock ............................................. 3-4
Power outlet ................................................ 2-49
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Power steering system ................................. 5-77
Power windows ............................................ 2-58
Precautions
Audio operation ........................................... 4-49
Braking precautions ..................................... 5-78
Child restraints ............................................ 1-20Cruise control .............................................. 5-29Driving safety................................................. 5-8
Lane departure warning (LDW) system ......... 5-22
Maintenance .................................................. 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving .................. 5-7
Seat belt usage ........................................... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ..................... 1-37
When starting and driving .............................. 5-3
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ........ 1-13
Preview function ............................................... 5-79
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................................................. 5-54
10-5