engine oil INFINITI FX 2012 User Guide

SSD0731
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
almost discharged, the guide light
*Aof
the Intelligent Key port blinks and the
indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display. (See “Dot matrix liquid
crystal display” (P.2-21).)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key
into the port
*1allows you to start the
engine. Make sure that the key ring side
faces backward as illustrated. Insert the
Intelligent Key in the port until it is latched
and secured. To remove the Intelligent Key from the port,
push the ignition switch to the OFF position
and pull the Intelligent Key out of the port.
NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge
the Intelligent Key battery. If you see the
low battery indicator in the dot matrix
liquid crystal display, replace the battery
as soon as possible. (See
“Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-27).)
CAUTION
.Never place anything except the Intelli-
gent Key in the Intelligent Key port.
Doing so may cause damage to the
equipment.
. Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the
correct direction when inserting it to the
Intelligent Key port. The engine may not
start if it is in the incorrect direction.
. Remove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port after the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning/indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
12).)
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

SSD0775
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the selector lever may not be moved from
the P (Park) position even with the brake
pedal depressed and the selector lever
button pushed.
To move the selector lever, perform the
following procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF orLOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
*Ausing a
suitable tool. 4. Push down the shift lock
*Bas
illustrated.
5. Push the selector lever button
*Cand
move the selector lever to N (Neutral)
position
*Dwhile holding down the
shift lock.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have an INFINITI retailer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.
Adaptive shift control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automa-
tically operates when the transmission is
in the "D" (drive) and "DS" (Drive Sport)
position and selects an appropriate gear
depending on the road conditions such as
uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow
smooth driving with a small number of
shifts. Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to
a low gear that suits the degree of the
slope, and uses the engine braking to
reduce the number of times that the brake
must be used.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel-
erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
. Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
. During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift
to a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by
the accelerator pedal when the vehicle
is in the Adaptive shift control mode.
. When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes
Starting and driving5-19

SSD0336
The AWD warning light is located in the
meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. It turns off soon after the engine
is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD
system while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about
twice per second) while trying to free a
stuck vehicle due to high power train oil
temperature. The driving mode may change
to two-wheel drive. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the
vehicle with the engine idling in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Pull off the road in a safe
area, and idle the engine. Check that all
tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
.
For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are raised.
. If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in
Starting and driving5-75
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

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

8-6Maintenance 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” (P.9-32).)
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.

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

SDI2264
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Radiator filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Drive belt location
11. Coolant reservoirThe 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” (P.6-11) of this man-
ual.
. The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
radiator cap.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

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.