steering INFINITI FX 2012 Manual Online

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

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” (P.7-2).
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-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

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

Contact an INFINITI retailer if replacement
is required.
CAUTION
.Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will
cause deterioration in driveability and
automatic transmission durability, and
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion, which 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 (
*1: HOT MAX.,*2: HOT MIN.)
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 1768F (50
to 808C) or using the COLD range (
*3:
COLD MAX.,
*4: COLD MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 868F(0to30 8C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
. Do not overfill.
. Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID

JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see“Jump
starting” (P.6-8). If the engine does not
start by jump starting, the battery may
have to be replaced. Contact an INFINITI
retailer.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 en-
gine 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
generated by the generator.SDI2152
VQ35HR engine
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEM DRIVE BELTS

8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI1411B
VK50VE engine
1. Water pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Power steering fluid pump
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 unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or loosen- ess. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by
an INFINITI retailer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condition and tension in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in your
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
damage the spark plugs.
SPARK PLUGS

9-2Technical and consumer information
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 23-3/4 gal19-3/4 gal 90 See“Fuel recommendation” (P.9-4).
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
With oil filter change VK50VE
7-1/8 qt
5-7/8 qt 6.7
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30
VQ35HR
5-1/8 qt
4-3/8 qt 4.9
Without oil filter change VK50VE
6-1/8 qt
5-1/8 qt 5.8
VQ35HR 4-7/8 qt
4 qt4.6
Cooling system
With reservoir VK50VE
11-5/8 qt9-5/8 qt
11
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
VQ35HR
9-3/4 qt8-1/8 qt
9.2
Reservoir VK50VE
7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
VQ35HR 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid ———
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*3
Front differential gear oil ———Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5
Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4
Rear differential gear oil VQ35HR without towing package
——— Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5,
Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4
VK50VE/VQ35HR with towing
package ———
API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
Transfer fluid ———Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the“8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ———
NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ———
HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ———NISSAN A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ———Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1:
For additional information, see “Engine oil”(P.8-11) for changing engine oil.*2:INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at INFINITI retailers.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS

serious accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by overload-
ing are not covered by the
vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels sepa-
rately to determine axle loads. In-
dividual axle loads should not
exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR). The total of
the axle loads should not exceed the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights
below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer
and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance and may
lead to accidents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 MPH
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drivetrain, steering, braking and other
systems. An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at www.InfinitiU-
SA.com. This guide includes information on
trailer towing capability and the special
equipment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the
“Towing Load/
Specification” chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
. When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart.
Technical and consumer information9-19
TOWING A TRAILER

to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. The safety chains can be attached to
the bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to
the bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack
in the chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more than
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer retailer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact an
INFINITI retailer or reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is
properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly
to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
.
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the
vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up
or nose-down condition; check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn
suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible
in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low. .
Load the trailer so approximately 60%
of the trailer load is in the front half and
40% is in the back half. Also make sure
the load is balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light opera-
tion, and trailer wheel lug nuts every
time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local
regulations. If not, install any mirrors
required for towing before driving the
vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the
vehicle and trailer so the required
clearance is known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’ s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Steering stability, and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin
or lock to prevent the coupler from
Technical and consumer information9-25