engine coolant INFINITI G35 2003 User Guide

1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Air cleaner
SDI1485ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-4 Do-it-yourself
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The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system additives
are not necessary.
CAUTIONWhen adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a genuine NISSAN anti-
freeze coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized water/distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your engine
cooling system. Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freeze Deminer-
alized
water/
distilled
waterÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50% WARNING O Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down.
O See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section.
O The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX 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.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
INFINITI retailer. SDI1385
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself
8-5
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT O Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by your INFINITI retailer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual. O Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING O To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
O Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
O Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
O Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of
radiator, and remove radiator filler cap.
O Be careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.
O Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
2. Close the radiator drain plug securely after
the coolant is drained. 3. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of anti-freeze solution and demineral-
ized water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir
tank up to the MAX level. Then install the
radiator filler cap.
4. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load. Watch the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge for signs of overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level. Check the drain plug for any
sign of leakage.
6. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.SDI0114
8-6 Do-it-yourself
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WARNINGUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the clutch system.
CAUTIONDo not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash the surface with water.
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio. WARNING Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint. SDI1388
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-12 Do-it-yourself
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Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (For example, buckles, anchors, ad-
justers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*: Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully. Check
the brake booster function. Be sure to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Parking brake*: Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mecha-
nism: 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.
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).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
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, dete-
rioration or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after park- ing the vehicle on a level spot and turning off
the engine. (Wait at least 10 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.)
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level when the fluid is cold and the engine
is turned off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
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, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. See ªPrecautions when
starting and drivingº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section for exhaust gas (Carbon mon-
oxide).
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCleaning exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and
careº section.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
9-4 Maintenance
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Schedule 1 Abbreviations: R = Replace, I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: Perform service at the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km x 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Engine oil RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or 15208 65F00 or
equivalent) RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor lines I* I*
Fuel lines I* I*
Drive belts See NOTE (2) I*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3) R*
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED type) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Fuel filter See NOTE (4)
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* See NOTE (5)
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) Maintenance-free item (In-tank type fuel filter).
(5) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by INFINITI for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in order
to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
9-6 Maintenance
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Schedule 2 Abbreviations: R = Replace, I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: Perform service at the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months,
whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km x 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Engine oil RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or 15208 65F00 or equivalent) RRRRRRRR
Air cleaner filter [R] [R]
EVAP vapor lines I* I*
Fuel lines I* I*
Drive belts See NOTE (1) I*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2) R*
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED Type) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* See NOTE (4)
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) Maintenance-free item (In-tank type fuel filter).
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by INFINITI for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in order
to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
9-8 Maintenance
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EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Emission control system
maintenance Drive belts*: Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter: Under normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines: Check vapor lines and
connections for failure or looseness. If leaks
are found, replace them.
Fuel lines: Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Engine coolant*: Drain and flush the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*: Under normal driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*: Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance Brake lines & cables: Check the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads & rotors: Check these and the
other neighboring brake components for wear,
deterioration and leaks. Under severe driving
conditions, they may have to be inspected
more frequently.
Automatic transmission fluid*: Using auto-
matic transmission fluid other than Genuine
Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty. If
checking or replacement is required, we rec-
ommend your INFINITI retailer for servicing.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid should be replaced at the specified interval.
Manual transmission oil & differential gear
oil*: Check the oil level and visually inspect for
signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil should
be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts: Check for damage, looseness and leak-
age of oil or grease. Under severe driving
conditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Exhaust system: Visually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
In-cabin microfilter: Under normal condi-
tions, this microfilter should be replaced in
accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, in some situations, the microfilter
may clog more rapidly (depending on the air
conditioner's working environment). If this hap-
pens, the air flow may decrease, or the win-
dows may fog up easily when the air condi-
tioner is in use, the microfilter should be
replaced immediately at your INFINITI retailer.
9-10 Maintenance
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity. Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specificationsUS
measure Imp
measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil*7
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 5 qt 4-1/8 qt 4.7 O API Certification Mark*2, *3
O API grade SG/SH, Energy Conservin gI&IIorAPI grade SJ or SL, Energy
Conserving*2, *3
O ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, GF-III*2, *3Without oil filter change 4-5/8 qt 3-7/8 qt 4.4
Cooling system Sedan AT 9 qt 7-1/2 qt 8.5
With reservoir Coupe, Sedan MT 9-1/4 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.7
Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid Ð Ð Ð Genuine Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J*4
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*5
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instruc-
tions in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section. Genuine Nissan PSFII or equivalent*9
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine Nissan Brake Fluid*6 or equivalent DOT 3 (U.S. FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system lubricants Ð Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For additional information, see later in this section for fuel recommendation.
*2: For additional information, see later in this section for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*3: For additional information, see later in this section for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and
may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures always above 0ÉC (32ÉF).
*6: Available in mainland US through your INFINITI retailer.
*7: For additional information, see ªEngine oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*8: For additional information, see ªVehicle identificationº in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*9: Genuine Nissan PSF, Canada Nissan Automatic Transmission fluid, Dexron TM
III/Mercon TM
or equivalent ATF may also be used.CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS/FLUIDS
10-2 Technical and consumer information
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condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
O Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
O Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
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 performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
O Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
O Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
O Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
O Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
O Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, first apply the
parking brake and block the wheels, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, the transmission may be
damaged.
O When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending on a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of engine
overloading and/or overheating.
O If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
O Trailer towing consumes more fuel than
normal circumstances.
O Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
O Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule. O When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
O Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
O Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
O To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
sixth gear (manual transmission) or fifth
position (automatic transmission).
O Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently such as on long
down-hill sections of road. This could cause
10-18 Technical and consumer information
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