maintenance INFINITI G35 2003 User Guide

unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
INFINITI retailer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
WARNING Be sure the engine and 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.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS If replacement is required, see your INFINITI
retailer for servicing.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs It is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the con-
ventional type spark plugs since they will last
much longer. Follow the maintenance sched-
ule but, do not reuse them by cleaning or
regapping.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs. SDI0145
SPARK PLUGS
Do-it-yourself
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If maintenance is required, see your INFINITI
retailer for servicing.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte-
nance intervals. See ªPeriodic maintenance
schedulesº in the ª9. Maintenanceº section for
maintenance intervals. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNINGO Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it is not
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed and be care-
ful when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed.
O Never pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with the
air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in serious injury. CAUTION O After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when
the engine hood is opened.
O Make sure the wiper blade contacts
the glass, otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
O Worn windshield wiper blades can
damage the windshield and impair
driver vision.
CLEANING If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter- gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
AIR CLEANER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
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WARNINGSee your INFINITI retailer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indi-
cator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed. For additional information, see
ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in the ª9.
Maintenanceº section for maintenance inter-
vals. High performance sports brake pad occasion-
ally makes squeak, squeal or other braking
noise because of its very high friction coeffi-
cient.
These occasional brake noise is normal, but if
it continues, see your INFINITI retailer.
BRAKE BOOSTER Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) re-
mains the same from one pedal application
to the next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a
little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradu-
ally with each depression as the vacuum is
released from the booster. If the brakes do not operate properly, see your
INFINITI retailer.
Do-it-yourself
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9 Maintenance General maintenance ................................................ 9-2
Explanation of maintenance items ....................... 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules .............................. 9-5 Schedule 1 ........................................................... 9-5
Schedule 2 ........................................................... 9-5
Explanation of maintenance items ..................... 9-10
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Your new INFINITI has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day-to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your INFINITI's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified 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.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are
essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as
prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your INFINITI retailer.
Periodic maintenance:
The maintenance items listed in this part are required to be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and serviced by an authorized
INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership information sys-
tems. They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehicles before work begins.
You can be confident that your INFINITI
retailer's service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a reliable
and economic way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your INFINITI retailer do it promptly. In addi-
tion, you should notify your INFINITI retailer if
you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.GENERAL 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.
Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips. If necessary, adjust the pres-
sure in all tires, including the spare, to the
specified pressure. Check carefully for dam-
age, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*: When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) (Sedan).
Tires cannot be rotated (Coupe).
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
pulls 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 ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar 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.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges and latches 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 fre-
quently.
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.
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.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure 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 se-
curely in all latched positions. Maintenance
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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
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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. To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and eco-
nomical driving, INFINITI provides two differ-
ent maintenance schedules that may be used,
depending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain both
distance and time intervals, up to 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)/48 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little, your
vehicle should be serviced at the regular time
intervals shown in the schedule. After 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, continue
periodic maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1 Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
O repeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
O repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
O operating in hot weather in stop-and-go
rush hour traffic.
O extensive idling and/or low speed driv-
ing for long distances, such as police,
taxi or door-to-door delivery use. O driving in dusty conditions.
O driving on rough, muddy, or salt spread
roads.
O towing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2 Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in Sched-
ule 1 apply to your driving habits.PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
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.
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Schedule 1 Abbreviations: R = Replace, I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. MAINTENANCE 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
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Brake lines & cables IIII
Brake pads & rotors IIIIIIII
Manual transmission gear oil or automatic trans-
mission fluid & differential gear oil See NOTE (1) IIII
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts IIIIIIII
Tire rotation See NOTE (2)
Exhaust system IIIIIIII
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
or 24 months. 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.
(2) Refer to ªTire rotationº under the ªGeneral maintenanceº heading earlier in this section.
Maintenance
9-7
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