service INFINITI G35 2003 User Guide

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
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tor is visible, the tire should be re-
placed.
O Improper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your INFINITI retailer.
O For additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the INFINITI
Warranty Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the
ª10. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNINGO The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
O If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
O Do not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without
warning. O The use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
O For additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the INFINITI
Warranty Information Booklet.
Wheel balance Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the rear wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels O Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
O Clean the inner side of the wheels when the Do-it-yourself
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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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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
9-5
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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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10 Technical and consumer information Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids ........................................................................ 10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................................... 10-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............ 10-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............... 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................... 10-6
Specifications .......................................................... 10-7
Engine ................................................................ 10-7
Wheels and tires ................................................ 10-8
Dimensions and weights .................................... 10-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................... 10-9
Vehicle identification ............................................... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ........... 10-9
Vehicle identification number
(Chassis number) ............................................... 10-9
Engine serial number ....................................... 10-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............................ 10-10
Emission control information label ................... 10-11
Tire placard ...................................................... 10-11
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-12
Installing front bumper cover................................. 10-12
Installing front license plate................................... 10-13 Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-14
Terms ............................................................... 10-14
Determining vehicle load capacity.................... 10-14
Loading tips ...................................................... 10-15
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-15
Maximum load limits ......................................... 10-16
Towing safety ................................................... 10-17
Uniform tire quality grading ................................... 10-19
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-21
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ............................................................... 10-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................. 10-22
In the event of a collision ................................. 10-22
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Sedan models Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
For improved vehicle performance, INFINITI
recommends the use of unleaded premium
gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91
AKI number (Research octane number 96).
Coupe models Use unleaded premium gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87
AKI number (Research octane number 91)
may be temporarily used, but only under the
following precautions:
O Have the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as
possible.
O Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt accel-
eration.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso- line is recommended.
CAUTION Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
INFINITI supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. INFINITI does not recommend the use
of fuels of which the oxygenate content and
the fuel compatibility for your INFINITI cannot
be readily determined. If in doubt, ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
O The fuel must be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that recom-
mended for unleaded gasoline.
O If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
O If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in INFINITI vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experienced Technical and consumer information
10-3
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after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with
a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, south-
ern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico. Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
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Change intervals The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new INFINITI vehicle warran-
ties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
O repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
O driving in dusty conditions,
O extensive idling,
O towing a trailer,
O stop and go ªrush hourº traffic.
O aggressive driving RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC). AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS The air conditioning system in this INFINITI
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
INFINITI vehicle will not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not
affect the earth's atmosphere, certain govern-
mental regulations require the recovery and
recycling of any refrigerant during automotive
air conditioning system service. Your INFINITI
retailer has the trained technicians and equip-
ment needed to recover and recycle your air
conditioning system refrigerant.
Contact your INFINITI retailer when servicing
your air conditioning system. TI1028-C
10-6 Technical and consumer information
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