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Classification: Reference: Date:

EC01-015a ITB01-025a October 3, 2001

FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING FOR VEHICLES WITH ROUGH IDLE,HESITATION OR MIL ‘ON’ WITH DTC P0300-P0306 STORED

ATTENTION: THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED.

Page 4 of the Service Procedure section has been revised to include an initial check of injectorresistance prior to conducting cleaning for vehicles in states with alcohol in the gasoline.

Please refer to this bulletin (ITB01-025a) for complete information.

APPLIED VEHICLE: 1997-00 QX4 (JR50)

APPLIED ENGINE: All VG33E

INTRODUCTION:After extensive research and testing of cleaning performance and chemical compatibility to our vehicles, by thisservice bulletin Infiniti is prescribing fuel injector cleaning as the appropriate and required repair for certaininjector related incidents. Fuel injection cleaning can be more effective than replacing an injector since it treatsall injectors at once and can prevent later injector incidents at other cylinders. The fuel injection cleaning tooland 3M cleaning product described in this bulletin is the ONLY approved fuel injection cleaning system at thistime for Infiniti vehicles.For warranty claims, fuel injection cleaning is initially being applied to VG30/VG33 engine applicationsdescribed in this bulletin, but other models/engines may be added later. Dealers at their discretion may use thisfuel injection cleaning on any Infiniti model/engine for customer-pay preventive maintenance or repair.

SERVICE INFORMATIONIf after performing Service Manual diagnostic procedures for:

• Rough idle,• Engine hesitation,• MIL “On” DTC P0300-P0306,It is determined that the injectors are operating but may not be providing adequate flow, the fuel injectors mayneed to be cleaned.This bulletin applies to vehicles that have been in service for some time (at least 6,000 miles) and havedeveloped one of the incidents listed above as a result of fuel related deposits.This bulletin contains procedures for using the new 3M fuel injector cleaning system (J-45701), to remove flow-restricting deposits from the injectors.

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IMPORTANT:• To avoid catalytic converter damage while performing injector cleaning, carefully follow the steps

outlined under “Important Notes For Engine Running Condition” on page 11.

• Two (2) cans (2x10-oz) of 3M cleaner 08956 (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM103P) are used for each incidentvehicle to achieve appropriate results.

• Use of any other cleaning product, including the former Nissan Injector Cleaner P/N 99990-10017, isnot permitted and may cause harm to injectors or other areas of the fuel system.

• Only 1 can of cleaner is needed for customer-pay preventive maintenance rather than 2 cans for incidentvehicles.

Cleaning Overview:• The 3M fuel injection cleaning system consists of a pressurized fuel injector cleaner can (3M P/N: 08956)

that contains a mix of concentrated cleaning chemicals, petroleum based product, and 100 psi nitrogen gaspropellant.

• The can contains a valve that keeps the can sealed after use.

• The 3M fuel injector cleaner can is attached to the 3M tool with a quick connect adapter.

• The tool is then connected to the vehicle’s fuel rail via a regulator/hose, in place of the inlet hose comingfrom the vehicle’s fuel pump.

• A clamp tool is installed on the fuel return hose to block the cleaner from entering the fuel tank.

• The cleaning can is hung from the underhood with a clip/hanger assembly.

• This setup is known as a fuel rail flush type of cleaning system.

Cleaning Process:• The engine will run reasonably smooth at warm engine idle from the contents of the cleaner because it

includes petroleum based product mixed with the cleaner.

• During cleaning, the vehicle’s fuel pump is disabled and the fuel inlet hose, at the fuel rail coming from thefuel pump, is removed and plugged.

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KIT NOTES:

• The Fuel Injector Cleaner Kit (J-45701) is an essential tool and will be sent to each applicable dealer (seethe note on page 1 under “Applied Engines”).

• Additional kits can be ordered from TechMate at 1-800-662-2001.

• For replacement of kit parts (except the 3M cleaner can P/N 08596), contact the 3M “Fulfillment Center” at1-800-773-1594 or contact your local 3M sales representative.

• Order the cleaning can P/N 08956 (Nissan P/N 999MP-AM103P) from the “Infiniti Chemical Care ProductProgram”. You can access this direct ship program three different ways:1. Website: www.NissanChemicals.com2. Phone: 1-800-811-05023. Fax: 1-904-389-8279

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Universal hose3M P/N: 08838

Regulator3M P/N: 08828

Fuel Injector Cleaner Kit J-45701

5/16" fuel supply line adapter(hose clamp type connector)3M P/N: 08920

Can mating adapters3M P/N: 08927

Holder3M P/N:08837

Fuel injector cleaner*3M P/N: 08596(Nissan P/N:999MP-AM103P)*Not included in kit J-45701

Hose clamps (6)

Fuel supply line adapter(flange type connector)3M P/N: 08552-3

O-Rings forflange adapter (6)

Seals foruniversal hose (6)

O-ring, seal, andclamp set3M P/N: 08554-7

Fuel return hose clamp3M P/N: 08556-1

Combination fuel supply line plug 3M P/N: 08555-4

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Fuel Injector Cleaning PrecautionsBefore starting the procedure, please note the following precautions:

• During the setup and cleaning process, it is advised that a safety face shield (or suitable face and eyeprotection equipment) and gloves be worn when working around the fuel system and the cleaningchemicals. The can of cleaner has 100 psi internal pressure, so proper handling must be followed toensure safety.

• Before disconnecting any fuel lines or cleaning tool fittings, make sure the pressure is released. To releasethe pressure:1. Remove the fuel pump fuse2. Start the engine and let it run until it stops3. Crank the engine a few times to completely release all pressure

• When disconnecting fuel line or cleaning tool fittings, hold a shop rag around the fitting to catch anyresidual fuel/cleaner.

• Make sure the fuel pump fuse is removed during the entire injector cleaning process and be sure to plugthe fuel supply line after it is removed from the fuel rail.

• Do not allow the fuel injector cleaner to come in contact with painted or plastic surfaces as permanentdamage can result.

• It is important during cleaning that you clamp closed the fuel return hose (i.e., the hose leading from thevehicle’s fuel rail regulator) as close as possible to the fuel rail. This prevents cleaning fluid from flowing tothe fuel tank. Introducing cleaning chemical into the fuel tank may harm internal components of the tank.Clamping the fuel return hose closed will be covered later in the procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE1. Perform all diagnostic procedures for the incident per the applicable Service Manual.

NOTE: For vehicles in states where alcohol is added to the fuel* (i.e., Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana,Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin), it is important to check injector resistance as follows:

• Check each injector resistance, with the engine at operating temperature (not running), according tothe applicable Service Manual procedure.

• The injector resistance can be checked through the engine sub-harness to the injectors.

• Under these conditions, the injector resistance must be between 10 – 19.9 ohms. Do not performinjector cleaning if the resistance is not in this range.

* NOTE: California is not included because MTBE (i.e., Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) is used in the gasoline.MTBE does not affect injector resistance, therefore California vehicles using MTBE gasoline do not need tohave the injector resistance checked.

2. If after performing the Service Manual diagnostic procedures it is suspected that there may not be enoughfuel flow through the injectors:

• For vehicles that do not exhibit a continuous misfire, perform the fuel injector cleaning procedureprovided in this bulletin.

• For vehicles that exhibit a continuous misfire (dead cylinder), verify the injectors are operating (clickingopen and closed).A. If it is confirmed that the injectors are operating (clicking open and closed), perform the injector

cleaning procedure in this bulletin.B. If it is confirmed that the injectors are not operating (not clicking open and closed), determine if the

electrical signal or injector is at fault. Injector cleaning cannot repair this situation.

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Assembly of Fuel Injector Cleaner Tool and Installation on Vehicle1. Turn the adjustment knob on the regulator PN 08828 all the way counter clockwise (see Figure 1a).

Figure 1a Figure 1b Figure 1c Figure 1d2. Turn the flow control lever, on the universal hose PN 08838, to the OFF position (see Figure 1b). Then,

connect the universal hose to the regulator (see Figure 1b).3. Install (hand-tighten ONLY) the can mating adapter PN 08927 onto the can of cleaner PN 08956 (see

Figure 1c).4. Install the can of cleaner (with adapter attached) onto the regulator (see Figure 1d). For best cleaning

results, the fuel injection cleaner can should be near room temperature between 60 to 80 deg.F (15 –26deg.C).NOTES:• Do not shake the contents of the can.• Inspect the interior of the pin (on the regulator) for any foreign material and remove any if found.

Foreign matter can obstruct the flow of the cleaner.5. Install the holder PN 08837 on the can of cleaner and hang the can (upside down) securely from the

underside of the front hood.6. Start the engine and allow it to run until normal engine operating temperature is reached. The cleaning

process will be more effective with a warm engine.

• Turn OFF all accessories (A/C, rear window defroster, etc.) so that variations to engine speed areminimized during cleaning.

7. When the engine has reached normal operating temperature, shut it OFF.

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RegulatorP/N: 08828

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Flow controllever(off position)

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8. Remove the vehicle’s fuel tank filler cap to relieve tank pressure.CAUTION: The fuel tank filler cap must be removed to prevent siphoning of fuel from the tank when thefuel inlet hose is later removed from the fuel rail.

9. Disable the vehicle’s fuel pump by removing the fuel pump fuse from the fuse panel inside thevehicle. Verify that the fuel pump remains inoperative when the ignition switch is cycled on and off.CAUTION:• Leave the fuel pump fuse out for the entire cleaning process• Do not use CONSULT to disable the fuel pump

10. Release the fuel pressure by:

• Starting the engine and allowing it to run until it quits.• Crank over the engine several more times to release fuel pressure in the fuel rail.• Then, turn the ignition off.

11. There are two different configurations in which the fuel supply line is connected to the fuel injector rail forthe VG30 and VG33 engines (see Figure 2):

• Hose Clamp Type Connection• Flange Type Connection

Clearly identify which configuration you are working on in order to choose the appropriate fuel supply lineadapter from the fuel injector cleaner kit.

Figure 2IMPORTANT: Before disconnecting any hoses and for the entire cleaning process, install fender covers on thevehicle. The injector cleaner may cause damage if spilled/sprayed on painted or plastic surfaces.

Hose Clamp Type Connection

Fuel return line Intake manifold

Fuel supply line TP010310

Fuel return line

Fuel supply line

Flange Type Connection

Flange atfuel rail

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12. Disconnect the vehicle’s fuel supply hose from the fuel rail. Block off the end of this hose with thecombination fuel supply line plug PN 08555-4. See Figures 3 and 4.NOTES:• Use the provided hose clamp to secure the combination fuel supply line plug in the end of the fuel

supply hose for vehicles with “Hose Clamp Type Connections”.

• Use the provided nuts/bolts to secure the combination fuel supply line plug on the end of the fuelsupply hose fitting for vehicles with “Flange Type Connections”.

CAUTION: Plugging the vehicle’s fuel supply hose is important to prevent fuel from siphoning out of thefuel tank during cleaning.

Figure 3 (Hose Clamp Type Connection)

Figure 4 (Flange Type Connection)

TP010312

Fuel return hose clamp tool installed 3M P/N: 08556-1

Fuel supply line adapter 3M P/N:08920

Fuel return line

Universal hose3M P/N: 08838

Fuel supply linew/plug installed

Comnination fuel supply line plug tool3M P/N: 08555-4

Universal hoseP/N: 08838

Fuel supplyLine adapter3M P/N: 08552-3

TP010327

Fuel return linewith clamp installed

Fuel supply line w/plug installed

Fuel return hose clamp3M P/N: 08556-1

Combination fuelsupply line plug3M P/N: 08555-4

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13. Clamp closed the vehicle’s fuel return hose (from the fuel rail) as near as possible to the fuel railusing fuel return hose clamp tool PN 08556-1 (see Figure 3 or 4).

CAUTION:• Clamping closed the fuel return hose is important to prevent the cleaning chemical from flowing

back to the fuel tank. Introducing cleaning chemical into the tank may harm fuel tankcomponents.

• Do not clamp nylon or protective sheath fuel lines; only clamp where there is rubber hose.14. Select the appropriate fuel supply line kit adapter (08920 or 08552-3) depending on the fuel supply hose

connection (i.e., “Hose Clamp Type Connection” or “Flange Type Connection”). See Figures 3 or 4.

• Attach this adapter securely to the vehicle’s fuel rail inlet fitting. Use caution not to over-tighten theadapter mounting bolts/nuts.

15. Inspect the seal within the female end of the universal hose PN 08838. If it is damaged, replace it with anew seal PN 08933 (included in the “O-ring, Seal, and Clamp Set” P/N 08554-7). See Figure 5.

Figure 516. Attach the female end of the universal hose PN 08838 (that is now attached to the regulator) to the male

end of the fuel supply line adapter (see Figure 3 or 4).

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Seal(check for damage/deformation,replace as needed)

Universal hose

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Fuel Injector Cleaning Procedure1. Adjust the 3M regulator PN 08828 adjustment knob until an initial pressure setting of 5 psi below the

specified vehicle fuel system pressure is reached (see Figure 6a).

• For VG30/VG33 V6 engine the initial 3M regulator setting should be 29 psi (± 1 psi), (This 29 psi is 5psi below VG30/VG33 operating fuel pressure specification of 34psi.)

• If you exceed the pressure setting you may not be able to adjust to a lower setting until the next step iscompleted.

Figure 6a Figure 6b2. Open the valve on the universal hose (see Figure 6b) and wait a few seconds for cleaner to fill and

pressurize the vehicle’s fuel rail.

• Inspect for leaks from the tool. Verify fitting tightness and condition of internal seals/o-rings if a leak isfound.

• Re-adjust the pressure as needed to the specification noted above.3. Start the engine and allow it to run at idle.

• Verify that the 3M regulator pressure is still at the initial pressure previously set in step 1. You mayneed to fine-adjust the regulator as necessary.

TP010315

Adjust to 29 p.s.i.

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IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ENGINE RUNNING CONDITION

A. THE TECHNICIAN MUST PERSONALLY MONITOR THE ENGINE RUNNINGCONDITION DURING THE ENTIRE FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING PROCESS

B. For most incident injector cases, the engine should idle reasonably smooth whilerunning on the cleaner and will run for 10 to 15 minutes (at engine idle) on each of thetwo cans.

C. Some incident injectors (low number of cases) might be so restricted that at first theygenerate engine misfire when running on the cleaner.

• If this occurs, try to stop the misfire by adjusting the 3M pressure regulator to 5 –10 psi higher than that specified in step 1.

• If the engine continues to misfire at the higher pressure, try running at 2000rpm(under no load) to achieve a reasonable engine running condition withoutcontinued misfire.

D. When the fluid in the cleaner can is almost gone, the engine running condition willdeteriorate into poor running condition, surge, or stop running altogether.

• Also, the “Check Engine” light may come on or a DTC may be stored.• If this occurs, immediately stop the engine and install a second full can of cleaner

or stop the cleaning process if you are nearing the end of the second can.

CAUTION: Stop the cleaning process if a continuous engine misfire developsthat cannot be corrected by either performing the steps listed above or is theresult of a low can of cleaner. Sustained misfire may cause catalyst damage.

4. Close the valve (perpendicular 90 deg to hose) on the universal hose PN 08838 and turn the knurledadjustment knob of the regulator PN 08828 fully counterclockwise.

5. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stops running.

• Then crank over the engine several times to release any cleaning fluid/nitrogen gas propellant left inthe tool and fuel rail.

• Turn the ignition switch off.

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6. With a shop cloth wrapped around the can mating adapter PN 08927 to absorb any spray, depress thesilver button (of the adapter) and remove the can from the regulator assembly PN 08828 (see Figure 7).

Figure 77. Un-screw the mating adapter PN 08927 from the used fuel injector cleaner can PN 08956. Then safely

dispose of the used can of fuel injector cleaner.8. Install a second can of fuel injector cleaner (with mating adapter installed on the new can) to the regulator

and perform steps 1 through 5 of the “Fuel Injector Cleaning Procedure” (as previously done).9. After the second fuel injector cleaner can is used up:

• Close the valve (on the universal hose) and turn the regulator adjustment knob fully counterclockwise.

• Release the pressure in the tool and fuel rail by running the engine until it stops running.

• Then, crank the engine over several times until it cranks without starting.

• Turn the ignition switch OFF.

• Carefully remove the empty can per steps 6 and 7 of the “Fuel Injector Cleaning Procedure” above.10. Release any pressure left in the fuel injector cleaner tool by holding a shop cloth over the end of the outlet

(of the regulator assembly) and turning the adjustment knob several turns clockwise to open it.

• Then open the valve (on the universal hose) slowly to completely release any remaining pressuresafely into the shop cloth.

11. Remove the can mating adapter from the used can of cleaner and install it onto the regulator in preparationfor storage of the 3M tool.

12. Remove the fuel supply line adapter and fuel supply line plug from the vehicle.

• Wrap a shop cloth around the adapter/plug to absorb residual fluid as you disconnect them.

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13. Remove the fuel return hose clamp tool and place it in the kit.14. Re-install the vehicle’s fuel supply line to the fuel rail.15. Drain (into a shop rag or suitable container) any residual fluid from the fuel injector cleaning tool assembly

and place the tool back in the kit.16. Re-install the fuel pump fuse.17. Turn the ignition switch ON.18. Using CONSULT-II, erase any DTC codes stored in the ECM.19. Start the vehicle and allow the engine idle to stabilize.NOTE: This may take several minutes.20. Verify that there are no fuel leaks, especially where the fuel return hose was clamped.21. Confirm the incident is resolved.

PARTS INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION NISSAN PART NUMBER QUANTITY3M Fuel Injector Cleaner (PN 08956) 999MP-AM103P* 2

*Order from the “Infiniti Chemical Care Product Program”. You can access this direct shipprogram three different ways:

1. Website: www.NissanChemicals.com2. Phone: 1-800-811-0502

3. Fax: 1-904-389-8279

CLAIMS INFORMATION

Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line claim using the following claims coding:

DESCRIPTION PFP OP CODE SYM DIA FRTFuel Injector Cleaning Procedure 16600-1B010 DX03AA (1) 22 1.0 hrsDiagnosis – DTC P0300-P0306 EE21AA

(2)(3)

1. AC, AG or HD - as indicated by customer complaint.2. For pre-OBDII vehicles (1997 model year) use DE888A for 0.6 hrs instead.3. Reference the current Infiniti Warranty Flat Rate Information Manual and use the indicated FRT.