check engine light INFINITI M-HEV 2013 User Guide

5-98Starting and driving
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the hybrid system and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a“clunk”noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction. If the
computer senses a malfunction, it switches
the ABS off and illuminates the ABS
warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. This action is similar to pumping
the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps
to perform the following functions.
.
Controls brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine or
mortor output to reduce drive wheel
slip based on vehicle speed (traction
control function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine or motor output to
help the driver maintain control of the
vehicle in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-10
Inverter cooling system...................................... 8-11
Checking inverter coolant level ...................... 8-12
Changing inverter coolant.............................. 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-17
12-volt battery ................................................... 8-18 Checking battery fluid level ........................... 8-19 Jump starting ............................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-22
Brakes .............................................................. 8-23 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-23
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24 Engine compartment or trunk room.............. 8-24
Passenger compartment............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-26
Lights................................................................ 8-29 Headlights ................................................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39

During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see“Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this
section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all
doors and the engine hood, operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links 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
frequently.
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.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear, tires cannot be
rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the
vehicle should pull 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 “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular 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.
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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
GENERAL MAINTENANCE

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.
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). 12-volt 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 condition
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
battery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
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

8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter
*2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning
it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to engine
damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten
additionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m) 8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with
a new washer. Securely tighten the
drain plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick hole
while filling the engine with oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the“9. Technical
and consumer information” section for
drain and refill capacity. The drain and
refill capacity depends on the oil
temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Al-
ways use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required. 11. Turn the engine off and wait more than
15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover intoposition as the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic
clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the under- cover into the hole in the frame, then
push the center of the clip in to lock
the clip in place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the undercover in place. Be careful not
to strip the bolts or over-tighten
them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.

8-24Maintenance and do-it-yourself
JVM0055X
JVM0056X
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR TRUNK
ROOM
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not
operate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed tothe OFF or LOCK position and the
headlight switch is turned to OFF.
2. Open the engine hood or trunk lid and to access the cover on the fuse/fusible
link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
SDI1754
5. If the fuse is open*A, replace it with a
new fuse
*B. Spare fuses are stored in
the passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired
by an INFINITI retailer.
The holder also contains the fuses. For
checking and/or replacing, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Fusible links
If any electrical equipment does not
operate and fuses are in good condition,
check the fusible links. If any of these
fusible links are melted, replace only with
FUSES

9-6Technical and consumer information
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.
JVT0116X
1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance,
see“Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” earlier in this section. INFINITI
recommends the use of an energy conser-
ving oil in order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standar-
dization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification mark
on the front of the container. Oils which do
not have the specified quality label should
not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.

9-20Technical and consumer information
online at:
https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-
Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP-Index.aspx.
Additional information concerning
motor vehicle safety may be obtained
from Transport Canada’s Road Safety
Information Centre at 1-800-333-
0371 or online at www.tc.gc.ca/road-
safety (English speakers) or www.tc.
gc.ca/securiteroutiere (French speak-
ers).
To notify INFINITI of any safety con-
cerns please contact our Consumer
Information Centre toll free at 1-800-
361-4792.Do not attempt to test the vehicle on a
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions test-
ing), or similar equipment. Doing so may
cause damage to the drivetrain or the high
voltage battery. Make sure you inform test
facility personnel that your vehicle is
hybrid. Using the wrong test equipment
may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or pear-
sonal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be
in what is called the“ready condition”for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the “ready condition”
can be obtained by ordinary usage of the
vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is
repaired or the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected, the vehicle may be reset to a “not
ready condition”. Before taking the I/M
test, check the vehicle’s inspection/main-
tenance test readiness condition. Place the
ignition switch in the ON position without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for
20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is
“not
ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”.
Contact an INFINITI retailer to set the
“ready condition” or to prepare the vehicle
for testing.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US only)

10-2
Brake force distribution ............................... 5-99
Brake system ............................................... 5-94
Brake system warning light (yellow) ............. 2-12
Brake warning light (red) ............................. 2-12
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-18
Brake assist ...................................................... 5-95
Break-in schedule ............................................. 5-89
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ................................ 4-10
Instrument panel ......................................... 2-44
BSI system operation ........................................ 5-35
BSW system operation ...................................... 5-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-11
Bulb replacement .............................................. 8-29
C
Cabin air filter ................................................... 4-48
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-87
Card holder ....................................................... 2-56
Catalytic converter Three way catalyst ......................................... 5-4
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning ............. 4-84
Center multi-function control panel ..................... 4-4
Changing inverter coolant ................................. 8-12
Check tire pressure warning .............................. 2-25
Checking battery fluid level ............................... 8-19
Checking inverter coolant level ......................... 8-12
Child restraints ................................................. 1-20 Booster seats ............................................... 1-35
LATCH system .............................................. 1-22 Precautions on child restraints ..................... 1-20
Child safety ...................................................... 1-18
Child safety rear door lock .................................. 3-6
Chimes
Audible reminders ....................................... 2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-16
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays ........................... 2-52
Circuit breaker Fusible link .................................................. 8-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ....................... 7-2, 7-4
Climate control Automatic climate control ............................ 4-34
Clock ................................................................ 2-51
Coat hooks ....................................................... 2-57
Cockpit ........................................................ 0-6, 2-3
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-101
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio system) ... 4-68
Compact spare tire ........................................... 8-41
Console box ...................................................... 2-55
Controller Center multi-function control panel ................ 4-6
Controls
Control panel button ...................................... 4-4
INFINITI Controller .......................................... 4-6
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/ lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................. 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-10
Corrosion protection ........................................... 7-7
Cruise control ................................................... 5-44 Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC system) ... 5-65
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system .......... 5-46
Cruise indicator ................................................ 2-26 Cup holders ...................................................... 2-53
Current fuel consumption .................................. 2-31
D
Daytime running light system ........................... 2-42
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ........................................... 2-39
Dimensions ......................................................... 9-9
Direct Response Hybrid
TMSystem warning
light ................................................................ 2-13
Display cleaning ................................................. 4-8
Display controls (See center multi-function
control panel) ..................................................... 4-4
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system ................ 5-68
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator ................................................ 2-27
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light .................................................... 2-13
Distance to empty ............................................. 2-31
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ....................... 2-21
Drive positioner ................................................ 3-28
Driving Cold weather driving .................................. 5-101
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-13
DVD player operation ........................................ 4-69

E
ECO drive indicator light ................................... 2-18
ECO mode ......................................................... 5-19
ECO pedal system ............................................. 5-20
Economy
Fuel ............................................................. 5-89
Efficient use of your vehicle ............ Hybrid System-8
Elapsed time ..................................................... 2-31
Elapsed time and trip odometer ........................ 2-31
Emergency hybrid system shut off ...................... 6-2
Emergency shut-off system ............. Hybrid System-4
Emission control information label .................... 9-11
Emission control system warranty ..................... 9-18
Energy flow ............................ Hybrid System-5, 4-11
Energy monitor ................................................. 2-29
Energy monitors .............................. Hybrid System-5
Engine Before starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
TMSystem .......................................... 5-12
Break-in schedule ........................................ 5-89
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Emergency engine shut off ........................... 5-11
Engine block heater ................................... 5-102
Engine compartment check locations ............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................... 8-9 Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .................. 2-27
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
Engine serial number ................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ..................................... 9-8
If your vehicle overheats .............................. 6-12
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
TMSystem .......................................... 5-13
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 2-32
Entry/exit function Automatic drive positioner ........................... 3-28
EV mode odometer and twin trip odometer ....... 2-31
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................... 9-21
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................... 5-3
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-10
Fail-safe ............................................................ 5-16
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-20
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) .... 2-45
Flat tire ............................................................... 6-2
Flat towing ........................................................ 9-17
Floor mat ............................................................ 7-6
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-16
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2 Engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ................................... 8-17
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ........................................................ 4-65
Fog light switch ................................................ 2-44
Forest Air
TM....................................................... 4-43
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system ........... 5-81
Front passenger air bag and status light ........... 1-45
Front power seat adjustment ............................... 1-3
Front seat Front seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Front-seat active head restraints ......................... 1-7
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Fuel economy............................................... 5-89
Fuel economy information (display) .............. 4-12
Fuel octane rating .......................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation ..................................... 9-4
Fuel-filler cap ............................................... 3-22
Fuel-filler door ............................................. 3-22
Gauge ............................................................ 2-8
Fuel economy history ...................... Hybrid System-7
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24
Fusible links ..................................................... 8-24
G
Garage door opener
HomeLink®Universal Transceiver ................. 2-66
10-3