automatic transmission INFINITI M 2010 User Guide

WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector lever is
in any position while the engine is not running.
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
To prevent automatic transmission damage,
move the selector lever to the P (Park) or R
(Reverse) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
P (Park) position :
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector lever
button pushed in to move the selector lever from
the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to
the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position. R (Reverse) :
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position.
The brake pedal must
be depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from the P
(Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any
drive position to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral) :
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
DS (Drive Sport) mode
When the selector lever is shifted from the D
(Drive) position to the manual shift gate, the
transmission enters the DS (Drive Sport) mode.
This mode is designed for performance-oriented
driving.
In this mode, the transmission automatically
shifts to allow smooth acceleration and engine
braking on a winding road or on a hilly road. When canceling the DS mode, return the selec-
tor lever to the D (Drive) position. The transmis-
sion returns to the normal driving mode.
Manual shift mode
When the selector lever is shifted from the D
(Drive) position to the manual shift gate with
the vehicle stopped or while driving, the trans-
mission enters the manual shift mode. Shift
ranges can be selected manually by moving the
selector lever up or down.
c
When shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. The transmission shifts to
the higher range.
c When shifting down, move the selector lever
to the 2(down) side. The transmission
shifts to the lower range.
c When canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D (Drive) posi-
tion. The transmission returns to the normal
driving mode.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Starting and driving5-13
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5-speed model :
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1!
ÃM2!
ÃM3!
ÃM4!
ÃM5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M4 (4th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades. 7-speed model :
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1
!
ÃM2!
ÃM3!
ÃM4!
ÃM5!
ÃM6!
ÃM7
M7 (7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) andM5 (5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Precaution :
c Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 5th
gear (5-speed model) or 7th gear (7-speed
model). This reduces fuel economy. c
Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
c In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and reduces
the chance of vehicle damage or loss of con-
trol.
c In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerat-
ing again, it is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Accelerator downshift Ð In D (Drive)
position Ð
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, note that
the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical
5-14Starting and driving
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cThe powertrain may be damaged if you con-
tinue driving with the warning light blinking
rapidly.
WARNING
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass, waste
paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
c Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
c Do not leave children unattended inside the
vehicle. They could unknowingly activate
switches or controls. Unattended children
could become involved in serious accidents. c
Safe parking procedures require that both
the parking brake be applied and the trans-
mission placed into P (Park). Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly or roll away and result in an accident.
c Make sure the automatic transmission se-
lector lever has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
SD1006MA
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-48Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the
LOCK position and wait 10 seconds before try-
ing again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
s4!s3!s2!s1).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover and the engine compartment cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
CAUTION
c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
c Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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For information about towing your vehicle be-
hind a recreational vehicle (RV), see ªFLAT
TOWINGº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section of this manual.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illus-
trated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission models
with the rear wheels on the ground or four
wheels on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised, always use towing dollies under the
rear wheels.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
SCE0561
6-12In case of emergency
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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 .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VK45DE engine ................................. 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-11
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ....................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ......................8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-15
5-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
7-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-16
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-16
Brake fluid ................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-17
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-19Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)
....8-19
Drive belts ....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-21
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-22
Cleaning ...................................... 8-22
Replacing ..................................... 8-23
Brakes .......................................... 8-24
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warnings ......................8-24
Fuses ........................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-27
Battery replacement .............................. 8-28
Intelligent Key ................................ 8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-32
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling .................................. 8-38
Types of tires ................................. 8-40
Tire chains ................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-41
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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
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 checking 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).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If nec-
essary, adjust the pressure in all tires, includ-
ing the spare, to the pressure specified. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter components: Replace the TPMS transmit-
ter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the
tires are replaced due to wear or age.
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 ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
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 scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
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) position
mechanism: On a fairly steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without applying
any brakes.
Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. 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 opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs ad-
justment, see an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
c Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
c Keep used engine oil out of reach of children.
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend an INFINITI retailer for servicing.
CAUTION
cUse Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. If Genuine
NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine
NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used.
c Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Matic J
ATF will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability, and
may damage the automatic transmission,
which is not covered by the INFINITI new ve-
hicle limited warranty.
7-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Contact an INFINITI retailer if replacement is
required.
CAUTION
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
c Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
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9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions and weights ....................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate......... 9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................... 9-11
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Emission control information label ..............9-12
Tire and loading information label ..............9-13
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-13Installing front license plate
.......................9-14
Vehicle loading information ........................9-15
Terms ......................................... 9-15
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-18
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-18
Flat towing ...................................... 9-19
Automatic transmission ........................ 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-19
Treadwear .................................... 9-19
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty .................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-23
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-23
In the event of a collision ......................9-24
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ª8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure
Imp measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 See ªFUEL RECOMMENDATIONº later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change VK45DE AWD 6-1/8 qt 5-1/8 qt 5.8 ·Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
·Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
2WD 5-7/8 qt 4-7/8 qt 5.5
VQ35HR AWD/2WD 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9
Without oil filter change VK45DE AWD 5-1/2 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.2
2WD 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9
VQ35HR AWD/2WD 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Cooling system With reservoir VK45DE 11 qt 9-1/8 qt 10.4 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35HR 9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Differential gear oil ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5, 80W-90 or API
GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*5
Transfer fluid ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the ª8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourselfº section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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