ESP INFINITI M 2010 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: INFINITI, Model Year: 2010, Model line: M, Model: INFINITI M 2010Pages: 445, PDF Size: 6.15 MB
Page 312 of 445

VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode,
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system auto-
matically maintains a selected distance from
the vehicle traveling in front of you according to
that vehicle's speed (up to the set speed), or at
the set speed when the road ahead is clear.
With ICC, the driver can maintain the same
speed as other vehicles without the constant
need to adjust the set speed as you would with
a normal cruise control system.
PRECAUTIONS ON VEHICLE-TO-
VEHICLE DISTANCE CONTROL MODE
The system is intended to enhance the opera-
tion of the vehicle when following a vehicle
traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
sAdetects a slower
moving vehicle ahead, the system will reduce
the vehicle speed so that your vehicle follows
the vehicle in front at the selected distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
c This system is only an aid to assist the driver
and is not a collision warning or avoidance
device. It is the driver's responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely and be in control of the
vehicle at all times.
c The system is primarily intended for use on
straight, dry, open roads with light traffic. It
is not advisable to use the system in city
traffic or congested areas.
Type A
SSD0676
Type B
SSD0695
Starting and driving5-27
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 330 of 445

c) Push, then quickly release the SET/COASTswitch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following conditions
and the control is automatically canceled.
c When the vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
c When the vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 20 MPH (32 km/h)
c When the selector lever is not in the D, DS or
Manual mode
c When the VDC (including the traction control
system) operates
c When a wheel slips
Warning light
When the system is not operating properly, the
chime sounds and the system warning light
(orange) will come on.
Action to take :
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator stays
on, it may indicate that the system is malfunc-
tioning. Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control system equipped
models)
The ICC system with the preview function iden-
tifies the need to apply emergency braking by
sensing the vehicle ahead in the same lane and
the distance to the vehicle ahead and relative
speed from it, it applies the brake pre-pressure
before the driver depresses the brake pedal and
helps improve brake response by reducing
pedal free play.
For more details, see ªBRAKE ASSISTº later in
this section.
SSD0490
Starting and driving5-45
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 334 of 445

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rollinginto the street when parked on a sloping
drive way, it is a good practice to turn the
wheels as illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
c HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
c HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly.
This is not a malfunction and indicates that the
brake assist mechanism is operating properly.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. How-
ever, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal
will be required to stop the vehicle and the
stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-49
wÐ
Ð
05/19/09Ðtbrooks
X
Page 335 of 445

Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be care-
ful when braking, accelerating or downshift-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
c If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be harder.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than
a conventional brake booster even with light
pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver's responsibil-
ity to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the need
to apply emergency braking by sensing a ve-
hicle ahead in the same lane and the distance
and relative speed from it, it applies the brake
pre-pressure before the driver depresses the
brake pedal and helps improve brake response
by reducing pedal free play.
c This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH
(32 km/h) or less.
BRAKE ASSIST
5-50Starting and driving
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 336 of 445

cThe pre-pressure function ceases when the
following conditions are met:
a) When the driver depresses the accelera- tor pedal or the brake pedal.
b) If the driver does not operate the accel- erator or brake pedal within approxi-
mately 1 second.
cThe sensor will not detect:
a) Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
b) Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
c) Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane as illustrated
WARNING
cThis system is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver's responsi-
bility to stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times. c
As there is a performance limit to the Pre-
view Function, never rely solely on this sys-
tem. This system does not correct careless
inattentive or absent-minded driving, or
overcome poor visibility in rain, fog, or other
bad weather. Reduce vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, in order to main-
tain a safe distance between vehicles.
c The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather condi-
tions. The Preview Function may not operate
properly under the following conditions. The
vehicle is still driveable under normal condi-
tions and the Brake Assist will operate.
± When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sys- tem sensor
± When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
± Winding or hilly roads may cause the sen- sor to temporarily not detect a vehicle in
the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
± Vehicle position in the lane may cause the sensor to temporarily not detect a vehicle
in the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
SSD0338
Starting and driving5-51
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 338 of 445

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
c Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
± When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
± When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªTIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABELº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section of this
manual. ± For detailed information, see ªWHEELS
AND TIRESº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ªclunkº 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 oper-
ates 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.
Starting and driving5-53
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 340 of 445

WARNING
cThe VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or due to careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
c Do not modify the vehicle's suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI approved or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If engine related parts such as muffler are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº
indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate. c
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
c When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
c If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and ªVDC OFFº indicator or
ªSLIPº indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
c The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The ªRASº warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-55
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 347 of 445

Getting the spare tire and tools
Remove jacking tools and spare tire from the
storage area located inside the trunk as illus-
trated.
Raise the trunk floor cover
s1using the handle
sA, then hang it on the edge of the trunk
opening
s2. Remove the clamps3holding the
spare tire.
Jacking up the vehicle and removing
the damaged tire
WARNING
c Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by the jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
c Use only the jack provided with your vehicle
to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack pro-
vided with your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed for lifting only your ve-
hicle during a tire change.
c Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any
other part of the vehicle for jack support.
c Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
c Never use blocks on or under the jack.
c Do not start or run the engine while vehicle is
on the jack, as it may cause the vehicle to
move. This is especially true for vehicles
with limited slip differentials.
c Do not allow passengers to stay in the ve-
hicle while it is on the jack.
Carefully read the caution label attached to the
jack body and the following instructions.
Jacking tools Ð T-type spare tire model
SCE0580
Jacking tools Ð Conventional spare tire model
SCE0581
Spare tire
SCE0638
6-4In case of emergency
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 361 of 445

In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your vehicle
as soon as you can:
cafter a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain
c after driving on coastal roads
c when contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get
on the paint surface
c when dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface when
putting on or removing the body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
c Do not use car washes that use acid in the
detergent. Some car washes, especially
brushless ones, use some acid for cleaning.
The acid may react with some plastic vehicle
components, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and also could
cause them not to function properly. Always
check with your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
c Do not wash the vehicle with strong house-
hold soap, strong chemical detergents,
gasoline or solvents.
c Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or
while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface
may become water-spotted.
c Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths,
such as washing mitts. Care must be taken
when removing caked-on dirt or other for-
eign substances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface
by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in choosing
the proper product.
c
Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash-
ing. Follow the instructions supplied with
the wax.
c Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on
a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X
Page 362 of 445

REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in-
sects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from
the paint surface to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are avail-
able at an INFINITI retailer or any automotive
accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows, do
not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or
chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They
could damage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window defroster
elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid staining or
discoloring the wheels:
cDo not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or
alkali contents to clean the wheels.
c Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels
when they are hot. The wheel temperature
should be the same as ambient temperature.
c Rinse the wheel to completely remove the
cleaner within 15 minutes after the cleaner is
applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non- abra-
sive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
c Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
c Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
c Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
c Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care7-3
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X