belt INFINITI M 2010 Manual Online

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.
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Steering wheel:Check for changes in the steer-
ing 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 prop-
erly.
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).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level.
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 the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for the
oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
ªPRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVINGº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from
the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCLEANING EXTERIORº in the ª7. Appearance
and careº section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. Move
the selector lever to P (Park).
c Be sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position when performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
c If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
c It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
c Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle. c
If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
c Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by a jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
c Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
c Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
key is in the OFF position and the engine is
not running. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
c The fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced
by an INFINITI retailer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the en-
gine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down. c
Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil, en-
gine coolant and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
c Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
c Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
This ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also avail-
able. (See ªOWNER'S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATIONº in the ª9. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servic-
ing, we recommend that it be done by an INFINITI
retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine drive belt location
10. Engine oil dipstick11. Air cleaner
SDI2154
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1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Engine drive belt location11. Engine coolant reservoir
SDI2307
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JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see ªJUMP START-
INGº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact an
INFINITI retailer.
CAUTION
cDo not ground accessories directly to the
battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the
variable voltage control system and the ve-
hicle battery may not charge completely.
c Use electrical accessories with the engine
running to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
The variable voltage control system measures
the amount of electrical discharge from the
battery and controls voltage generated by the
generator.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
VQ35HR engine
SDI2152
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped) DRIVE BELTS
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1. Water pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Power steering fluid pump
5. Air conditioner compressor
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK posi-
tion before servicing drive belts. The engine
could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs ofunusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an INFINITI
retailer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension.WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the
spark plugs. An incorrect socket can damage
the spark plugs.
VK45DE engine
SDI1411B
SPARK PLUGS
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cThe original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
cTires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6
years old checked by a qualified tech-
nician, because some tire damage
may not be obvious. Replace the tires
as necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.
cImproper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. (See ªSPECIFICATIONSº
in the ª9. Technical and consumer informationº
section for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
c The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of different
brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), or tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. c
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same off-set dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent off-set could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early
brake pad/shoe wear. See ªWHEELS AND
TIRESº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section of this manual for
wheel off-set dimensions.
c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated,
the TPMS will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain on
after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
c Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
c Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel
or tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural damage
and could fail without warning.
c The use of retread tire is not recommended.
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cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Failure to do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential gears.
c ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD
model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact an INFINITI retailer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the
wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical
damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
c Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
c Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c
INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
WARNING
cThe TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should
be used for emergency use. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at the first op-
portunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
c Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
c Periodically check spare tire inflation pres-
sure. Always keep the pressure of the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi
(420 kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep the pressure
of the full size spare tire (if so equipped) at
the recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
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