check engine light INFINITI M 2011 Owner's Guide

WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or LOW PRESSURE information is dis-
played on the monitor screen while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of tire fail-
ure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure warning
light OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting. ●
Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the automatic transmission into P
(Park).
● Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
In case of emergency6-3
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01/12/10—pattie


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
Vk56vd engine ................................. 8-6
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-10
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-14
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system ...................8-18Drive belts
....................................... 8-18
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ...................................... 8-20
Replacing ..................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Exterior

and interior lights ..................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-30
Tire pressure .................................. 8-30
Tire labeling .................................. 8-34
Types of tires ................................. 8-36
Tire chains ................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-37
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07/26/10—dmoore


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 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 no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 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
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” 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
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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01/13/10—pattie


Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drainplug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.
●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 filter2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket re-
maining 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 ad-
ditionally 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 pre-
vent 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.
Always 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 into positionas 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 undercover 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 un- dercover 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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01/13/10—pattie


ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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 to the OFF or LOCK position and the head-
light switch is turned to OFF.
2. Open the engine hood and remove the cover on the battery and the fuse/fusible
link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. 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 elec- trical system checked and repaired by an
INFINITI retailer.
The holder1also contains the fuses. For
checking and/or replacing, see an INFINITI re-
tailer.
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 genuine INFINITI
parts.
SDI1754
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
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01/13/10—tbrooks


enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint
damage.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispens-
ing pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for
gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower than recommended above can cause per-
sistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark knock is a
metallic rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead
to engine damage. If you detect a persistent
heavy spark knock even when using gasoline of
the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have an INFINITI retailer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is not re-
sponsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer or other competent service fa-
cility.
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.
CAUTION
●Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifi-
cally designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel
system components and is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
● E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
● U.S. government regulations require ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified by a
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
Technical and consumer information9-5
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01/13/10—pattie


Additional information concerning motor
vehicle safety may be obtained from
Transport Canada’s Road Safety Infor-
mation Centre at 1-800-333-0371 or on-
line at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English
speakers) or
www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere (French
speakers).
To notify INFINITI of any safety concerns
please contact our Consumer Informa-
tion Centre toll free at 1-800-361-4792.A vehicle equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) should never be tested using a two
wheel dynamometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emissions test-
ing), or similar equipment. Make sure you in-
form test facility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equipment
may result in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal 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 emis-
sion 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 battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. 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/Mtest 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)
9-22Technical and consumer information
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07/26/10—dmoore


10 Index
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system.....5-91
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning
light ...................... .2-12
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-87
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .....2-35
Advanced air bag system ...........1-41
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting
system (AFS) ................. .2-35
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-41
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-43
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-46
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-46
Air bag warning labels .............1-48
Air bag warning light ..........1-48 , 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-19
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-44
Air conditioner specification label ....9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .......4-44
Automatic climate control ........4-30
In-cabin microfilter ............4-43
Operation
(See automatic climate control) .....4-30 Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system)
.........2-28
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-6
Antenna .................... .4-85
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-87
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ...................... .2-10
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest .................... .1-10
Ashtrays
(See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) .....2-44
Audible reminders .............. .2-18
Audio operation precautions .........4-44
Audio system ................. .4-44
Audio system, Steering wheel audio
controls .................... .4-83
Autolight system ............... .2-33
Automatic Automatic

climate control .........4-32
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-14
Climate control .............. 4-30
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-12
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-26
Automatic seat positioner ...........3-26
Average fuel consumption and speed . . . .2-25
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5 B
Battery ..................... .8-16
Battery Battery saver system ...........2-34
Intelligent Key ............... 8-25
Variable voltage control system .....8-18
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-18
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) . . . . . . .4-86
Booster seats ................. .1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . .....5-87
Brake fluid ................. 8-15
Brake system ............... 5-84
Parking brake operation .........5-16
Brake warning light .............. .2-11
Break-in schedule .............. .5-80
Brightness control and display ON/OFF
button ..................... .4-8
Brightness control, Instrument panel . . . .2-36
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-10
Bulb replacement .............. .8-27
C
Cabin air filter ................ .4-43
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
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07/26/10—dmoore


Card holder.................. .2-48
Car phone or CB radio .............4-85
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst . . . .5-2
Center multi-function control panel ......4-2
Child restraints ................ .1-19
Child restraints Booster seats ............... .1-33
LATCH system ................ 1-21
Precautions on child restraints ......1-19
Child safety .................. .1-17
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .............2-18
Seat belt warning light and chime ....2-14
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays ........2-44
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2 , 7-4
Climate control, Automatic climate
control ..................... .4-30
Clock ..................... .2-43
Coat hooks .................. .2-48
Cockpit ..................... .2-2
Cold weather driving ............. .5-92
Command (See Bluetooth Hands-Free
Phone System) .............4-87 , 4-101
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) .............. .4-61
Compact spare tire ............. .8-40
Console box ................. .2-47
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ...................... .4-4
Controls Control panel button (display) .......4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(See automatic climate control) .....4-30 Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............... .9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ......8-10
Corrosion protection ..............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-39
Cruise

control
Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC
system) .................. .5-58
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system . . 5-41
Cruise indicator ............... .2-22
Cup holders .................. .2-45
Current fuel consumption ...........2-25
D
Daytime running light system .........2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............2-32
Dimensions .................. .9-10
Display cleaning ................ .4-6
Display controls (See center multi-function
control panel) ................. .4-2
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . . . .5-62
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator ............... .2-23
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ................. .2-12
Distance to empty .............. .2-25
Dot matrix liquid crystal display .......2-19
Drive belts .................. .8-18
Drive positioner ............... .3-26
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-92 Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................ .5-81
Elapsed time ................. .2-25
Elapsed time and trip odometer .......2-25
Emission control information label ......9-12
Emission control system warranty ......9-21
Engine Before starting the engine .........5-10
Break-in schedule ............. 5-80
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...............9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-12
Checking engine coolant level . . ....8-10
Checking engine oil level .........8-11
Engine block heater ............5-93
Engine compartment check locations . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system ..........8-10
Engine oil .................. 8-11
Engine

oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator ....2-23
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Engine serial number ...........9-12
Engine specifications ............9-8
Engine start operation indicator . . . . . 2-21
If your vehicle overheats .........6-11
Starting the engine ............. 5-11
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .....2-7
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-26
10-2
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07/26/10—dmoore


Meters and gauges.............. .2-5
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control ..................... .2-36
Mirror Inside mirror ............... .3-23
Outside mirrors .............. 3-24
Monitor, Rearview monitor ..........4-24
Moonroof ................... .2-51
Music box hard drive ..........4-57 , 4-76
N
New vehicle break-in .............5-80
O
Odometer .................... .2-6
Off-road recovery ............... .5-5
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............... .9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-12
Checking engine oil level .........8-11
Engine oil .................. 8-11
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Oil filter replacement indicator .....2-23
Operation, Indicators for operation
(dot matrix) .................. .2-21
Outside air temperature ............2-25
Outside mirrors ................ .3-24
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information .................. .9-23 P
Panic alarm .................. .3-14
Parking Parking brake operation ..........5-16
Parking on hills .............. 5-83
Parking brake break-in ............5-84
Personal lights ................ .2-55
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ........4-85
Power Power door lock .............. .3-4
Power outlet ................ 2-44
Power steering fluid ............8-14
Power steering system ..........5-84
Power windows .............. 2-49
Power front seat adjustment ..........1-3
Precautions Audio

operation ............. .4-44
Braking precautions ............5-84
Child restraints ............... 1-19
Cruise control ............... 5-39
Maintenance .................8-5
Seat belt usage ............... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ......1-36
When starting and driving .........5-2
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function . .1-13
Preview function ............... .5-85
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................ .5-62
Preview Function warning light ........2-14
Push-button ignition switch ..........5-7
Push starting ................. .6-10 R
Radio ..................... .4-44
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-85
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... 4-58
Rain-sensing auto wiper system . . . . . . .2-31
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test (US only) ............. .9-22
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock . .3-6
Rear sunshade ................ .2-53
Rearview monitor .............. .4-24
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ..................... .2-32
Recorders, Event data .............9-23
Registering your vehicle in another
country .................... .9-10
Remote keyless entry system .........3-13
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......9-21
Roadside assistance program .........6-2
Rollover ..................... .5-5
Roof, Moonroof ............... .2-52
Safety Child seat belts .............. .1-17
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....9-21
S
Satellite radio operation ............4-59
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-3
Front seats ..................
1-3
10-5
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07/15/10—tbrooks