brake fluid INFINITI M 2011 Owners Manual

VK56VD ENGINE
1. Battery (P. 8-16)
2. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-11)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
5. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
6. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)
8. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-10)
9. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-10)
10. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-11)
11. Drive belts (P. 8-18)
12. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
SDI2538
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents
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07/15/10—tbrooks


VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Battery (P. 8-16)
2. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-11)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
5. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
6. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)
8. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-10)
9. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-10)
10. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-11)
11. Drive belts (P. 8-18)
12. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
SDI2537
Illustrated table of contents0-11
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07/15/10—tbrooks


Automatic transmission
check warning light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the transmission is not functioning
properly. Have your INFINITI retailer check and
repair the transmission.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid isnecessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by your INFINITI retailer. (See
“BRAKE FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator :
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working prop-
erly if the warning light is on. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive
carefully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous. ●
Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the minimum
or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Blind Spot Warning
(BSW)/Blind Spot
Intervention (BSI) system
warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the indicator light will first illuminate
in orange and turn green before turning off. This
indicates that the Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems are
operational.
If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the BSW and BSI systems
are not functioning properly. Although the ve-
hicle is still driveable, have the systems
checked by an INFINITI retailer. See “BLIND
Instruments and controls2-11
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01/21/10—tbrooks


●If the light illuminates while driving, avoid
sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, 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 in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may lead to
an accident and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the rec-
ommended 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 ad-
justing 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 the 1 minute. Contact your
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.CAUTION
● The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular
tire pressure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS may not
operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of tires to
the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of
the following are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display:
● No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/trunk open warning
● Loose fuel cap warning (if so equipped)
● Check tire pressure warning (if so equipped)
● Intelligent key system warning
See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY”
later in this section.
Preview Function warning
light (orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction in the
Brake Assist (with Preview Function) system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, then resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still driveable under normal conditions, have
the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion switch is pushed to the ON position, and
will remain illuminated until the driver’s seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
will sound for about 6 seconds unless the
driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front passen-
ger will illuminate if the seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied.
For 7 seconds after the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
2-14Instruments and controls
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07/15/10—tbrooks


8. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
9. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in the
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (0) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the
tank when the fuel gauge reaches the empty (0)
position.
10. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
(See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
11. Door/trunk open warning (ignition
switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the trunk lid are open or not closed securely.
The vehicle icon indicates which door or the
trunk lid is open on the display.
12. Intelligent Key system warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunction in
the steering lock system or Intelligent Key system.
If this warning appears while the engine is
stopped, the steering lock cannot be released
or the engine cannot be started. If this warning
appears while the engine is running, the vehicle
can be driven. However, contact an INFINITI
retailer for repair as soon as possible.
13. Loose fuel cap warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has been
refueled. (See “FUEL-FILLER CAP” in the “3. Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.)
14. Check tire pressure warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates and
low tire pressure is detected. If this warning
appears, stop the vehicle and adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. (See “Low tire pressure warning light”
earlier in this section and “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TMPS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.)
15. “TIMER” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “TIMER” indi-
cator activates. You can set the time for up to 6
hours. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in this section.)
16. Low outside temperature warning
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C). The warning can be set not
to be displayed. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in
this section.)
17. Cruise indicator
Cruise main switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. When the main switch is
pushed again, the indicator disappears. When
the cruise control main switch indicator is dis-
played, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control sys-
tem. If the indicator blinks while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the cruise control
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “CRUISE CONTROL” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section for details.
18. Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system MAIN switch indicator (if so
equipped)
The indicator is displayed when the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system main switch is
pushed. When the main switch is pushed again,
2-22Instruments and controls
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07/15/10—tbrooks


INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is dis-
charged, or environmental conditions interfere
with the Intelligent Key operation, start the
engine according to the following procedure:
1. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelli- gent Key as illustrated. (A chime will
sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal within 10 seconds after
the chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the brake
pedal, the ignition switch position will change
to ACC.
NOTE:
●When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ACC or ON position or the engine is started by
the above procedures, the Intelligent Key
system warning light may blink in yellow
even if the Intelligent Key is inside the ve-
hicle. This is not a malfunction. To stop the
warning light from blinking, touch the igni-
tion switch with the Intelligent Key again.
● If the Intelligent Key system warning light in
the meter is blinking in green, replace the
battery as soon as possible. (See “INTELLI-
GENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.) ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
SSD0860
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
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07/15/10—tbrooks


– For detailed information, see “WHEELSAND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” 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 “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 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.
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. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
5-88Starting and driving
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01/13/10—tbrooks


SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (7°C) or
lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least2-4hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
●Do not use your engine block heater with an
ungrounded electrical system or a
2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously in-
jured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving5-93
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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