check oil INFINITI M 2011 Owners Manual

Warninglight Name Page
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
warning light* 2-10
Anti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning light2-10
Automatic Transmission
check warning light 2-11
Brake warning light 2-11
Blind Spot Warning
(BSW)/ Blind Spot In-
tervention (BSI) system
warning light (orange)*2-11
Charge warning light 2-12
Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system warning
light (orange)*
2-12
Warning
light Name Page
Engine oil pressure
warning light 2-12
4 Wheel Active Steer
(4WAS) warning light*2-12
Intelligent Cruise Con-
trol (ICC) system warn-
ing light (orange)*2-12
Lane departure warning
light (orange)*
2-13
Low tire pressure warn-
ing light2-13
Master warning light 2-14
Preview Function warn-
ing light (orange)*2-14
Seat belt warning light
and chime2-14
Warning
light Name Page
Supplemental air bag
warning light 2-15
Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) warning light2-15
Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) off indica-
tor light*2-15
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic Transmission
(AT) position indicator
light* 2-16
Blind Spot Intervention
(BSI) ON indicator light
(green)*2-16
ECO drive indicator
light
2-16
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-12Illustrated table of contents
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07/15/10—tbrooks


All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light*Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light (orange)*ECO drive indicator light
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightLane departure warning light
(orange)*Front fog light indicator light
Low tire pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning
lightMaster warning lightHigh beam indicator light
Brake warning lightPreview Function warning light
(orange)*Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indica-
tor light*
Seat belt warning light and chimeLane Departure Prevention (LDP) ON
indicator light (green)*
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot
Intervention (BSI) system warning light
(orange)*Supplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Charge warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightSecurity indicator light
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light (orange)*Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) off
indicator light*Low beam indicator light
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning
light*Automatic transmission (AT) position
indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightBlind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON indica-
tor light (green)*Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light
*: if so equipped
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-9
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01/13/10—tbrooks


SPOT WARNING (BSW) SYSTEM/BLIND SPOT IN-
TERVENTION™ (BSI) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an INFINITI retailer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and turn on the DCA
system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system or the
warning light stays on, it may indicate that thesystem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still driveable under normal conditions, have
the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS)
warning light (if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that there is a malfunction with
the 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) portion of the
steering system. Push the ignition switch to the
OFF position and then to the ON position. If the
light does not turn off after cycling the engine,
have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
For further information about the 4 Wheel Active
Steer system, see “4 WHEEL ACTIVE STEER
(4WAS) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driv-
ing” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the 4
Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) function will cease
but driving can be continued. However, the
steering wheel is slightly turned even when
driving on a straight road. Drive carefully to the
nearest INFINITI retailer.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop theengine
immediately and call an INFINITI retailer
or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dip-
stick to check the oil level. (See “ENGINE OIL” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause serious dam-
age to the engine almost immediately. Such
damage is not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
2-12Instruments and controls
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01/21/10—tbrooks


The outside air temperature mode includes a
low temperature warning feature. If the outside
air temperature is below 37°F (3°C), the warning
is displayed on the screen.
The outside temperature sensor is located in
front of the radiator. The sensor may be affected
by road or engine heat, wind directions and
other driving conditions. The display may differ
from the actual outside temperature or the
temperature displayed on various signs or bill-
boards.
6. Setting
Setting cannot be made while driving. A mes-
sage “Setting can only be operated when
stopped” is also displayed on the dot matrix
crystal display.
The
switchAandswitchBare
used in the setting mode to select and decide a
menu.
SKIP :
Push the
switchAto move to the
warning check mode.
Push the
switchBto select other
menus. ALERT :
There are 3 submenus under the alert menu.
●
BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● TIMER
Select this submenu to specify when the
“TIMER” indicator activates.
● ICY
Select this submenu to display the low out-
side temperature warning.
MAINTENANCE :
There are 5 submenus under the maintenance
menu.
● BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● OIL
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for changing the engine oil.
● FILTER
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing the oil filter. ●
TIRE
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing tires.
● OTHER
Select this submenu and set or reset the
distance for replacing items other than the
engine oil, oil filter and tires.
OPTIONS :
There are 4 submenus under the display menu.
● BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● LANGUAGE
Select this submenu to choose English or
French for display.
● UNIT
Select this submenu to choose the unit from
miles, MPG, °F or km, l/100km, °C.
● EFFECTS
Select this menu to set the dial effects
described below to on or off.
– The indicator needles sweep in the me- ters when the engine is started.
2-26Instruments 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


●Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
● Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
● Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Improper tire pressure will increase
wear and waste fuel.
● Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause pre-
mature tire wear and lower fuel economy.
● Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started. If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent AWD
system while the engine is running, the warning
light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high power train oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light goes
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning
light blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
SSD0336
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-81
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01/12/10—pattie


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.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
●Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
● INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing the
wheels.
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:
● Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or
alkali contents to clean the wheels.
● Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels
when they are hot. The wheel temperature
should be the same as ambient temperature.
● 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.
Appearance and care7-3
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01/13/10—pattie


Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions before using air fresheners.
MOONROOF SUNSHADE (if so
equipped)
The moonroof sunshade is made from a suede
material.
Clean the sunshade material as follows:
CAUTION
To help prevent damaging the sunshade while
cleaning:
●Do not rub the material with a cloth. Doing so
can damage the surface of the material or
cause a stain to spread.
● Never use benzine, thinner or any similar
chemical to clean the suede. This may dis-
color the sunshade and damage the surface.
● Clean water based stains by patting the sur-
face with a clean soft cloth dampened in
warm water. Press a clean dry cloth onto the
surface to remove as much dampness as
possible and then let air dry.
● Clean oil based stains by patting the surface
with a clean soft cloth dampened in warm
water. Press a clean dry cloth onto the sur-
face to remove as much dampness as pos-
sible and then let air dry.
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that may
result in a collision or injury:
● NEVER place a floor mat on top of another
floor mat in the driver front position.
● Use only NISSAN Genuine Floor Mats specifi-
cally designed for use in your vehicle model.
See your NISSAN dealer.
● Properly position the mats in the floorwell
using the floor mat positioning aid. See
“Floor mat positioning aid” in this section.
FLOOR MATS
The use of INFINITI floor mats can extend the life
of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to
clean the interior. Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.Floor mat positioning aid
This model includes front floor mat brackets to
act as floor mat positioning aid. INFINITI floor
mats have been specially designed for your
vehicle model. The front floor mats have grom-
met holes in them. To install, simply position
the mat by placing the floor mat bracket
through the floor mat grommet hole while cen-
tering the mat in the floor pan contour.
Periodically check to make certain that the mats
are properly positioned.
Front (example)
SAI0050
Appearance and care7-5
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03/10/10—tbrooks


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