power steering 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


2 Instruments and controls
Cockpit........................................... 2-2
Instrument panel .................................. 2-4
Meters and gauges ................................ 2-5
Speedometer and odometer ..................... 2-6
Tachometer .................................... 2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............... 2-7
Fuel gauge ..................................... 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ...... 2-9
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-10
Warning lights ................................ 2-10
Indicator lights ................................. 2-15
Audible reminders ............................. 2-18
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ...................2-19
Indicators for operation ........................ 2-21
Indicators for maintenance .....................2-23
Trip computer ................................. 2-24
Security systems ................................. 2-27
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-27
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System ............2-29
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-30
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ................2-31
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch . . . 2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ..................2-32Xenon headlights
............................. 2-32
Headlight switch .............................. 2-33
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-37
Fog light switch ............................... 2-37
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-37
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-38
Horn ............................................ 2-39
Heated seats (if so equipped) .....................2-39
Climate controlled seats (if so equipped) ...........2-40
Warning systems switch (if so equipped) ...........2-41
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF switch (if so
equipped) ....................................... 2-42
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch ..........2-43
Clock ............................................ 2-43
Adjusting the time ............................. 2-43
Power outlet ..................................... 2-44
Cigarette
lighter and ashtrays ..................... 2-44
Front ......................................... 2-44
Rear ......................................... 2-45
Storage ......................................... 2-45
Cup holders .................................. 2-45
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-46
Glove box .................................... 2-47
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07/15/10—tbrooks


INDICATORS FOR OPERATION
1. Engine start operation indicator
This indicator appears when the selector lever
is in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the engine will start
by pushing the ignition switch with the brake
pedal depressed. You can start the engine
directly in any position.
2. Steering lock release malfunction
indicator
This indicator appears when the steering wheel
cannot be released from the LOCK position.
If this indicator appears, push the push-button
ignition switch while lightly turning the steering
wheel right and left.
3. NO KEY warning
This warning appears in either of the following
conditions.
No key inside the vehicle :
The warning appears when the door is closed
with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle
and the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is
inside the vehicle.Unregistered Intelligent Key :
The warning appears when the ignition switch
is pushed from the LOCK position and the
Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. You cannot start the engine with an
unregistered key. Use the registered Intelligent
Key.
See “INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM” in the “3. Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section for
more details.
4. SHIFT “P” warning
This warning appears when the ignition switch
is pushed to stop the engine with the selector
lever in any position except the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If this warning appears, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position or push the ignition
switch to the ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM” in the “3. Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.)
5. “PUSH” warning
This warning appears when the selector lever is
moved to the P (Park) position with the ignition
switch in the ACC position after the SHIFT “P”
warning appears.To push the ignition switch to the OFF position,
perform the following procedure:
SHIFT “P” warning →(Move the selector lever
to “P”) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
ON) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
OFF)
6. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery
with a new one. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
7. Engine start operation for
Intelligent Key system indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power and when the
Intelligent Key System and vehicle are not
communicating normally.
If this indicator appears, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key while depressing
the brake pedal. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BAT-
TERY DISCHARGE” in the “5. Starting and driv-
ing” section.)
Instruments and controls2-21
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01/12/10—pattie


3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys............................................. 3-2
Intelligent Key ................................. 3-2
Valet hand-off .................................. 3-3
Doors ............................................ 3-4
Locking with mechanical key .................... 3-4
Opening and closing windows with the
mechanical key ................................ 3-4
Locking with inside lock knob ................... 3-5
Locking with power door lock switch ............. 3-5
Automatic door locks ........................... 3-5
Child safety rear door lock ...................... 3-6
Intelligent Key system ............................. 3-6
Intelligent Key operating range .................. 3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution .................. 3-9
Intelligent Key operation ........................ 3-9
Battery saver system ........................... 3-11
Warning signals ................................ 3-11
Troubleshooting guide ......................... 3-12
Remote keyless entry system ......................3-13
How to use remote keyless entry system ........3-13
Hood ............................................ 3-16
Trunk lid ......................................... 3-17Trunk lid release switch
......................... 3-17
Trunk open request switch ......................3-17
Opening with key ............................. 3-18
Trunk open button ............................ 3-18
Trunk release power cancel switch ..............3-18
Interior trunk lid release ....................... 3-19
Fuel-filler door ................................... 3-19
Opening the fuel-filler door ....................3-19
Fuel-filler cap ................................. 3-20
Tilt/telescopic steering ........................... 3-21
Electric operation ............................. 3-22
Sun visors ....................................... 3-22
Mirrors .......................................... 3-23
Inside mirror .................................. 3-23
Outside mirrors ............................... 3-24
Vanity mirror .................................. 3-26
Automatic drive positioner ........................3-26
Entry/exit function ............................ 3-26
Seat
synchronization function ..................3-27
Memory storage ............................... 3-27
Setting memory function ....................... 3-28
System operation ............................. 3-29
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07/15/10—tbrooks


●Never leave the Intelligent Key in the vehicle
when you leave the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating
with the vehicle as it receives radio waves. The
Intelligent Key system transmits weak radio
waves. Environmental conditions may interfere
with the operation of the Intelligent Key system
under the following operating conditions.
● When operating near a location where strong
radio waves are transmitted, such as a TV
tower, power station and broadcasting sta-
tion.
● When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular telephone, transceiver,
and CB radio.
● When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
● When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
● When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal com-
puter.
● When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter. In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depend-
ing on the operating conditions, the battery’s
life is approximately 2 years. If the battery is
discharged, replace it with a new one.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiv-
ing radio waves, if the key is left near equip-
ment which transmits strong radio waves, such
as signals from a TV and personal computer, the
battery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, see “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACE-
MENT” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
Because the steering wheel is locked electri-
cally, unlocking the steering wheel with the
ignition switch in the LOCK position is impos-
sible when the vehicle battery is completely
discharged. Pay special attention that the ve-
hicle battery is not completely discharged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information
about the purchase and use of additional Intel-
ligent Keys, contact an INFINITI retailer.CAUTION
●
Do not allow the Intelligent Key, which con-
tains electrical components, to come into
contact with water or salt water. This could
affect the system function.
● Do not drop the Intelligent Key.
● Do not strike the Intelligent Key sharply
against another object.
● Do not change or modify the Intelligent Key.
● Wetting may damage the Intelligent Key. If
the Intelligent Key gets wet, immediately
wipe until it is completely dry.
● Do not place the Intelligent Key for an ex-
tended period in an area where tempera-
tures exceed 140°F (60°C).
● Do not attach the Intelligent Key with a key
holder that contains a magnet.
● Do not place the Intelligent Key near equip-
ment that produces a magnetic field, such as
a TV, audio equipment and personal
computers.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7
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01/12/10—pattie


Initialize entry/exit function
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse opens, the entry/exit function will not work
though this function was set on before. In such
a case, after connecting the battery or replacing
with a new fuse, open and close the driver’s
door more than two times after the ignition
switch is turned from the ON position to the
LOCK position. The entry/exit function will be
activated.
SEAT SYNCHRONIZATION FUNCTION
The seat synchronization function automatically
adjusts the positions of the steering wheel and
outside mirrors when the seat is adjusted using
the power seat switches.
However, the steering wheel and outside mir-
rors will not move if the seat is adjusted over
the maximum thresholds. The system considers
that the steering wheel and outside mirror
adjustments are not necessary because the
seat may not be adjusted for the driving posi-
tion. Note that the function is set to disabled as
the factory default setting.
The seat synchronization function operates un-
der the following conditions:●
The ignition switch is in the ON position.
● The selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the outside mirrors or the steering wheel
reaches its maximum adjustment, the function
is automatically disabled. Restart the function
by selecting a previously stored seat memory
position using the memory switches (1 or 2). An
Intelligent Key that was previously linked to the
stored seat memory can also be used to restart
the function.
If a seat position was not previously stored in
the seat memory, restart the function by adjust-
ing the steering wheel and outside mirrors
manually for your best driving position and then
drive the vehicle above 4 MPH (7 km/h).
Cancel or activate seat
synchronization function
The selector lever must be in the P (Park)
position with the ignition switch in the ACC
position.
MEMORY STORAGE
Two positions for the driver’s seat, steering
column and outside mirrors can be stored in the
automatic drive positioner memory. Follow
these procedures to use the memory system.
1. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position.
SPA2792
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27
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07/14/10—dstomski


Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode........5-43
Precautions on vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................. 5-43
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
operation ..................................... 5-45
Conventional (FIXED SPEED) cruise control
mode ........................................ 5-58
Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models) ..............5-62
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-62
Precautions on distance control assist system.....5-62
Distance control assist operation ...............5-64
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-73
Precautions on FCW system ....................5-74
Intelligent brake assist (IBA) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-77
Precautions on IBA system .....................5-77
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-80
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 5-81
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) . . . 5-81
Parking/parking on hills .......................... 5-83
Power steering ................................... 5-84Brake system
.................................... 5-84
Braking precautions ........................... 5-84
Parking brake break-in ......................... 5-84
Brake assist ..................................... 5-85
Brake assist .................................. 5-85
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ......................5-85
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-87
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-89
Active trace control (if so equipped) ............5-89
Rise-up and build-up .......................... 5-90
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-90
Hill start assist system ............................ 5-91
4 wheel active steer (4WAS) system
(if so equipped) ................................... 5-91
Cold weather driving ............................. 5-92
Freeing a frozen door lock .....................5-92
Antifreeze .................................... 5-92
Battery ....................................... 5-92
Draining of coolant water ......................5-92
Tire equipment ................................ 5-92
Special winter equipment ......................5-93
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-93
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ............5-93
Active noise control .............................. 5-94
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07/15/10—tbrooks


WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. How-
ever, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal
will be required to stop the vehicle and the
stopping distance will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates
that the Brake Assist System is operating.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
● While driving on a slippery surface, be care-
ful when braking, accelerating or downshift-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-84Starting and driving
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01/12/10—pattie


The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
●Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip
on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC warn-
ing light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following: ●
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off, except for rise-up and
build-up and brake force distribution, and the
VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunc-
tion.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns,
and controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help smooth ve-
hicle response.
When the drive mode selector switch is set to
the “SPORT” mode, the amount of brake control
provided by active trace control is reduced.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-89
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