maintenance INFINITI M 2012 Owners Manual

Your INFINITI represents a new way of
thinking about vehicle design. It integrates
advanced engineering and superior crafts-
manship with a simple, refined aesthetic
sensitivity associated with traditional Ja-
panese culture.
The result is a different notion of luxury
and beauty. The car itself is important, but
so is the sense of harmony that the vehicle
evokes in its driver, and the sense of
satisfaction you feel with the INFINITI—
from the way it looks and drives to the high
level of retailer service.
To ensure that you enjoy your INFINITI to
the fullest, we encourage you to read this
Owner ’s Manual immediately. It explains
all of the features, controls and perfor-
mance characteristics of your INFINITI; it
also provides important instructions and
safety information.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
is included in your Owner ’s literature
portfolio. The INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide explains details about
maintaining and servicing your vehicle.
Always carry it with you when you take
your vehicle to an INFINITI retailer. The
Warranty Information Booklet contents
provide complete information about all warranties covering this vehicle, the re-
quirements to keep the warranties in effect
as well as the INFINITI Roadside Assis-
tance program.
Additionally, a separate Customer Care
and Lemon Law Information Booklet will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state
’s
lemon law.
In addition to factory installed options,
your vehicle may also be equipped with
additional accessories installed by INFINITI
or by your authorized INFINITI retailer prior
to delivery. It is important that you
familiarize yourself with all disclosures,
warnings, cautions and instructions con-
cerning proper use of such accessories
prior to operating the vehicle and/or
accessory. Please see your retailer for
details concerning the particular acces-
sories with which your vehicle is
equipped.READ FIRST —THEN DRIVE SAFELY
Before driving your vehicle, read your
Owner ’s Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements, assisting you in the safe
operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMIN-
DERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to help
ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you
and your passengers!
. NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
. ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
. ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle features
or taking other actions that could dis-
tract you.
. ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Pre-teen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
Foreword

Illustrated table of contents0
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint
system1
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition
systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Table of
Contents

SSI0686
1. Hood (P.3-18)
2. Headlight and turn signal—Operation (P.2-34)
— Bulb replacement (P.8-31)
3. Windshield wiper and washer —Operation (P.2-31) —
Maintenance (P.8-24)
4. Moonroof (P.2-55)
5. Power windows (P.2-53)
6. Recovery hook (P.6-15)
7. Fog light (P.2-39)
8. Tires —
Wheel and tires (P.8-34, P.9-9)
— Flat tire (P.6-2)
— Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) (P.2-14, P.5-4)
9. Outside mirrors (P.3-26)
10. Doors —Keys (P.3-2)
— Door locks (P.3-4)
— Intelligent Key system (P.3-7)
— Remote keyless entry system
(P.3-14)
— Welcome light (P.2-58)
Illustrated table of contents0-3
EXTERIOR FRONT

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system
Seats................................................................... 1-2
Front seats ...................................................... 1-3
Head restraints................................................ 1-4
Adjustable headrests....................................... 1-8
Armrest ......................................................... 1-10
Seat belts .......................................................... 1-12
Precautions on seat belt usage ..................... 1-12
Pregnant women ........................................... 1-14
Injured persons ............................................. 1-14
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function
(front seats) (if so equipped) ......................... 1-14
Three-point type seat belt ............................. 1-15
Seat belt extenders ....................................... 1-18
Seat belt maintenance................................... 1-18
Child safety ....................................................... 1-19 Infants........................................................... 1-20
Small children ............................................... 1-20
Larger children .............................................. 1-20
Child restraints .................................................. 1-21
Precautions on child restraints ...................... 1-21
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
System (LATCH) ............................................. 1-22 Rear-facing child restraint installation
using LATCH................................................. 1-24
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts .............................................. 1-26
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using LATCH................................................. 1-29
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts ..................................... 1-31
Installing top tether strap ............................ 1-35
Booster seats .............................................. 1-35
Supplemental restraint system .......................... 1-39 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system........................................... 1-39
INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats) ................................................. 1-44
Front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag and roof-mounted
curtain side-impact supplemental air
bag systems ................................................ 1-49
Seat belts with pretensioners (front seats).... 1-51
Supplemental air bag warning labels ........... 1-52
Supplemental air bag warning light ............. 1-52
Repair and replacement procedure............... 1-53

1-18Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
SSS0294A
Shoulder belt height adjustment
(front seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best for you. (See
“Precautions on seat belt usage ”earlier in
this section.)
To adjust, push the button
*A, and then
move the shoulder belt anchor to the
desired position, so that the belt passes
over the center of the shoulder. The belt
should be away from your face and neck,
but not falling off of your shoulder. Release
the adjustment button to lock the shoulder
belt anchor into position.
WARNING
. After adjustment, release the adjustment
button and try to move the shoulder belt
anchor up and down to make sure it is
securely fixed in position.
. The shoulder belt anchor height should
be adjusted to the position best for you.
Failure to do so may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the entire restraint system
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender
that is compatible with the installed seat
belts is available that can be purchased.
The extender adds approximately 8 in (200
mm) of length and may be used for either
the driver or front passenger seating
position. See an INFINITI retailer for assis-
tance with purchasing an extender if an
extender is required.
WARNING
.Only INFINITI seat belt extenders, made
by the same company which made the
original equipment seat belts, should be
used with the INFINITI seat belts.
. Adults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use could
result in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
. Never use seat belt extenders to install
child restraints. If the child restraint is
not secured properly, the child could be
seriously injured in a collision or a
sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
.To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a
mild soap solution or any solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery
or carpets. Then, wipe with a cloth and
allow the seat belts to dry in the shade.
Do not allow the seat belts to retract
until they are completely dry.
. If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat

WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the front air bag, side
air bag, curtain air bag and/or pretensioner
systems will not operate in an accident. To
help avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked by a retailer as soon as
possible.
REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROCE-
DURE
The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air
bags and pretensioners are designed to
activate on a one-time-only basis. As a
reminder, unless it is damaged, the sup-
plemental air bag warning light will remain
illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of these systems
should be done only by an INFINITI retailer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the front air bags, side air bags,
curtain air bags, pretensioners and related
parts should be pointed out to the person
conducting the maintenance. The ignition
switch should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood orinside the vehicle.
WARNING
.
Once a front air bag, side air bag, or
curtain air bag has inflated, the air bag
module will not function again and must
be replaced. Additionally, the activated
pretensioner must also be replaced. The
air bag module and pretensioner should
be replaced by an INFINITI retailer. The
air bag module and pretensioner system
cannot be repaired.
. The front air bag, side air bag, curtain air
bag and the pretensioner system should
be inspected by an INFINITI retailer if
there is any damage to the front end or
side portion of the vehicle.
. If you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag or pretensioner or scrap
the vehicle, contact an INFINITI retailer.
Correct supplemental air bag and seat
belt pretensioner system disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appropriate
INFINITI Service Manual. Incorrect dis-
posal procedures could cause personal
injury.
Safety —Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-53

2 Instruments and controls
Cockpit ................................................................ 2-3
Instrument panel ................................................. 2-5
Meters and gauges .............................................. 2-6Speedometer and odometer ............................ 2-6
Tachometer...................................................... 2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-8
Fuel gauge ...................................................... 2-9
Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders ............................................. 2-10 Checking bulbs.............................................. 2-10
Warning lights ............................................... 2-11
Indicator lights .............................................. 2-16
Audible reminders ......................................... 2-19
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ........................ 2-20 Indicators for operation ................................. 2-22
Indicators for maintenance ............................ 2-25
Trip computer ................................................ 2-26
Security systems ............................................... 2-29 Vehicle Security System ................................ 2-29
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System .............. 2-30
Windshield wiper and washer switch ................. 2-31 Rain-sensing auto wiper system .................... 2-33
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch................................................. 2-34 Headlight and turn signal switch....................... 2-34
Xenon headlights......................................... 2-34
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-35
Turn signal switch........................................ 2-39
Fog light switch ........................................... 2-39
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................... 2-40
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) ............. 2-40
Horn ................................................................. 2-41
Heated seats..................................................... 2-41
Climate controlled seats (if so equipped) .......... 2-43
Warning systems switch (if so equipped) .......... 2-44
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF switch (if
so equipped)..................................................... 2-44
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch ......... 2-45
Clock................................................................. 2-46 Adjusting the time ....................................... 2-46
Power outlet ..................................................... 2-46
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays ........................... 2-47 Front............................................................ 2-47
Rear............................................................. 2-48
Storage ............................................................. 2-48 Cup holders ................................................. 2-48
Sunglasses holder ....................................... 2-49
Glove box .................................................... 2-50>

2-12Instruments and controls
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brakefluid is necessary, add fluid and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer. (See “Brake fluid ”in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself ”sec-
tion.)
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 illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake sys-
tem checked, and if necessary repaired, 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
properly 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 dis-
tance 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) sys-
tem 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 Inter-
vention (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 vehicle is still driveable, have the systems checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See
“Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system/
Blind Spot Intervention
TM(BSI) system” in
the “5. Starting and driving ”section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, 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 malfunc-
tion 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 the system 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 driving ”section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the 4
Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) function will
cease but driving can be continued. How-
ever, 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 the engine immediatelyand call
an INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“ Engine oil ”in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself ”section.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage 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 malfunc- tion 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
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
Lane departure warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light will come on in
orange, turn green, and then turn off. This
indicates that the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
systems are operational.
While the LDW and/or LDP system is on,
the light will blink in orange and a warning
chime will sound if the vehicle is traveling
close to either the left or the right of a
traveling lane with detectable lane mar-
kers.
If the light comes on in orange and remains
on, it may indicate that the LDW and LDP
Instruments and controls2-13

2-18Instruments and controls
Check to see if the laser sensor is clean.
Turn the engine off, then restart the
engine.
If the IBA off indicator light illuminates
after following the procedures above, it
may indicate that the system or Active
Trace Control (if so equipped) is malfunc-
tioning. Although the vehicle is still drive-
able under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system ”in
the “5. Starting and driving ”section and
“ Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ”in
the “5. Starting and driving ”section.)
Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP) ON indicator light (green; if so
equipped)
The light comes on in green when the Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system is
turned on. The light turns off when the
system is turned off.
NOTE:
This light is common with the lane
departure warning light (orange). (See
“ Lane departure warning light ”earlier in
this section.)
For more details, see “Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/Lane Departure
Prevention (LDP) system”
in the“5. Start-
ing and driving ”section.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential emis-
sion control malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light may also
come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (14 liters)
of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential
emission control system malfunction ex-
ists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an
emission control system inspection/main-
tenance test. (See “Readiness for Inspec-
tion/Maintenance (I/M) test (US only) ”.) Operation:
The malfunction indicator light will come
on in one of two ways:
.
Malfunction indicator light on steady —
An emission control system malfunc-
tion has been detected. Check the fuel-
filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning appears in the dot matrix
liquid crystal display. If the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off
after a few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the retailer.
. Malfunction indicator light blinking —
An engine misfire has been detected
which may damage the emission con-
trol system.
To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
1) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).
2) Avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
3) Avoid steep uphill grades.