engine INFINITI M-HEV 2013 Workshop Manual

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) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically 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) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the“2.
Instruments and controls” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the hybrid system 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 pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and individually controls the
braking and application of engine or motor
torque to each of the four wheels to help
smooth vehicle 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.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the active trace control
system is also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning
properly, the IBA OFF indicator light illumi-
nates in the instrument panel.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking
power during normal braking to help
provide an enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steering
operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
Starting and driving5-99

5-100Starting and driving
surfaces and always drive carefully.
. The active trace control (if so equipped),
rise-up and build-up and brake force
distribution systems may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
INFINITI recommended for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners, the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the hybrid system after driving
onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped
on a steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen or
muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may
result in a loss of control of the vehicle
and possible serious injury or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll backwards and may result
in a collision or serious personal injury.
. The hill start assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to de-
press the brake pedal to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards. Failure to
do so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM

The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a
hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to
roll back and the hill start assist system
will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat
and level road.
When staring the vehicle on a steep uphill
grade, wait one second after shifting the
selector lever into the driving position.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole or use the
Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “12-volt battery” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” in the“8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section and
“Inverter cooling system” in the“8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohi-
bit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Starting and driving5-101
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-102Starting and driving
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains”in the“8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
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
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating 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
slippery 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 steering maneuvers. .
Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust 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 208 F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the hybrid system 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 least 2 - 4 hours,

depending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.
6. Before turning the hybrid system ON, 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
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before turning the
hybrid system ON. Damage to the cord
could result in an electrical shock and
can cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the proper
extension cord or a grounded outlet can
result in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.
SAA3004
This system uses microphones*1located
inside the vehicle to detect engine boom-
ing sound. The system then automatically
produces a muted engine booming sound
through the speakers
*2and woofer*3(if
so equipped) to reduce engine booming sound.
NOTE:
To operate the active noise control system
properly:
.
Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
Starting and driving5-103
ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL

trunk behind an access panel. If the 12-
volt battery terminals are loose, contact
your INFINITI retailer.
2. If the 12-volt battery terminals are tight and clean, try to jump start the vehicle.
See “Jump starting” later in this sec-
tion.
If the hybrid system still does not start,
contact an INFINITI retailer. To start your INFINITI Direct Response
HybridTMSystem with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below
must be followed.
Jump starting provides power to the 12 volt
system to allow the electrical systems to
operate. The electrical systems must be
operating to allow the Lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery to be charged. Jump starting does
not charge the Li-ion battery.
WARNING
. If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a 12-volt battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death. It
could also damage your vehicle.
. Explosive hydrogen gas is always pre-
sent in the vicinity of the 12-volt battery.
Make sure that the vent tube is
mounted.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution which
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
should come into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted area
with water. .
Keep the 12-volt battery out of the reach
of children.
. The booster battery must be rated at 12
volts. Use of an improperly rated battery
can damage your vehicle.
. Whenever working on or near a 12-volt
battery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry.
Do not lean over the 12-volt battery
when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away from
it.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to jump start a hybrid
vehicle as a booster vehicle.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. Please see your Warranty Information
In case of emergency6-9
JUMP STARTING

CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (−) to body ground (as
illustrated) −not to the 12-volt battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
4. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*Aand let it run for a few minutes.
5. Start the hybrid system of the vehicle being jump started
*B.
CAUTION
If the hybrid system does not start right
away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
6. After starting your vehicle, carefully
disconnect the negative cable and then
the positive cable (
*4?*3?*2?
*1). 7. Put the battery cover and fuse cover on.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the hybrid
system ON by following this procedure,
contact an INFINITI retailer immediately.
Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.
CAUTION
.
Automatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. Attempt-
ing to do so may cause transmission
damage.
. Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing since
the three way catalyst may be damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by towing
it; when the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
. Hybrid models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause electrical or transmission damage.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. Please see your Warranty Information
Booklet or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card
for the toll-free number to call (U.S.) or
Warranty & Roadside Assistance Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
In case of emergency6-11
PUSH STARTING

6-12In case of emergency
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not turn the INFINITI Direct Re-
sponse Hybrid
TMSystem off.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the hybrid system.) Do not open the
hood further until no steam or coolant
can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should
not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
hybrid system.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. Please see your Warranty Information
Booklet or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card
for the toll-free number to call (U.S.) or
Warranty & Roadside Assistance Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

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 ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-10
Inverter cooling system...................................... 8-11
Checking inverter coolant level ...................... 8-12
Changing inverter coolant.............................. 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-17
12-volt battery ................................................... 8-18 Checking battery fluid level ........................... 8-19 Jump starting ............................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-22
Brakes .............................................................. 8-23 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-23
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24 Engine compartment or trunk room.............. 8-24
Passenger compartment............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-26
Lights................................................................ 8-29 Headlights ................................................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39

8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Your new INFINITI has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with long service intervals to save you both
time and money. However, some day-to-
day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your INFINITI’s fine mechanical
condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make
sure that the scheduled maintenance, as
well as general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items are
described and listed in your “INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide”. You must
refer to that guide to ensure that necessary
maintenance is performed on your INFINITI
at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures reg-
ularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced by an
INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and in-retailer-
ship information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehicles beforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle
—in a reliable and
economical way.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT