2010 INFINITI M warning

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 reduce brake wear 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
cWhile 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.
c If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be harder.
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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than
a conventional brake booster even with light
pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver's responsibil-
ity to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the need
to apply emergency braking by sensing a ve-
hicle ahead in the same lane and the distance
and relative speed from it, it applies the brake
pre-pressure before the driver depresses the
brake pedal and helps improve brake response
by reducing pedal free play.
c This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH
(32 km/h) or less.
BRAKE ASSIST
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cThe pre-pressure function ceases when the
following conditions are met:
a) When the driver depresses the accelera- tor pedal or the brake pedal.
b) If the driver does not operate the accel- erator or brake pedal within approxi-
mately 1 second.
cThe sensor will not detect:
a) Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
b) Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
c) Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane as illustrated
WARNING
cThis system is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver's responsi-
bility to stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times. c
As there is a performance limit to the Pre-
view Function, never rely solely on this sys-
tem. This system does not correct careless
inattentive or absent-minded driving, or
overcome poor visibility in rain, fog, or other
bad weather. Reduce vehicle speed by de-
pressing the brake pedal, in order to main-
tain a safe distance between vehicles.
c The system may not detect the vehicle in
front of you in certain road or weather condi-
tions. The Preview Function may not operate
properly under the following conditions. The
vehicle is still driveable under normal condi-
tions and the Brake Assist will operate.
± When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the sys- tem sensor
± When strong light (for example, at sun- rise or sunset) is directly shining on the
front of the vehicle
± Winding or hilly roads may cause the sen- sor to temporarily not detect a vehicle in
the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
± Vehicle position in the lane may cause the sensor to temporarily not detect a vehicle
in the same lane or may detect objects or
vehicles in other lanes.
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cWhen the Preview Function operates, the
brake pedal may move slightly and may
make a small noise. This is not a system
malfunction.
Warning light and display
When the Preview Function is not operating
properly, the buzzer sounds and the system
warning light (orange) will come on.
Action to take :
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine and resume driving.
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
Preview Function is malfunctioning (the brake is
operative). Although the Vehicle is still drive-
able under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is located
below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating prop-
erly, be sure to observe the following:
c Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the
sensor.
c Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor. Do not touch or remove the
screw located on the sensor. Doing so could
cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is
damaged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
c Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
c Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
± When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
± When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªTIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABELº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section of this
manual. ± For detailed information, see ªWHEELS
AND TIRESº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº 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 ªclunkº 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.
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WARNING
cThe VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or due to careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
c Do not modify the vehicle's suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI approved or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If engine related parts such as muffler are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº
indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate. c
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
c When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
c If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and ªVDC OFFº indicator or
ªSLIPº indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
c The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The ªRASº warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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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.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see ªENGINE
COOLING SYSTEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBATTERYº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see ªENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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 prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
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 ªTIRE
CHAINSº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section of this manual.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC 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 ªgripº under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
c 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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cAllow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
c Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
c 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.
c Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
c 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 20ÉF ( 27ÉC) 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 leas t2-4hours, 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
cDo 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.
c Disconnect and properly store the engine
block heater cord before starting the engine.
Damage to the cord could result in an electri-
cal shock and can cause serious injury.
c Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion 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 electri-
cal shock and cause serious personal injury.
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Every new INFINITI comes with a 4 year, unlim-
ited mileage Roadside Assistance plan. In the
event of a roadside emergency, Roadside Assis-
tance Service is available to you. Please refer to
your Warranty Information Booklet (U.S.) or
Warranty & Roadside Assistance Information
Booklet (Canada) for details. Both the Warranty
Information Booklet and Roadside Assistance
Calling Card in your Owner's Literature Portfolio
provide the Toll-Free Number to call for assis-
tance. Roadside Assistance is provided 24
hours a day, 365 days a year, for 4 years from
the date sold to give emergency roadside help,
in the event of mechanical or nonmechanical
trouble(s) such as flat tires, out-of-gas, dead
battery, lost keys, mechanical breakdown, acci-
dent, etc.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light
(in the instrument panel) or the LOW PRESSURE
information screen (on the display). This system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For more
details, see ªWARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERSº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section and ªTIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)º in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section.
For information about the tire pressure informa-
tion display, see ªHOW TO USE INFO BUTTONº
in the ª4. Monitor, climate, audio, phone and
voice recognition systemsº section.
WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or LOW PRESSURE information is dis-
played on the monitor screen while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, 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 increase the likelihood of tire fail-
ure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended 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 adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as possible.
c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated,
the TPMS will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain on
after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
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