2010 INFINITI M automatic transmission

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving.............. 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .................. 5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................. 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ............................... 5-5
Rapid air pressure loss ......................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions (for AWD models) ................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch ........................ 5-8
Operating range for engine start function......... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch positions ............ 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ................. 5-9
Before starting the engine ........................5-10
Starting the engine ................................ 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-11
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-11
Parking brake .................................... 5-16
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system/Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-16
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system ...........5-17 Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
..........5-19
Lane camera unit maintenance .................5-23
Cruise control .................................... 5-23
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-23
Cruise control operations ......................5-24
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-25
Selecting the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................. 5-26
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode ........5-27
Precautions on vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................. 5-27
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
operation ..................................... 5-29
Conventional (FIXED SPEED) cruise control
mode ........................................ 5-42
Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise
Control system equipped models) ..............5-45
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-46
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 5-46
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) .............5-47
Parking/parking on hills .......................... 5-48
Power steering ................................... 5-49
wÐ
Ð
05/19/09Ðtbrooks
X

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) orN (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
c If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
c If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion for 5 to 6 seconds to start cranking
the engine. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the
engine with your foot off the accelerator
pedal by depressing the brake pedal and pushing the push-button ignition switch
to start the engine. If the engine starts,
but fails to run, repeat the above proce-
dure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to LOCK and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4.
Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather. In cold weather, keep the
engine running for a minimum of2-3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever
to the P (Park) position, and push the
ignition switch to the LOCK position.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
page. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the selec-
tor lever out of the P (Park) position.
This AT is designed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shifting from P (Park)
to any driving position while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position and into any of the other posi-
tions if the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK
or ACC position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed, push the selector lever button and move
the selector lever to a driving position.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-11
wÐ
Ð
05/19/09Ðtbrooks
X

WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector lever is
in any position while the engine is not running.
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
To prevent automatic transmission damage,
move the selector lever to the P (Park) or R
(Reverse) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
P (Park) position :
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector lever
button pushed in to move the selector lever from
the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to
the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position. R (Reverse) :
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position.
The brake pedal must
be depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from the P
(Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any
drive position to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral) :
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
DS (Drive Sport) mode
When the selector lever is shifted from the D
(Drive) position to the manual shift gate, the
transmission enters the DS (Drive Sport) mode.
This mode is designed for performance-oriented
driving.
In this mode, the transmission automatically
shifts to allow smooth acceleration and engine
braking on a winding road or on a hilly road. When canceling the DS mode, return the selec-
tor lever to the D (Drive) position. The transmis-
sion returns to the normal driving mode.
Manual shift mode
When the selector lever is shifted from the D
(Drive) position to the manual shift gate with
the vehicle stopped or while driving, the trans-
mission enters the manual shift mode. Shift
ranges can be selected manually by moving the
selector lever up or down.
c
When shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. The transmission shifts to
the higher range.
c When shifting down, move the selector lever
to the 2(down) side. The transmission
shifts to the lower range.
c When canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D (Drive) posi-
tion. The transmission returns to the normal
driving mode.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Starting and driving5-13
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X

5-speed model :
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1!
ÃM2!
ÃM3!
ÃM4!
ÃM5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M4 (4th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades. 7-speed model :
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1
!
ÃM2!
ÃM3!
ÃM4!
ÃM5!
ÃM6!
ÃM7
M7 (7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) andM5 (5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Precaution :
c Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 5th
gear (5-speed model) or 7th gear (7-speed
model). This reduces fuel economy. c
Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
c In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and reduces
the chance of vehicle damage or loss of con-
trol.
c In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerat-
ing again, it is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Accelerator downshift Ð In D (Drive)
position Ð
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, note that
the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical
5-14Starting and driving
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X

cThe powertrain may be damaged if you con-
tinue driving with the warning light blinking
rapidly.
WARNING
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass, waste
paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
c Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
c Do not leave children unattended inside the
vehicle. They could unknowingly activate
switches or controls. Unattended children
could become involved in serious accidents. c
Safe parking procedures require that both
the parking brake be applied and the trans-
mission placed into P (Park). Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly or roll away and result in an accident.
c Make sure the automatic transmission se-
lector lever has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
SD1006MA
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-48Starting and driving
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X

CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the
LOCK position and wait 10 seconds before try-
ing again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
s4!s3!s2!s1).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover and the engine compartment cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
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 Information Booklet (Canada).
CAUTION
c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
c 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, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
c 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 stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
wÐ
Ð
05/19/09Ðtbrooks
X

For information about towing your vehicle be-
hind a recreational vehicle (RV), see ªFLAT
TOWINGº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section of this manual.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
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 Information Booklet (Canada).
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illus-
trated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission models
with the rear wheels on the ground or four
wheels on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised, always use towing dollies under the
rear wheels.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
SCE0561
6-12In case of emergency
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X

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
VK45DE engine ................................. 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-11
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ....................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ......................8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-15
5-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
7-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-16
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-16
Brake fluid ................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-17
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-19Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)
....8-19
Drive belts ....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-21
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-22
Cleaning ...................................... 8-22
Replacing ..................................... 8-23
Brakes .......................................... 8-24
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warnings ......................8-24
Fuses ........................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-27
Battery replacement .............................. 8-28
Intelligent Key ................................ 8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-32
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling .................................. 8-38
Types of tires ................................. 8-40
Tire chains ................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-41
wÐ
Ð
05/15/09Ðpattie
X