2010 INFINITI M Owners Manual

cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Failure to do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential gears.
c ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD
model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact an INFINITI retailer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the
wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical
damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
c Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
c Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c
INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
WARNING
cThe TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should
be used for emergency use. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at the first op-
portunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
c Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
c Periodically check spare tire inflation pres-
sure. Always keep the pressure of the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi
(420 kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep the pressure
of the full size spare tire (if so equipped) at
the recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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cWith the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
installed do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
c When driving on roads covered with snow or
ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
should be used on the front wheels and origi-
nal tire used on the rear wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the two rear
original tires.
c Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the
standard tire. Replace the spare tire as soon
as the tread wear indicators appear.
c Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.
c Do not use more than one spare tire at the
same time.CAUTION
cDo not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly and may cause damage to the vehicle.
c Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire is smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid damage to the
vehicle, do not drive over obstacles. Also do
not drive the vehicle through an automatic
car wash since it may get caught.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-45
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8-46Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MEMO

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions and weights ....................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate......... 9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................... 9-11
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Emission control information label ..............9-12
Tire and loading information label ..............9-13
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-13Installing front license plate
.......................9-14
Vehicle loading information ........................9-15
Terms ......................................... 9-15
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-18
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-18
Flat towing ...................................... 9-19
Automatic transmission ........................ 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-19
Treadwear .................................... 9-19
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty .................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-23
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-23
In the event of a collision ......................9-24
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ª8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure
Imp measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 See ªFUEL RECOMMENDATIONº later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change VK45DE AWD 6-1/8 qt 5-1/8 qt 5.8 ·Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
·Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
2WD 5-7/8 qt 4-7/8 qt 5.5
VQ35HR AWD/2WD 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9
Without oil filter change VK45DE AWD 5-1/2 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.2
2WD 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9
VQ35HR AWD/2WD 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Cooling system With reservoir VK45DE 11 qt 9-1/8 qt 10.4 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35HR 9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Differential gear oil ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5, 80W-90 or API
GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*5
Transfer fluid ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the ª8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourselfº section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure
Imp measureLiter
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ÐÐÐ HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ÐÐÐ NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ÐÐÐ Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1:For additional information, see ªENGINE OILº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see ªENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATIONº later in this section.
*3: INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at your INFINITI retailer.
*4: For 5-speed AT: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic
S ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI
new vehicle limited warranty.
For 7-speed AT: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32ÉF (0ÉC).
*6:
If Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent (if
available) may also be used.
*7:
DEXRONTMVI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through an INFINITI retailer.
*9: For additional information, see ªVEHICLE IDENTIFICATIONº later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
Technical and consumer information9-3
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION
VK45DE engine
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91) may be
temporarily used, but only under the following
precautions:
cHave the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as pos-
sible.
c Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt accel-
eration.
However, for maximum vehicle performance, the
use of unleaded premium gasoline is recom-
mended.
VQ35HR engine
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded pre-
mium gasoline with an octane rating of at least
91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research
octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
you may use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Re-
search octane number 91), but you may notice a
decrease in performance.
CAUTION
c
Using a fuel other than that specified could
adversely affect the emission control sys-
tem, and may also affect warranty coverage.
c Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will damage
the three-way catalyst.
c Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel.
Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel system
components and is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
Gasoline specifications
INFINITI recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifica-
tions where it is available. Many of the automo-
bile manufacturers developed this specification
to improve the emission control system and
vehicle performance. Ask your service station
manager if the gasoline meets the WWFC speci-
fications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
INFINITI supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
INFINITI does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your INFINITI cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance prob-
lems and/or fuel system damage.
c The fuel should be unleaded and have an oc-
tane rating no lower than that recommended
for unleaded gasoline.
c If an oxygenate-blend other than methanol
blend is used, it should contain no more than
10% oxygenate. (MTBE may, however, be
added up to 15%.)
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cIf a methanol blend is used, it should contain
no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol,
wood alcohol). It should also contain a suit-
able amount of appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure that all
methanol blends are suitable for use in
INFINITI vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint
damage.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispens-
ing pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for
gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower than recommended can cause persistent,
heavy ªspark knockº. (Spark knock is a metallic
rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level roads,
have an INFINITI retailer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerating
or driving up hills. This is not a cause for con-
cern, because you get the greatest fuel benefit
when there is light spark knock for a short time
under heavy engine load.
CAUTION
c
Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifi-
cally designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel
system components and is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
c E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
c U.S. government regulations require ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified by a
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
Technical and consumer information9-5
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