2011 INFINITI M steering

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
●Never 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. ●
When towing rear wheel drive models with
the front wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies: Push the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure the
steering wheel by selecting the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
Two-wheel drive models
SCE0788
In case of emergency6-13
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01/13/10—pattie


VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
●Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed spe-
cifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Front:
1. Remove the cover with a suitable tool.
2. Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
1stored with jacking tools as illustrated.
Attach the tow strap to the recovery hook.
Make sure that the hook is properly secured
in the original place after use.
Rear :
Do not use the tie down hook
2for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
● Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.
● Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
● Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks.
● Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
● Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
● Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions. 3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
●Shift back and forth between R (reverse)
and D (drive).
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15
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01/13/10—tbrooks


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
Vk56vd engine ................................. 8-6
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-10
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-14
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system ...................8-18Drive belts
....................................... 8-18
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ...................................... 8-20
Replacing ..................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Exterior

and interior lights ..................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-30
Tire pressure .................................. 8-30
Tire labeling .................................. 8-34
Types of tires ................................. 8-36
Tire chains ................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-37
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07/26/10—dmoore


When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking the
tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your vehicle is
equipped with different sized tires in the front
and rear, tires cannot be rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If nec-
essary, adjust the pressure in all tires, includ-
ing the spare, to the pressure specified. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter components: Replace the TPMS transmit-
ter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the
tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not
catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) mechanism:
On
a fairly steep hill, check that your vehicle is held
securely with the selector lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down
further than normal, the pedal feels spongy or
the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see an
INFINITI retailer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs ad-
justed, see an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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01/13/10—pattie


restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the steer-
ing conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air comes
out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the
wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level. Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from
the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately. Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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01/13/10—pattie


1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder
SDI2538
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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01/13/10—pattie


1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder
SDI2537
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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01/13/10—pattie


WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of children. When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend an INFINITI retailer for servicing.
CAUTION
●
Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
● 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. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (
1: HOT MAX.,2: HOT MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or
using the COLD range (
3: COLD MAX.,4:
COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F
(0 to 30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap and
fill through the opening.
CAUTION
● Do not overfill.
● Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
SDI1765A
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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01/13/10—pattie