2011 INFINITI M check oil

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


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


CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by an INFINITI retailer. The service pro-
cedures can be found in the appropriate INFINITI
Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater
performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
● Never remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
1.
If the oil level is below
2, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil mainte-
nance intervals or during the break-in period,
depending on the severity of operating condi-
tions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Operat-
ing the engine with an insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such damage is
not covered by warranty.
VK56VD engine
SDI2541
VQ37VHR engine
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
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01/13/10—pattie


Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drainplug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.
●Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
● Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the
engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket re-
maining on the mounting surface of the engine.
Failure to do so could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten ad-
ditionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to pre-
vent oil spillage from the dipstick hole while
filling the engine with oil.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for drain and refill capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine the proper
amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionas the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the un- dercover in place. Be careful not to strip
the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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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


Card holder.................. .2-48
Car phone or CB radio .............4-85
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst . . . .5-2
Center multi-function control panel ......4-2
Child restraints ................ .1-19
Child restraints Booster seats ............... .1-33
LATCH system ................ 1-21
Precautions on child restraints ......1-19
Child safety .................. .1-17
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .............2-18
Seat belt warning light and chime ....2-14
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays ........2-44
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2 , 7-4
Climate control, Automatic climate
control ..................... .4-30
Clock ..................... .2-43
Coat hooks .................. .2-48
Cockpit ..................... .2-2
Cold weather driving ............. .5-92
Command (See Bluetooth Hands-Free
Phone System) .............4-87 , 4-101
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) .............. .4-61
Compact spare tire ............. .8-40
Console box ................. .2-47
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ...................... .4-4
Controls Control panel button (display) .......4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(See automatic climate control) .....4-30 Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............... .9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ......8-10
Corrosion protection ..............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-39
Cruise

control
Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC
system) .................. .5-58
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system . . 5-41
Cruise indicator ............... .2-22
Cup holders .................. .2-45
Current fuel consumption ...........2-25
D
Daytime running light system .........2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............2-32
Dimensions .................. .9-10
Display cleaning ................ .4-6
Display controls (See center multi-function
control panel) ................. .4-2
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . . . .5-62
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator ............... .2-23
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ................. .2-12
Distance to empty .............. .2-25
Dot matrix liquid crystal display .......2-19
Drive belts .................. .8-18
Drive positioner ............... .3-26
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-92 Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................ .5-81
Elapsed time ................. .2-25
Elapsed time and trip odometer .......2-25
Emission control information label ......9-12
Emission control system warranty ......9-21
Engine Before starting the engine .........5-10
Break-in schedule ............. 5-80
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...............9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-12
Checking engine coolant level . . ....8-10
Checking engine oil level .........8-11
Engine block heater ............5-93
Engine compartment check locations . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system ..........8-10
Engine oil .................. 8-11
Engine

oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator ....2-23
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Engine serial number ...........9-12
Engine specifications ............9-8
Engine start operation indicator . . . . . 2-21
If your vehicle overheats .........6-11
Starting the engine ............. 5-11
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .....2-7
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-26
10-2
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07/26/10—dmoore


Meters and gauges.............. .2-5
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control ..................... .2-36
Mirror Inside mirror ............... .3-23
Outside mirrors .............. 3-24
Monitor, Rearview monitor ..........4-24
Moonroof ................... .2-51
Music box hard drive ..........4-57 , 4-76
N
New vehicle break-in .............5-80
O
Odometer .................... .2-6
Off-road recovery ............... .5-5
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............... .9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-12
Checking engine oil level .........8-11
Engine oil .................. 8-11
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Oil filter replacement indicator .....2-23
Operation, Indicators for operation
(dot matrix) .................. .2-21
Outside air temperature ............2-25
Outside mirrors ................ .3-24
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information .................. .9-23 P
Panic alarm .................. .3-14
Parking Parking brake operation ..........5-16
Parking on hills .............. 5-83
Parking brake break-in ............5-84
Personal lights ................ .2-55
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ........4-85
Power Power door lock .............. .3-4
Power outlet ................ 2-44
Power steering fluid ............8-14
Power steering system ..........5-84
Power windows .............. 2-49
Power front seat adjustment ..........1-3
Precautions Audio

operation ............. .4-44
Braking precautions ............5-84
Child restraints ............... 1-19
Cruise control ............... 5-39
Maintenance .................8-5
Seat belt usage ............... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ......1-36
When starting and driving .........5-2
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function . .1-13
Preview function ............... .5-85
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................ .5-62
Preview Function warning light ........2-14
Push-button ignition switch ..........5-7
Push starting ................. .6-10 R
Radio ..................... .4-44
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-85
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... 4-58
Rain-sensing auto wiper system . . . . . . .2-31
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test (US only) ............. .9-22
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock . .3-6
Rear sunshade ................ .2-53
Rearview monitor .............. .4-24
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ..................... .2-32
Recorders, Event data .............9-23
Registering your vehicle in another
country .................... .9-10
Remote keyless entry system .........3-13
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......9-21
Roadside assistance program .........6-2
Rollover ..................... .5-5
Roof, Moonroof ............... .2-52
Safety Child seat belts .............. .1-17
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....9-21
S
Satellite radio operation ............4-59
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-3
Front seats ..................
1-3
10-5
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07/15/10—tbrooks