2011 INFINITI M brakes

DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST
OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of the
vehicle and be ready to manually decelerate to
maintain the proper following distance. The
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system may not
be able to decelerate the vehicle under some
circumstances.
The DCA system uses a sensor
Alocated on
the front of the vehicle to detect vehicles trav-
eling ahead. The sensor generally detects the
signals returned from the reflectors on a vehicle
ahead. Therefore, if the sensor cannot detect
the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the DCA
system may not operate. The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot detect the signals:
●
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
positioned high on the vehicle (trailer, etc.)
● When the reflector on the vehicle ahead is
missing, damaged or covered
● When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
covered with dirt, snow and road spray
● When the snow or road spray from traveling
vehicles reduces the sensor’s visibility
● When dense exhaust or other smoke (black
smoke) from vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the luggage room of your
vehicle
The DCA system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation. When the sensor
is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the system
will automatically be canceled. If the sensor is
covered with ice, a transparent or translucent
vinyl bag, etc., the DCA system may not detect
them. In these instances, the Distance Control
Assist (DCA) system may not be able to decel-
erate the vehicle properly. Be sure to check and
clean the sensor regularly. The DCA system is designed to help assist the
driver to maintain a following distance from the
vehicle ahead. The system will decelerate as
necessary and if the vehicle ahead comes to a
stop, the vehicle decelerates to a standstill.
However, the DCA system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power. If a
vehicle moves into the traveling lane ahead or if
a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly decelerates,
the distance between vehicles may become
closer because the DCA system cannot deceler-
ate the vehicle quickly enough. If this occurs,
the DCA system will sound a warning chime and
blink the system display to notify the driver to
take necessary action.
See “Approach warning” later in this section.
This system only brakes and moves the accel-
erator pedal upward to help assist the driver to
maintain a following distance from the vehicle
ahead. Acceleration should be operated by the
driver.
The DCA system does not control vehicle speed
or warn you when you approach stationary and
slow moving vehicles. You must pay attention to
vehicle operation to maintain proper distance
from vehicles ahead.
SSD0943
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The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system helps
assist the driver to keep a following distance to
the vehicle ahead by braking and moving the
accelerator pedal upward in the normal driving
condition.
When a vehicle is detected ahead :
The vehicle ahead detection indicator comes
on.
When vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead :
●If the driver’s foot is not on the accelerator
pedal, the system activates the brakes to
decelerate smoothly as necessary. If the
vehicle ahead comes to a stop, the vehicle
decelerates to a standstill within the limita-
tions of the system.
● If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the system moves the accelerator
pedal upward to assist the driver to release
the accelerator pedal.
When brake operation by driver is required :
The system alerts the driver by a warning chime
and blinking the vehicle ahead detection indi-
cator. If the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal after the warning, the system moves the
accelerator pedal upward to assist the driver to
switch to the brake pedal. The stoplights of the vehicle come on and the
brake pedal depresses when braking is per-
formed by the DCA system.
When the brake operates, a noise may be heard.
This is not a malfunction.
WARNING
●
When the vehicle ahead detection indicator
light is not illuminated, system will not con-
trol or warn the driver.
● Never place your foot under the brake pedal.
Your foot may be caught when the system
controls the brake.
● Depending on the position of the accelerator
pedal, the system may not be able to assist
the driver to release the accelerator pedal
appropriately.
● If the vehicle ahead comes to a standstill,
the vehicle decelerates to a standstill within
the limitations of the system. The system
will release brake control with a warning
chime once it judges the vehicle is at a
standstill. To prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing, the driver must depress the brake pedal.
(The system will resume control automati-
cally once the system reaches 3 MPH (5
km/h)). Overriding the system :
The following driver’s operation overrides the
system operation.
●
When the driver depresses the accelerator
pedal even further while the system is mov-
ing the accelerator pedal upward, the DCA
system control of the accelerator pedal is
canceled.
● When the driver’s foot is on the accelerator
pedal, the brake control by the system is not
operated.
● When the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal,
neither the brake control nor the alert by the
system operates.
● When the Intelligent Cruise Control system is
set, the DCA system will be cancelled.
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that vehicle
or if another vehicle cuts in, the system warns
the driver with the chime and DCA system
display. Decelerate by depressing the brake
pedal to maintain a safe vehicle distance if:
● The chime sounds.
● The vehicle ahead detection indicator blinks.
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The Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system warns
the driver by a warning light and chime when
there is a risk of a collision with the vehicle
ahead in the traveling lane and the driver must
take avoidance action immediately. The system
helps reduce the rear-end collision speed by
applying the brakes when the system judges
that the collision cannot be prevented.
The IBA system will function when your vehicle
is driven at speeds of approximately 10 MPH (15
km/h) and above, and when your vehicle is
driven at speeds approximately 10 MPH
(15 km/h) faster than the vehicle ahead.The IBA system uses a distance sensorA
located below the front bumper to measure the
distance to the vehicle ahead. When the system
judges that your vehicle is getting close to the
vehicle ahead in the traveling lane, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator light on the instru-
ment panel blinks and a warning chime sounds.
The IBA system will be turned on/off by pushing
the IBA OFF switch. The IBA OFF indicator light
display will illuminate when the system is
turned off.
PRECAUTIONS ON IBA SYSTEM
WARNING
●
The IBA system is not a collision avoidance
system. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
● As there is a performance limit, the system
may not provide a warning or braking in cer-
tain conditions.
● The system will not detect the following
objects:
– Pedestrians, animals or obstacles in the roadway
– Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
SSD0943
Vehicle ahead detection indicator light
SSD0749
INTELLIGENT BRAKE ASSIST (IBA) SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
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WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. How-
ever, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal
will be required to stop the vehicle and the
stopping distance will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates
that the Brake Assist System is operating.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
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.
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 save the brakes 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
● While 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.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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●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.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 (Intelligent Cruise
Control 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.
● This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH (32
km/h) or less. ●
The pre-pressure function ceases when the
following conditions are met:
a) When the driver depresses the accel- erator pedal or the brake pedal.
b) If the driver does not operate the ac- celerator or brake pedal within ap-
proximately 1 second.
BRAKE ASSIST
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– For detailed information, see “WHEELSAND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” 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 “clunk” 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.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
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WARNING
●Never rely solely on the hill start assist sys-
tem to prevent the vehicle from moving back-
ward on a hill. Always drive carefully and
attentively. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be
especially careful when stopped on a hill on
frozen or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may result in
a loss of control of the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
● The hill start assist system is not designed
to hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill.
Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal
injury.
● The hill start assist system may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill
under all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Fail-
ure to do so may result in a collision or seri-
ous personal injury.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a
hill.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
●
The transmission is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
the hill start assist system will stop operating
completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road. The 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system is an
electronically controlled four-wheel steering
system.
Depending on the vehicle speed and steering
angle, the angles of the front and rear wheels
are adjusted by the 4WAS system to help
improve driving performance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the 4WAS
function will stop but the ordinary two-wheel
steering system will operate normally. The
“4WAS” warning light will illuminate. If the light
illuminates while you are driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
The steering wheel may be slightly turned even
when driving on a straight road due to a
protection mechanism for the 4WAS system.
This is not a malfunction. The steering wheel
will return to the normal position after the
protection mechanism deactivates.
The protection mechanism activates under the
following conditions:
●
The steering wheel is operated forcibly when
it is hard to operate or the tires are blocked
by obstacles.
● The steering wheel is continuously operated
when the vehicle is parked or being driven at
extremely low speed.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM 4 WHEEL ACTIVE STEER (4WAS) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
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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