2011 INFINITI M service

CAUTION
●Do not ground accessories directly to the
battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the
variable voltage control system and the ve-
hicle battery may not charge completely.
● Use electrical accessories with the engine
running to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
The variable voltage control system measures
the amount of electrical discharge from the
battery and controls voltage generated by the
generator.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK
position before servicing drive belts. The en-
gine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an INFINITI
retailer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in your “INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide”.VK56VD engine
SDI2545
VQ37VHR engine
SDI2119
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEM DRIVE BELTS
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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WARNING
Be sure the engine and the ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the
spark plugs. An incorrect socket can damage
the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI re-
tailer for servicing.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule in
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide”, but
do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recommended
or equivalent ones.
SDI2020
VK56VD engine
SDI2549
SPARK PLUGSAIR CLEANER
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
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Remove the retainers1as illustrated and pull
out the filter element
2.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte- nance intervals. See “INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide” for maintenance intervals.
When replacing the filter, wipe the inside of the
air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
WARNING
●
Operating the engine with the air cleaner
removed can cause you or others to be
burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the
air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it
isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with the air
cleaner removed, and be careful when work-
ing on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body or at-
tempt to start the engine with the air cleaner
removed. Doing so could result in serious
injury.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your wind-
shield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage the
windshield and impair driver vision.
VQ37VHR engine
SDI2546
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See an INFINITI retailer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not return
to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound
will first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear warn-
ing sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light tomoderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake sys-
tem.
Proper brake inspection intervals should be fol-
lowed.
For additional information, see the main-
tenance log section of your “INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide” for maintenance inter-
vals.
SDI2584
SDI2566
BRAKES FUSES
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Wheel nut tightening torque:80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
the specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
the specification at each tire rotation in-
terval.
WARNING
●After rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
●Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
●Do not include the T-type spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in the
tire rotation.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet. 1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
●Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging or
objects caught in the tread. If exces-
sive wear, cracks, bulging or deep
cuts are found, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
●The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
●Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6
years old checked by a qualified tech-
nician, because some tire damage
may not be obvious. Replace the tires
as necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.
●Improper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
SDI1663
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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 “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appear-
ance and care” section for details about care of
the wheels.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
(T-type) spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an accident.
WARNING
●The T-type spare tire should be used for
emergency use. It should be replaced with
the standard tire at the first opportunity to
avoid possible tire or differential damage.
● Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
● 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 Infor-
mation label. For Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label location, see “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the index of this
manual.
● With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
installed do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
● 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. ●
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.
● Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.
● Do not use more than one spare tire at the
same time.
● Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
● Do 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.
● 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.
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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 ................................... 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 .......................... 9-17
Loading tips .................................. 9-18
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-18
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-19
Flat towing ................................... 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-20
Treadwear .................................... 9-20
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty .................9-21
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ........................................ 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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Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp mea- sureLiter
Multi-purpose grease Without limited slip differential NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
With limited slip differential
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ——— NISSAN A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1:INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at your INFINITI retailer.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*3: 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.
*4: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
*5: See an INFINITI retailer for service for synthetic oil.
*6: Using transfer fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the
transfer, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*7: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through an INFINITI retailer.
*9: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
Technical and consumer information9-3
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