2011 INFINITI M instrument panel

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
●Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip
on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC warn-
ing light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following: ●
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off, except for rise-up and
build-up and brake force distribution, and the
VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunc-
tion.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns,
and controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help smooth ve-
hicle response.
When the drive mode selector switch is set to
the “SPORT” mode, the amount of brake control
provided by active trace control is reduced.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-89
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03/02/10—pattie


When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the active trace control system is
also turned off.
If the active trace control is not functioning
properly, the IBA OFF indicator light illuminates
in the instrument panel.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking power
during normal braking to help provide an en-
hanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the
system optimizes the distribution of force to
each of the four wheels depending on the
radius of the turn.
WARNING
●The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully. ●
The active trace control (if so equipped),
rise-up and build-up and brake force distri-
bution systems may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling performance, and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. ●
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface such as
a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI rec-
ommended ones are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
5-90Starting and driving
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01/12/10—pattie


10 Index
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system.....5-91
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning
light ...................... .2-12
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-87
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .....2-35
Advanced air bag system ...........1-41
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting
system (AFS) ................. .2-35
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-41
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-43
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-46
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-46
Air bag warning labels .............1-48
Air bag warning light ..........1-48 , 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-19
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-44
Air conditioner specification label ....9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .......4-44
Automatic climate control ........4-30
In-cabin microfilter ............4-43
Operation
(See automatic climate control) .....4-30 Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system)
.........2-28
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-6
Antenna .................... .4-85
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-87
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ...................... .2-10
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest .................... .1-10
Ashtrays
(See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) .....2-44
Audible reminders .............. .2-18
Audio operation precautions .........4-44
Audio system ................. .4-44
Audio system, Steering wheel audio
controls .................... .4-83
Autolight system ............... .2-33
Automatic Automatic

climate control .........4-32
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-14
Climate control .............. 4-30
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-12
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-26
Automatic seat positioner ...........3-26
Average fuel consumption and speed . . . .2-25
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5 B
Battery ..................... .8-16
Battery Battery saver system ...........2-34
Intelligent Key ............... 8-25
Variable voltage control system .....8-18
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-18
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) . . . . . . .4-86
Booster seats ................. .1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . .....5-87
Brake fluid ................. 8-15
Brake system ............... 5-84
Parking brake operation .........5-16
Brake warning light .............. .2-11
Break-in schedule .............. .5-80
Brightness control and display ON/OFF
button ..................... .4-8
Brightness control, Instrument panel . . . .2-36
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-10
Bulb replacement .............. .8-27
C
Cabin air filter ................ .4-43
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
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07/26/10—dmoore


Event Data Recorders (EDR)..........9-23
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........5-2
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .........8-19
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-12
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....2-37
Flat tire ..................... .6-2
Flat towing .................. .9-19
Floor mat cleaning ............... .7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-14
Brake fluid ................. 8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...............9-2
Engine coolant ............... 8-10
Engine oil .................. 8-11
Power steering fluid ............8-14
Window washer fluid ...........8-15
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................... .4-58
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . .9-12
Fog light switch ............... .2-37
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . .5-73
Front passenger air bag and status light . .1-43
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-3
Front-seat active head restraints ........1-7
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .......1-3
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............... .9-2
Fuel economy ................ 5-81
Fuel economy information (display) . . . 4-10 Fuel-filler cap
................ 3-19
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-19
Fuel octane rating .............9-4
Fuel recommendation ...........9-4
Gauge ....................2-8
Fuses ..................... .8-22
Fusible links ................. .8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver .................. .2-57
Gascap .................... .3-19
Gauge ...................... .2-5
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .
. . .2-7
Fuel gauge ..................2-8
Odometer ..................2-6
Speedometer ................2-6
Tachometer .................2-7
Trip computer ............... 2-24
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box ................... .2-47
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(with navigation system) ...........4-86
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(without navigation system) .........4-96
Hazard warning flasher switch ........2-37
Headlights Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-35 Bulb replacement
............. 8-28
Headlight switch .............. 2-33
Xenon headlights ............. 2-32
Head restraints ................. .1-4
Heated seats ................. .2-39
Heated steering wheel .............2-38
Heater Automatic climate control . . . . .....4-30
Engine block heater ............5-93
HomeLink Universal Transceiver .......2-57
Hood release ................. .3-16
Hook, Coat hooks .............. .2-48
Horn ...................... .2-39
I
Ignition switch, Automatic transmission
models ..................... .5-12
Ignition switch (Push-button) ..........5-7
Immobilizer system ............. .2-29
In-cabin microfilter .............. .4-43
Indicator, Dot matrix display .........2-19
Indicator lights ................ .2-15
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System .....2-29
INFINITI voice recognition standard
mode ..................... .4-109
INFINITI

voice recognition system ......4-109
INFO button .................. .4-8
Inside mirror ................. .3-23
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ......9-22
Instrument brightness control ........2-36
Instrument panel ............... .2-4
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator
light ...................... .2-16
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system .....5-77
10-3
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07/26/10—dmoore