2011 INFINITI M coolant level

CAUTION
●Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed. 3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radia-
tor before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no
steam or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry
or clothing to come into contact with, or get
caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling
fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reser-
voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle
repaired at the nearest INFINITI retailer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-11
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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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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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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. Move
the selector lever to P (Park).
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
● Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
● If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts. ●
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
● If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by a jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
● Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
key is in the OFF position and the engine is
not running. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
● The fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced
by an INFINITI retailer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the en-
gine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down.
● Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also avail-
able. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, we recommend that it be done by an
INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze
coolant solution. The antifreeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore
additional cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
●Never remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot. Wait until the engine and radia-
tor cool down. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “IF YOUR
VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
● The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine dam-
age, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and
50% demineralized or distilled water. The life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant is 105,000
miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other
type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water
will reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may damage
the engine cooling system.
Outside
temperature down to Antifreeze Demineral-
ized water
or distilled water
°F °C
30 35 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MIN
2, open the reservoir tank cap and add coolant
up to the MAX
1level. If the reservoir tank is
empty, check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it
to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level
1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant.
If the cooling system requires coolant fre-
quently, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SDI2043
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp mea- sureLiter
Fuel 20-1/8 gal 16-3/4 gal 76 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*6
Drain and refill With oil filter change VQ37VHR 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9
•Engine oil with API Certification Mark*1*2
•Viscosity SAE 5W-30
VK56VD (2WD) 6-3/8 qt 5-1/4 qt 6.0
(AWD) 6-1/2 qt 5-3/8 qt 6.1
Without oil filter change VQ37VHR 4-7/8 qt 4.0 qt 4.6
VK56VD (2WD) 6.0 qt 5.0 qt 5.7
(AWD) 6-1/8 qt 5-1/8 qt 5.8
Cooling system With reservoir VQ37VHR 8-7/8 qt 7-3/8 qt 8.4
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled waterVK56VD11-1/2 qt 9-5/8 qt 10.9
Reservoir VQ37VHR 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
VK56VD 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*3
Differential gear oil ———Front:
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API
GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4Rear:
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 syn-
thetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
Transfer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instruc-
tions in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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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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