2012 INFINITI M brake fluid

5-102Starting and driving
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains ”in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself ”section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328 F, 08C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip ”under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers. .
Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20 8F
( − 78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement .................................... 8-2Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VK56VD engine ............................................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine ............................................. 8-9
Engine cooling system ....................................... 8-11 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-12
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-13 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-13
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-16
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-16
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-17 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-18
Battery .............................................................. 8-19 Jump starting ................................................ 8-20
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-20 Drive belts ........................................................ 8-21
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-22
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-22
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-24 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-24
Replacing..................................................... 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-25 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-25
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-25
Fuses ................................................................ 8-26 Engine compartment .................................... 8-26
Passenger compartment............................... 8-28
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-29
Lights................................................................ 8-31 Headlights ................................................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-32
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-34 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-34
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-38
Types of tires............................................... 8-40
Tire chains ................................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-41

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
leverintheP(Park)positionwithout
applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly
goes down further than normal, the pedal
feels spongy or the vehicle seems to take
longer to stop, see an INFINITI retailer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from
the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head 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
steering 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
properly.
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 tempera-
tures or under 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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected 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 corrected 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
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
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. Appear-
ance and care ”section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
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 ignition switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected 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.
. Ifyoumustruntheengineinan
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
supported 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 auto-
matic 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 disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an INFINITI retailer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2538
1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder

8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2537
1. Battery
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Window washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Drive belts
12. Fuse/fusible link holder

CAUTION
.Do not overfill.
. Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
For further brake fluid information, see
“Capacities and recommended fuel/lubri-
cants ”in the “9. Technical and consumer
information ”section of this manual.
WARNING
. Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system. The
use of improper fluids can damage the
brake system and affect the vehicle ’s
stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before removing.
. Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out
of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted surfaces.
This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled,
wash the surface with water.
SDI2025
BRAKE FLUID
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line
*2or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
*1. If fluid must be added frequently, the
system should be checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
BRAKE FLUID

SDI2545
VK56VD engine
SDI2119
VQ37VHR engine1. 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 engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or loosen-
ess. 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 condition and tension in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in your
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide ”.
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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS