2012 INFINITI M service

WARNING
.Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support of
others alone in your vehicle. Pets should
not be left alone either. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
. Closely supervise children when they are
around cars to prevent them from play-
ing and becoming locked in the trunk
where they could be seriously injured.
Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children ’s
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
. Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.
. If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
. Do not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
. Do not park the vehicle with the engine
running for any extended length of time.
. Keep the trunk lid closed while driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be drawn
into the passenger compartment. If you
must drive with the trunk lid open,
follow these precautions:
1) Open all the windows.
2) Set the
air recirculation to off
and the fan control to high to
circulate the air. .
If electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’ s recommenda-
tion to prevent carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle.
. The exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic when-
ever:
—The vehicle is raised for service.
—You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger com-
partment.
—You notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system.
—You have had an accident involvingdamage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission
control device installed in the exhaust
system. Exhaust gases in the three-way
catalyst are burned at high temperatures to
help reduce pollutants.
Starting and driving5-3
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING

5-8Starting and driving
tions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
.The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
. Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering
wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accelerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from
traffic if possible. 5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradu-
ally stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emer-
gency service to change the tire or see
“Changing a flat tire ”in the “6. In case
of emergency” section of this Owner ’s
Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces
coordination, delays reaction time and im-
pairs judgement. Driving after drinking
alcohol increases the likelihood of being
involved in an accident injuring yourself and
others. Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident, alcohol can increase the severity
of the injury.
INFINITI is committed to safe driving.
However, you must choose not to drive
under the influence of alcohol. Every year
thousands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol-related accidents. Although the local laws vary on what is considered to
be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of
alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don
’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don ’t drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
(AWD) DRIVING SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS
WARNING
. Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with Intelli-
gent AWD engaged. Accelerating quickly,
sharp steering ma neuvers or sudden
braking may cause loss of control.
. Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.

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 hy-
draulic 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, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic 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. However, greater foot pres-
sure 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 thevehicle 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
weakened 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
service 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.
Starting and driving5-93
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM

6-2In case of emergency
In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada)
for details.To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation, while driving perform the follow-
ing procedure:
.
Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times, or
. Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning appears in the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details, see
“ Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders ”in the “2. Instruments and
controls ”section and “Tire Pressure Mon-
itoring System (TPMS) ”in the “5. Starting
and driving ”section.
WARNING
. If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates or LOW PRESSURE informa-
tion is displayed on the monitor screen
while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE

6-12In case of emergency
When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
INFINITI retailer. Local service operators are
familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be used.
. Always attach safety chains before tow-
ing.
For information about towing your vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“Flat towing ”in the “9. Technical and
consumer information ”section of this
manual.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. 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 Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
.Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result
in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle
could also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device
designed specifically for vehicle recovery.
Always follow the manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.
Front:
1. Remove the cover with a suitable tool.
2. Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
*1stored with jacking tools as
illustrated. Attach the tow strap to the
recovery hook.
Make sure that the hook is properly
secured in the original place after use. Rear:
Do not use the tie down hook
*2for
towing or vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
. Tow chains or cables must be attached
only to the vehicle recovery hooks or
main structural members of the vehicle.
Otherwise, the vehicle body will be
damaged.
. Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free
a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
. Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks.
. Always pull the cable straight out from
the front of the vehicle. Never pull on the
vehicle at an angle.
. Pulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
.Shift back and forth between R(reverse) and D (drive).
.Apply the accelerator as little as possible to maintain the rocking
motion.
.Release the accelerator pedal beforeshifting between R and D.
.Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing
service to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15

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

8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Your new INFINITI has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with long service intervals to save you both
time and money. However, some day-to-
day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your INFINITI’s fine mechanical
condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner ’s responsibility to make
sure that the scheduled maintenance, as
well as general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items are
describedandlistedinyour “INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide ”. You must
refer to that guide to ensure that necessary
maintenance is performed on your INFINITI
at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures reg-
ularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced by an
INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and in-retailer-
ship information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on INFINITI
vehicles beforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer ’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle
—in a reliable and
economical way.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT