2012 INFINITI M check transmission fluid

WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (if so equipped)
Thewarning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the Intelligent AWD system malfunctions,
or the diameter of the front and the rear
wheels are different, the warning light will
either remain illuminated or blink. (See
“ Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ”in the
“ 5. Starting and driving ”section.)
CAUTION
. If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in
the Intelligent AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.
. If the AWD warning light blinks on when
you are driving:
—blinks rapidly (about twice a
second):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. The driving mode will change to 2WD to prevent the
AWD system from malfunctioning. If
the warning light turns off, you can
drive again.
—
blinks slowly (about once every
2 seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
. If the warning light is still on after the
above operations, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the engine is running, or while driving, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system
then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See
“Brake system ”in the
“ 5. Starting and driving ”section.)
Automatic transmission check
warning light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light comes on for 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any other
time, it may indicate the transmission is
not functioning properly. Have your INFINITI
retailer check and repair the transmission.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake
not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following:
Instruments and controls2-11

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

8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
d. Install the other bolts that hold theundercover in place. Be careful not
to strip the bolts or over-tighten
them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with used
oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
When checking or replacement is required,
we recommend an INFINITI retailer for
servicing.
CAUTION
.Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. 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 transmis-
sion, which is not covered by the INFINITI
new vehicle limited warranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (
*1: HOT MAX.,*2: HOT MIN.)
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176 8F (50
to 80 8C) or using the COLD range (
*3:
COLD MAX.,
*4: COLD MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 86 8F(0to30 8C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID

10 Index
Number
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system ............... 5-100
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning light ....... 2-13
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ......................... 5-96
Active noise control ........................................ 5-103
Adjustable headrests .......................................... 1-8
Air bag systemFront-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system ............................................. 1-49
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental
air bag system ............................................. 1-49
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-52
Air bag warning light ............................... 1-52, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-22
Air conditioner Air conditioner specification label ................ 9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................ 9-7
Automatic climate control ............................ 4-33
In-cabin microfilter ....................................... 4-47
Air filter In-cabin microfilter ....................................... 4-47
Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ........................................... 2-30
Alcohol, drugs and driving .................................. 5-8
Antenna ............................................................ 4-88 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......................... 5-96
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care................................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................ 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-10
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) .... 2-47
Audible reminders ............................................ 2-19
Audio operation precautions ............................. 4-48
Audio system .................................................... 4-48 Steering wheel audio controls ...................... 4-87
Autolight system ............................................... 2-35
Automatic Automatic climate control .................. 4-36, 4-40
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-16
Climate control ............................................ 4-33
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-14
Automatic door locks .......................................... 3-6
Automatic drive positioner ................................ 3-28
Automatic moonroof.......................................... 2-55
Automatic seat positioner ................................. 3-28
Average fuel consumption and speed................ 2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-6
B
Battery .............................................................. 8-19
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ............... 3-2
Battery saver system ................................... 2-36
Intelligent Key .............................................. 8-29
Variable voltage control system ................... 8-20 Before starting the engine ................................ 5-13
Belts (See drive belts) ....................................... 8-21
Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON
indicator light ................................................... 2-17
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ....................... 4-89
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) ................ 4-100
Bluetooth
®streaming audio ............................. 4-73
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-96
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-17
Brake force distribution ............................... 5-99
Brake system ............................................... 5-93
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-18
Brake warning light........................................... 2-11
Break-in schedule ............................................. 5-90
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ................................ 4-10
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-10
Bulb replacement .............................................. 8-31
C
Cabin air filter................................................... 4-47
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ...................................... 4-89
Card holder ....................................................... 2-51
Catalytic converter
Three way catalyst ......................................... 5-3