2012 INFINITI M traction control

2-16Instruments and controls
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light will illuminate. The supplemental air
bag warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the supplemental front air bag
and supplemental side air bag, curtain
side-impact air bag systems and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt are operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental
side air bag, supplemental curtain side-
impact air bag and pretensioner seat belt
needs servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to your nearest INFINITI retailer.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint Systems and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function
properly.
For additional information, see “Supple- mental restraint system”
in the“1. Safety
— Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact air bag systems and/or
pretensioner seat belt will not operate in an
accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
retailer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating,
thus alerting the driver that the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits. The road surface
may be slippery.
When the vehicle dynamic control warning
light illuminates when the vehicle dynamic
control system is turned on, this light
alerts the driver to the fact that the vehicle
dynamic control system ’s fail-safe mode is
operating, for example the vehicle dynamic control, active trace control (if so
equipped), Rise-up & Build-up function,
Brake Force Distribution or hill start assist
system may not be functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI
retailer. If a malfunction occurs in the
system, the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. For additional
information, see
“Variable voltage control
system” in the“5. Starting and driving ”
section of this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) off indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) off indicator light will illumi-
nate. The light will turn off in about 1
second if the AFS is operational.
This light also illuminates when the AFS is
turned off using the AFS switch.
If the AFS off indicator light blinks, it may
indicate the AFS is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.

4) If possible, reduce the amount ofcargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may
stop blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without having
the emission control system checked and
repaired as necessary could lead to poor
driveability, reduced fuel economy, and
possible damage to the emission control
system.
Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This
function indicates the security system
equipped on the vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning,
this light will remain on while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. For additional
information, see “Security systems ”later
in this section.
Low beam indicator light
(green)
The low beam indicator light illuminates
when the front park lights, rear combina-
tion lights and license plate lights are on.
The indicator light turns off when the
is turned off.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
The light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to
OFF. This indicates that the vehicle dynamic
control system and traction control system
are not operating.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed
to the ACC position. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and
take the Intelligent Key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side
door is opened with the light switch in the
orposition and the ignition switch
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
The chime will also sound for 2 seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position with the fog lights on while
the headlight switch is in the AUTO
position.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will
sound if the vehicle is driven at more than
4 MPH (7 km/h) with the parking brake
applied. Stop the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Instruments and controls2-19

4-24Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
Language & Units settings
The Language & Units settings display will
appear when pushing the SETTING button,
selecting the“Language & Units ”key with
the INFINITI controller and pushing the
ENTER button.
For models with the navigation system,
select the “Others ”key to show the
“ Language & Units ”key.
Select Language:
Select the “Select Language ”key. Choose
“ English ”, “Français ”or “Español ”for your
favorite display appearance.
If you select the “Français ”key, the French
language will be displayed, so please use
the French Owner ’s Manual. To obtain a
French Owner ’s Manual, see “Owner ’s
Manual/Service Manual order information ”
in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion ”section.
Select Units:
Select the “Select Units ”key. Choose “US ”
(Mile, 8F, MPG) or “Metric ”(km, 8C, L/100
km) for your favorite display appearance.
Select Units (Tire Pressure):
Choose the “Select Units (Tire Pressure) ”
key and push the ENTER button. From the following display, select
“kPa” or“psi ”.
When the ignition switch is in the ACC
position, the “Select Units (Tire Pressure) ”
key is not displayed.
Voice Recognition settings (models
with navigation system)
For details about the “Voice Recognition ”
settings, see “INFINITI Voice Recognition
system (models with navigation system) ”
later in this section.
Camera settings
The “CAMERA ”screen will appear when
selecting the “Camera ”key with the
INFINITI controller and pushing the ENTER
button.
For the details about the camera system
operation, see “Rearview monitor ”later in
this section.SAA2491
Image Viewer (models with naviga-
tion system)
The image files in the USB memory will be
displayed. To display the Image Viewer,
push the SETTING button, select the
“ Other ”key and then select the “Image
Viewer ”key. The image of the selected file
is displayed on the right side of the screen.
When a number of folders are included in
the USB memory, select a folder from the
list to display the file list.
Images will not be shown on the display
while the vehicle is in any drive position to
reduce driver distraction. To view images,

SSD0988
Warning light and display
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control system is automatically
canceled. The chime will sound and the
system will not be able to be set.
.When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC (including the
traction control system) operates
. When a tire slips
. When the drive mode select switch is
turned to the SNOW mode .
When strong light (sunlight, etc.) is
directly shining on the front of the
vehicle
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off using
the Intelligent Cruise Control MAIN Switch.
Turn the ICC system back on to use the
system.
SSD0989
Condition B:
When the sensor window is dirty, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
ICC system is automatically canceled.
The chime sounds and the ICC system
warning light (orange) will come on and the
“ CLEAN SENSOR ”indicator will appear.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place, turn the engine off.
Clean the sensor window with a soft cloth
and then perform the settings again.
Starting and driving5-63

5-68Starting and driving
the SET/COAST switch and release it.
2. Push and hold the SET/COAST switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
3. Push, then quickly release the SET/ COAST switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch.
The vehicle will resume the last set
cruising speed when the vehicle speed is
over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following con-
ditions and the control is automatically
canceled.
. When the vehicle slows down more
than 8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set
speed
. When the vehicle speed falls below
approximately 20 MPH (32 km/h)
. When the selector lever is not in the D
(Drive) or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied.
. When the VDC operates (including the
traction control system) .
When a tire slips
SSD0979
Warning light
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the system warning
light (orange) will come on.
Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, resume driving and then
perform the setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system is
malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions,
have the vehicle checked at an INFINITI

5-80Starting and driving
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the sensor detects some reflectors
*A
which are fitted on vehicles in other lanes
or on the side of the road. This may cause
the DCA system to operate inappropriately.
The sensor may detect these reflectors
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, hilly roads or when entering or
exiting a curve. The sensor may also detect
reflectors on narrow roads or in road
construction zones. In these cases you
will have to manually control the proper
distance ahead of your vehicle.Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or
driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
SSD0996
Automatic cancellation
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist system is automati-
cally canceled. The chime will sound and
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator light will blink. The system
will not be able to be set.
.
When the VDC system is turned off
. When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the drive mode select switch is
turned to the SNOW mode

5-98Starting and driving
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, 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 func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
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
warning 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) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls ”section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically 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) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls ”section and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the“2.
Instruments and controls ”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 malfunction.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
This system senses driving based on the
driver ’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels and engine output to
help smooth vehicle response.
When the drive mode selector switch is set
to the “SPORT ”mode, the amount of brake
control provided by active trace control is
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

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,