Infiniti M37 (2011 year). Manual

FRONT SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE-IMPACT
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG AND
ROOF-MOUNTED CURTAIN SIDE-
IMPACT SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
SYSTEMS

The side air bags are located in the outside of
the seatback of the front seats. The curtain air
bags are located in the side roof rails. These
systems are designed to meet voluntary guide-
lines to help reduce the risk of injury to out-of-
position occupants.

However, all of the informa-

tion, cautions and warnings in this manual still
apply and must be followed. The side air bags
and curtain air bags are designed to inflate in
higher severity side collisions, although they
may inflate if the forces in another type of

collision are similar to those of a higher severity
side impact. They are designed to inflate on the
side where the vehicle is impacted. They may
not inflate in certain side collisions on the side
where the vehicle is impacted.

Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag operation.

When side air bags and curtain air bags inflate,
a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and does not indicate a fire. Care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.

Side air bags, along with the use of seat belts,
help to cushion the impact force on the chest
and pelvis of the front occupants. Curtain air
bags help to cushion the impact force to the
head of occupants in the front and rear out-
board seating positions. They can help save
lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an
inflating side air bags and curtain air bags may
cause abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags
and curtain air bags do not provide restraint to
the lower body.

The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
practical away from the side air bag. Rear seat

passengers should be seated as far away as
practical from the door finishers and side roof
rails. The side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate quickly in order to help protect the
occupants. Because of this, the force of the side
air bags and curtain air bags inflating can
increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too
close to, or is against, these air bag modules
during inflation. The side air bags and curtain
air bags will deflate quickly after the collision is
over.

The side air bags and curtain air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.

After pushing the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light illu-
minates. The air bag warning light will turn off
after about 7 seconds if the systems are opera-
tional.

WARNING

● Do not place any objects near the seatback

of the front seats. Also, do not place any
objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the
front door finisher and the front seat. Such
objects may become dangerous projectiles
and cause injury if side air bag inflates.

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● Right after inflation, several side air bags

and curtain air bag system components will
be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely
burn yourself.

● No unauthorized changes should be made to

any components or wiring of side air bag and
curtain air bags. This is to prevent damage to
or accidental inflation of the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems.

● Do not make unauthorized changes to your

vehicle’s electrical system, suspension sys-
tem or side panel. This could affect proper
operation of the side air bag and curtain air
bag systems.

● Tampering with the air bag system may re-

sult in serious personal injury. For example,
do not change the front seats by placing
material near the seatback or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat cov-
ers, around the side air bags.

● Work around and on the side air bag and

curtain air bag systems should be done by an
INFINITI retailer. Installation of electrical
equipment should also be done by an
INFINITI retailer. The Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) wiring harnesses*
should not be modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used on the
side-impact air bag system.

The SRS wiring harness connectors are yellow
and orange for easy identification.

When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems and guide the buyer to
the

appropriate

sections

this

Owner’s

Manual.

SEAT BELTS WITH PRETENSIONERS
(front seats)

WARNING

● The pretensioners cannot be reused after ac-

tivation. They must be replaced together
with the retractor and buckle as a unit.

● If the vehicle becomes involved in a collision

but a pretensioner is not activated, be sure
to have the pretensioner system checked
and, if necessary, replaced by an INFINITI
retailer.

● No unauthorized changes should be made to

any components or wiring of the pretension-
ers. This is to prevent damage to or acciden-
tal activation of the pretensioner system.
Tampering with the pretensioner system
may result in serious personal injury.

● Work around and on the pretensioners

should be done by an INFINITI retailer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should also be
done by an INFINITI retailer. Unauthorized
electrical test equipment and probing de-
vices should not be used on the pretensioner
system.

● If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or

scrap the vehicle, contact an INFINITI re-
tailer. Correct pretensioner disposal proce-
dures are set forth in the appropriate
INFINITI Service Manual. Incorrect disposal
procedures could cause personal injury.

The pretensioner system may activate with the
supplemental air bag system in certain types of
collisions. Working with the seat belt retractor,
it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

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becomes involved in certain types of collisions,
helping to restrain front seat occupants.

The pretensioner is encased with the seat belt
retractor. These seat belts are used the same
way as conventional seat belts.

When a pretensioner seat belt activates, smoke
is released and a loud noise may be heard. The
smoke is not harmful, and it does not indicate a
fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it as it
may cause irritation and choking. Those with a
history of a breathing condition should get
fresh air promptly.

After pretensioner activation, load limiters al-
low the seat belt to release webbing (if neces-
sary) to reduce forces against the chest.

The supplemental air bag warning light
is used to indicate malfunctions in the preten-
sioner system. See “SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT” later in this section. If the
supplemental air bag warning light illuminates,
have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the seat belt pretension-
ers and guide the buyer to the appropriate
sections in this Owner’s Manual.

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING
LABELS

Warning labels about the supplemental front-
impact air bag systems are placed in the vehicle
as shown in the illustration.

SRS air bag

The warning labels

䊊

are located on the

surface of the sun visors.

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING
LIGHT

The supplemental air bag warning light, dis-

playing

in the instrument panel, moni-

tors the circuits of the supplemental front-
impact air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag, roof-mounted curtain
side-impact supplemental air bag, and seat belt
pretensioner systems. The monitored circuits
include the Air bag Control Unit (ACU), satellite
sensors, crash zone sensor, occupant classifi-
cation system, front air bag modules, side air
bag modules, curtain air bag modules, preten-
sioner and all related wiring.

When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-

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nates for about 7 seconds and then turns off.
This means the system is operational.

If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and
pretensioner systems need servicing:

● The supplemental air bag warning light re-

mains on approximately 7 seconds after the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position.

● The supplemental air bag warning light

flashes intermittently.

● The supplemental air bag warning light does

not come on at all.

Under these conditions, the front air bag, side
air bag, curtain air bag or pretensioner systems
may not operate properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest INFINITI retailer.

WARNING

If the supplemental air bag warning light is on,
it could mean that the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag and/or pretensioner sys-
tems 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.

REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURE

The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air
bags and pretensioners are designed to acti-
vate on a one-time-only basis. As a reminder,
unless it is damaged, the supplemental air bag
warning light will remain illuminated after infla-
tion has occurred. Repair and replacement of
these systems should be done only by an
INFINITI retailer.

When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain
air bags, pretensioners and related parts
should be pointed out to the person conducting
the maintenance. The ignition switch should
always be in the LOCK position when working
under the hood or inside the vehicle.

WARNING

● Once a front air bag, side air bag, or curtain

air bag has inflated, the air bag module will
not function again and must be replaced.
Additionally, the activated pretensioner
must also be replaced. The air bag module
and pretensioner should be replaced by an
INFINITI retailer. The air bag module and pre-
tensioner system cannot be repaired.

● The front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag

and the pretensioner system should be in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer if there is any
damage to the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.

● If you need to dispose of the supplemental

air bag or pretensioner or scrap the vehicle,
contact an INFINITI retailer. Correct supple-
mental air bag and seat belt pretensioner
system disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate INFINITI Service Manual. In-
correct disposal procedures could cause per-
sonal injury.

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1. Instrument brightness control switch

(P. 2-36)

2. AFS switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-35)

3. Headlight, fog light and turn signal switch

(P. 2-32)

4. Trip computer switch (P. 2-24)

5. TRIP/RESET switch for twin trip odometer

(P. 2-6)

6. Windshield wiper and washer switch

(P. 2-30)

7. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch

(P. 5-89)

8. Rear sunshade switch (if so equipped)

(P. 2-53)

9. Steering heater switch (if so equipped)

(P. 2-38)

10. Trunk lid release switch (P. 3-17)

11. Warning systems switch (if so equipped)

(P. 5-20, P. 5-28, P. 5-73)

12. IBA OFF switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-77)

13. Electric tilting/telescopic steering wheel

lever (P. 3-21)

14. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left

side)
— Menu control switch (models with
navigation system)/Audio tuning switch
(models without navigation system)
(P. 4-83)
— BACK switch (models with navigation
system) (P. 4-83)
— TALK switch (if so equipped)
(P. 4-109)/Phone switch (if so equipped)
(P. 4-86)
— Volume control switch (P. 4-83)
— Audio source switch (P. 4-44)

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1. Side ventilator (P. 4-30)

2. Paddle shifter (if so equipped) (P. 5-14)

3. Meters and gauges (P. 2-5)

4. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-37)

5. Rear window and outside mirror defroster

switch (P. 2-32)

6. Center display (P. 4-2)/Navigation

system* (if so equipped)

7. Clock (P. 2-43)

8. Center multi-function control panel

— Navigation system* (if so equipped)
— Vehicle information and setting buttons
(P. 4-8)
— Bluetooth

姞 Hands-Free Phone System

(P. 4-86)
— Audio system (P. 4-44)

9. Automatic climate control system

(P. 4-30)/Forest Air™ system (P. 4-30)

10. Center ventilator (P. 4-30)

11. Audio system (P. 4-44)

12. Front passenger supplemental air bag

(P. 1-36)

13. Hood release handle (P. 3-16)

14. Fuse box cover (P. 8-22)

15. Parking brake

— Parking (P. 5-16)

16. Push-button ignition switch (P. 5-7)

17. Climate controlled seat switch

(P. 2-40)/Seat heater switch (P. 2-39)

18. Drive mode select switch (P. 5-16)

19. Cigarette lighter and ashtray (P. 2-44)

20. Glove box lid release handle (P. 2-47)

21. Trunk release power cancel switch

(P. 3-18)

*: Refer to the separate Navigation System

Owner’s Manual.

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INSTRUMENT PANEL

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1. Tachometer (P. 2-7)

2. Warning/Indicator lights (P. 2-9)

3. Speedometer (P. 2-6)

4. Engine coolant temperature gauge

(P. 2-7)

5. Dot matrix liquid crystal display/

Odometer/twin trip odometer (P. 2-19)

6. Fuel gauge (P. 2-8)

*: The needle indicators in the speedometer, ta-

chometer, engine coolant temperature gauge
and fuel gauge may move slightly after the

ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK posi-
tion. This is not a malfunction.

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METERS AND GAUGES

Instruments and controls

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SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER

Speedometer

The speedometer indicates vehicle speed in
miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour
(km/h).

Odometer/twin trip odometer

The odometer

䊊

and twin trip odometer

䊊

are

displayed on the dot matrix crystal display
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.

The twin trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips.

Changing the display :

Pushing the TRIP RESET switch

䊊

on the right

of the combination meter panel changes the
display as follows:

TRIP A

→ TRIP B → TRIP A

Resetting the trip odometer :

Pushing the TRIP RESET switch

䊊

for more than

1 second resets the trip odometer to zero.

Average fuel economy and distance to empty
information is also available. (See “DOT MATRIX
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” later in this section
and “HOW TO USE STATUS BUTTON” in the “4.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice rec-
ognition systems” section.)

Speedometer

SIC4318

Odometer/twin trip odometer

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TACHOMETER

The tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (RPM).

Do not rev the engine

into the red zone

䊊

The scale length and the red zone vary with the
engine model.

CAUTION

When engine speed approaches the red zone,
shift to a higher gear or reduce engine speed.
Operating the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

The gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.

The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range when the gauge needle points
within the zone

䊊

shown in the illustration.

The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.

CAUTION

If the gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature is near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease the
temperature. If the gauge is over the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible and let the engine idle. If the engine is
overheated, continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine. See “IF
YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section for immediate action
required.

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FUEL GAUGE

The gauge indicates the

approximate fuel level

in the tank.

The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.

The gauge needle returns to “0” (Empty) after
the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF posi-
tion.

Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers
“0” (Empty).

The low fuel warning

appears on the dot

matrix liquid crystal display when the fuel level
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the gauge reaches “0”.

There will be a small reserve of fuel in the tank
when the fuel gauge needle reaches “0”.

CAUTION

● If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the

malfunction indicator light (MIL) may come
on. Refuel as soon as possible. After a few
driving trips, the

light should turn off.

If the light remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer.

● For additional information, see “Malfunction

Indicator Light (MIL)” later in this section.

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All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light*

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light (orange)*

ECO drive indicator light

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light

Lane departure warning light
(orange)*

Front fog light indicator light

Low tire pressure warning light

Front passenger air bag status light

Automatic transmission check warning
light

Master warning light

High beam indicator light

Brake warning light

Preview Function warning light
(orange)*

Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indica-
tor light*

Seat belt warning light and chime

Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) ON
indicator light (green)*

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot
Intervention (BSI) system warning light
(orange)*

Supplemental air bag warning light

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Charge warning light

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light

Security indicator light

Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light (orange)*

Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) off
indicator light*

Low beam indicator light

4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning
light*

Automatic transmission (AT) position
indicator light

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

Engine oil pressure warning light

Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) ON indica-
tor light (green)*

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light

*: if so equipped

WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS

Instruments and controls

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CHECKING BULBS

With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):

The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):

If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.

Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the dot matrix crystal display be-
tween the speedometer and tachometer. (See
“DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” later in
this section.)

WARNING LIGHTS

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
warning light (if so equipped)

The

warning 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 re-
main 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 re-
tailer 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 sec-

onds):

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.

Anti-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 indi-
cates the ABS is operational.

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 assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.)

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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.

Brake 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:

1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is

necessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by your INFINITI retailer. (See
“BRAKE FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)

2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the

warning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator :

When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)

WARNING

● Your brake system may not be working prop-

erly if the warning light is on. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive
carefully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.

● Pressing the brake pedal with the engine

stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.

● If the brake fluid level is below the minimum

or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.

Blind Spot Warning
(BSW)/Blind Spot
Intervention (BSI) system
warning light (orange; if so
equipped)

When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the indicator light will first illuminate
in orange and turn green before turning off. This
indicates that the Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems are
operational.

If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the BSW and BSI systems
are not functioning properly. Although the ve-
hicle is still driveable, have the systems
checked by an INFINITI retailer. See “BLIND

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Infiniti M37 (2011 year). Manual - part 5