Infiniti M37 (2011 year). Manual

● The steering wheel is forcibly turned beyond

its operation limits.

● The battery voltage is reduced.
Repeated steering maneuvers that may activate
the protection mechanism will damage the
4WAS system.

WARNING

The 4WAS system, although a sophisticated
device, cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving techniques.
Ultimately the responsibility for safety of self
and others rests in the hands of the driver.
Therefore only through attentive and careful
driving methods can the 4WAS system be fully
appreciated and safety optimized.

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain

maximum

efficiency,

the

battery

should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.

For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.

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 pat-
tern on all four wheels.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

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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 reser-

voir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 caution.

Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating 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 slip-

pery 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 steer-
ing maneuvers.

● Do not use the cruise control on slippery

roads.

● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-

der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust 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°F (

⫺7°C) 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, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.

WARNING

● Do not use your engine block heater with an

ungrounded

electrical

system

2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously in-
jured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.

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● Disconnect and properly store the engine

block heater cord before starting the engine.
Damage to the cord could result in an electri-
cal shock and can cause serious injury.

● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-

sion cord rated for at least 10A. Plug the
extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt
(GFI) protected, grounded 110-VAC outlet.
Failure to use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or electri-
cal shock and cause serious personal injury.

This system uses microphones

䊊

located in-

side the vehicle to detect engine booming
sound. The system then automatically produces
a muted engine booming sound through the
speakers

䊊

and woofer

䊊

(if so equipped) to

reduce engine booming sound.

NOTE:

To operate the active noise control system prop-
erly:

● Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
● Do not cover the microphones.

SAA3004

ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL

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In the event of a roadside emergency, Roadside
Assistance Service is available to you. Please
refer to your Warranty Information Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation Booklet (Canada) for details.

To shut off the engine in an emergency situa-
tion, while driving perform the following proce-
dure:

● 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 SYSTEM
(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 (if so equipped)
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 REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section and “TIRE PRES-
SURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF

FLAT TIRE

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WARNING

● If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-

nates or LOW PRESSURE information is dis-
played on the monitor screen while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of tire fail-
ure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure warning
light OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as possible.

● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is

replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.

● Replacing tires with those not originally

specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.

● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire

sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.

Stopping the vehicle

1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

3. Park on a level surface and apply the

parking brake. Move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.

4. Turn off the engine.

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and

to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle

and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.

WARNING

● Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-

plied and the automatic transmission into P
(Park).

● Never change tires when the vehicle is on a

slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.

● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is

close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.

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Blocking wheels

Place suitable blocks

䊊

at both the front and

back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when it
is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may
move and result in personal injury.

Getting the spare tire and tools

Raise the trunk floor cover

䊊

using the tab

䊊

Remove jacking tools located inside the trunk
as illustrated.

The spare tire is located under the jacking tools.
Remove the cap

䊊

holding the spare tire.

MCE0001A

SCE0881

SCE0882

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Jacking up the vehicle and removing
the damaged tire

WARNING

● Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-

ported only by the jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.

● Use only the jack provided with your vehicle

to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack pro-
vided with your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed for lifting only your ve-
hicle during a tire change.

● Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any

other part of the vehicle for jack support.

● Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

● Never use blocks on or under the jack.
● Do not start or run the engine while vehicle is

on the jack, as it may cause the vehicle to
move. This is especially true for vehicles
with limited slip differentials.

● Do not allow passengers to stay in the ve-

hicle while it is on the jack.

Carefully read the caution label attached to the
jack body and the following instructions.

1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up

point as illustrated so the top of the jack
contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point.
Align the jack head between the two
notches in the front or the rear as shown.
Also fit the groove of the jack head be-
tween the notches as shown.

The jack should be used on level firm ground.

Jack-up point

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2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns

by turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench.

Do not remove the

wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.

3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire

clears the ground. To lift the vehicle,
securely hold the jack lever and rod with
both hands as shown above. Remove the
wheel nuts, and then remove the tire.

Installing the spare tire

The T-type spare tire is designed for emergency
use. (See specific instructions under the head-
ing “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)

1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten

the wheel nuts finger tight.

Models equipped with different sized tires in
the front and rear:

When replacing a front tire, make sure that
the hole in the spare tire wheel is aligned
with the pin on the brake rotor.

SCE0504

SCE0661

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3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel

nuts alternately and evenly in the se-
quence as illustrated (

䊊

)

until they are tight.

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire

touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts se-
curely in the sequence as illustrated.
Lower the vehicle completely.

WARNING

● Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened

wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become
loose or come off. This could cause an
accident.

● Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or

nuts. This could cause the nuts to become
loose.

● Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle

has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km)
(also in cases of a flat tire, etc.).

● As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts

to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

80 ft-lb (108 N·m)

The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to speci-
fication at all times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to specifications at
each lubrication interval.
● Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:

After the vehicle has been parked for three hours
or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label affixed to the driver
side center pillar.

5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking

equipment in the vehicle.

6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk

floor carpeting over the damaged tire.

7. Close the trunk.

WARNING

● Always make sure that the spare tire and

jacking equipment are properly secured af-
ter use. Such items can become dangerous
projectiles in an accident or sudden stop.

SCE0883

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● The T-type spare tire and small size spare

tire are designed for emergency use. See
specific instructions under the heading
“WHEELS AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.

If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty Information
Booklet (Canada).

To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.

WARNING

● If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to

a battery explosion, resulting in severe in-
jury or death. It could also damage your
vehicle.

● Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in

the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks
and flames away from the battery.

● Do not allow battery fluid to come into con-

tact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted sur-
faces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulphuric
acid solution which can cause severe burns.
If the fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the contacted
area with water.

● Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
● The booster battery must be rated at 12

volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can
damage your vehicle.

● Whenever working on or near a battery, al-

ways wear suitable eye protectors (for ex-
ample, goggles or industrial safety spec-
tacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or
any other jewelry. Do not lean over the bat-
tery when jump starting.

● Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery.

It could explode and cause serious injury.

● Your vehicle has an automatic engine cool-

ing fan. It could come on at any time. Keep
hands and other objects away from it.

JUMP STARTING

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WARNING

Always follow the instructions below. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the charging
system and cause personal injury.

1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle

䊊

, position the two vehicles (

䊊

and

䊊

)

to bring their batteries into close proxim-
ity to each other.

Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

2. Apply parking brake. Move the selector

lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off
all unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).

3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so

equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth

䊊

to reduce explo-

sion hazard.

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as

illustrated (

䊊

→

䊊

→

䊊

→

䊊

If the battery is disconnected or discharged,
the steering wheel will lock and cannot be
turned. Supply power using jumper cables
before pushing the ignition switch and dis-
engaging the steering lock.

VK56VD engine

SCE0886

VQ37VHR engine

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CAUTION

● Always connect positive (+) to positive (+)

and negative (

⫺) to body ground (as illus-

trated) — not to the battery.

● Make sure the jumper cables do not touch

moving parts in the engine compartment and
that clamps do not contact any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle

䊊

and let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the booster

vehicle

䊊

at about 2,000 rpm, and start

the engine of the vehicle being jump
started

䊊

CAUTION

Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.

7. After starting your engine, carefully dis-

connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (

䊊

→

䊊

→

䊊

→

䊊

8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be

sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.

9. Put the battery cover on.

Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.

CAUTION

● Automatic transmission models cannot be

push-started or tow-started. Attempting to
do so may cause transmission damage.

● Three way catalyst equipped models should

not be started by pushing since the three
way catalyst may be damaged.

● Never try to start the vehicle by towing it;

when the engine starts, the forward surge
could cause the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.

If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
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 Information Booklet (Canada).

PUSH STARTING

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CAUTION

● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-

heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.

● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never

remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.

● Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:

1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply

the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.

Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the

windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-

ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.

4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for

steam or coolant escaping from the radia-
tor before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no
steam or coolant can be seen.

5. Open the engine hood.

WARNING

If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.

6. Visually check drive belts for damage or

looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine.

WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry
or clothing to come into contact with, or get
caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling
fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.

7. After the engine cools down, check the

coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reser-
voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle
repaired at the nearest INFINITI retailer.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

In case of emergency

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When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
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 appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental dam-
age to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your vehicle. It
is advisable to have the service operator care-
fully read the following precautions.

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 transmis-

sion, axles, steering system and powertrain
are in working condition. If any unit is dam-
aged, dollies must be used.

● Always attach safety chains before towing.

For information about towing your vehicle be-
hind a recreational vehicle (RV), see “FLAT
TOWING” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

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Infiniti M37 (2011 year). Manual - part 25