towing INFINITI FX 2010 Owner's Manual

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHARTUnit: lb (kg)
VQ35HR VK50VE
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) model All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) model All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) model
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 —2,000 (907) 3,500 (1,588)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD —200 (91) 350 (159)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING —
7,355 (3,336)*38,
825 (4,003)*4 9,109 (4,128)*39,
098 (4,127)*4
RECOMMENDED EQUIP-
MENT*2 Sway Control Device (SCD)
1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. INFINITI recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by INFINITI. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed
sway control device for your trailer.
3: For US
4: For Canada
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine INFINITI trailer hitch is avail-
able from an INFINITI retailer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle
to help avoid personal injury or property dam-
age due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific weight
ratings. Your vehicle may be capable of towing
a trailer heavier than the weight rating of the
hitch components. Never exceed the weight
rating of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
● The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
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●The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16 smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
● The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to
make sure the sway control device will work
with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s
brake system. Follow the instructions provided
by the manufacturer for installing and using the
sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb
(907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg).
CAUTION
● Special hitches which include frame rein-
forcements are required for towing above
2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genuine INFINITI
hitches for pickup trucks and sport utility
vehicles are available at an INFINITI retailer.
● The hitch should not be attached to or affect
the operation of the impact-absorbing
bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, etc. to install a trailer hitch.
● To reduce the possibility of additional dam-
age if your vehicle is struck from the rear,
where practical, remove the hitch and/or re-
ceiver when not in use. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent ex-
haust fumes, water or dust from entering the
passenger compartment.
● Regularly check that all trailer hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
●When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
●Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the
hitch ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit
turning corners.
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, a commercially available power-type
module/converter must be used to provide
power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses the
vehicle battery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail light,
stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal
source. The module/converter must draw no
more than 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may dam-
age the vehicle’s electrical system. See a repu-
table trailer retailer to obtain the proper equip-
ment and to have it installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact an INFINITI retailer or
reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly to
the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turn-
ing, stopping and backing up in an area which
is free from traffic. Steering stability, and brak-
ing performance will be somewhat different
than under normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
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back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission dam-
age could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down- hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake. 5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer
are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
● When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
● If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road
in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described earlier in this sec-
tion.
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●Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Down shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific regu-
lations and speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position. ●
When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For addi-
tional information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
● Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always
tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any automatic transmission ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication. ●
DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ve-
hicle with any of the wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
● For emergency towing procedures refer to
“TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
Automatic transmission
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models :
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models :
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly
MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
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Checking engine coolant level......8-9
Checking engine oil level .........8-10
Engine block heater ............5-81
Engine compartment check locations . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system ...........8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .....2-25
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Engine serial number ...........9-12
Engine specifications ............9-8
Engine start operation indicator .....2-23
If your vehicle overheats .........6-10
Starting the engine ............5-12
Engine coolant temperature gauge ......2-7
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ..........9-31
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . .9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .........8-19
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-11
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....2-40
Flat tire ..................... .6-2
Flat towing .................. .9-27
Floor mat cleaning ............... .7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-13
Brake fluid ................. 8-14Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants
..................9-2
Engine coolant ...............8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ............8-13
Window washer fluid ...........8-14
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................... .4-61
Fog light switch ............... .2-40
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . . .5-61
Front passenger air bag and status light . .1-47
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-2
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .......1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Fuel

economy ............... 5-68
Fuel economy information (display) ....4-9
Fuel octane rating .............9-4
Fuel recommendation ...........9-4
Fuel-filler cap ................ 3-18
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-18
Gauge ....................2-8
Fuses ..................... .8-22
Fusible links ................. .8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver .................. .2-60
Gascap .................... .3-18
Gauge ...................... .2-5
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . .2-7
Fuel gauge ..................2-8 Odometer
..................2-6
Speedometer ................2-6
Tachometer .................2-7
Trip computer ............... 2-27
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box ................... .2-48
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(with navigation system) ...........4-104
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(without navigation system) .........4-115
Hazard warning flasher switch . . . . . . . .2-40
Head restraints ................. .1-6
Headlights Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-38
Bulb replacement ............. 8-26
Headlight switch .............. 2-36
Xenon headlights ............. 2-35
Headphones (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) ........4-94 , 4-102
Heater Automatic climate control .........4-40
Engine block heater ............5-81
HomeLink Universal Transceiver . . . . . .2-60
Hood release ................. .3-16
Hook Coat
hooks................ .2-49
Luggage hook ............... 2-50
Horn ...................... .2-41
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Preview Function warning light........2-17
Push starting .................. .6-9
Push-button ignition switch ..........5-9
R
Radio ..................... .4-46
Radio Car phone or CB radio ..........4-103
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... 4-61
Rain-sensing auto wiper system .......2-33
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test ...................... .9-30
Rear Active Steer system ...........5-79
Rear Active Steer warning light ........2-17
Rear center seat belt ............. .1-19
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock . .3-6
Rear seats ................... .1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ..................... .2-35
Rear window wiper blades ..........8-21
Rearview monitor ............... .4-22
Recorders, Event data .............9-31
Registering your vehicle in another
country .................... .9-10
Remote controller (DVD) ...........4-102
Remote keyless entry system .........3-13
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......9-29
Roadside assistance program .........6-2
Rollover ..................... .5-5
Roof Moonroof ................. .2-56Roof rack
.................. 2-53
Safety
Child seat belts .............. .1-15
Reporting safety defects (US only) . . . 9-29
Towing safety ............... 9-23
S
Satellite radio operation ...........4-62
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-2
Front seats ..................1-2
Seat belt(s)
Child safety ................ .1-15
Infants .................... 1-15
Injured persons ............... 1-16
Larger
children ............... 1-15
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort
function ................... 1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-12
Pregnant women .............. 1-16
Rear center seat belt ...........1-19
Seat belt cleaning ..............7-5
Seat belt extenders ............1-19
Seat belt maintenance ..........1-20
Seat belt warning light and chime ....2-17
Seat belts .................. 1-12
Seat belts with pretensioners ......1-52
Shoulder belt height adjustment .....1-19
Small children ............... 1-15
Three-point type .............. 1-17
Seat synchronization function ........3-26
Seat(s) Climate controlled seats ..........2-41
Driver-side memory ............3-25Seats
.....................1-2
Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start .............2-31
Security system, Vehicle security system . .2-29
Selector lever Shift lock release ............. .5-16
Servicing air conditioner
(See automatic climate control) . . . .4-40 , 4-42
Servicing climate control ...........4-46
SETTING button ................ .4-13
Shift lock release Transmission ............... .5-16
Shifting, Automatic transmission .......5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ...................... .1-19
Small light indicator light ...........2-20
Snow mode switch .............. .2-43
Spare tire .................... .9-9
Spark plugs .................. .8-18
Speedometer .................. .2-6
Starting Before starting the engine .........5-12
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
Starting
the engine ............ 5-12
STATUS button ................. .4-7
Status light, Front passenger air bag . . . .1-47
Steering Power steering fluid ............8-13
Power steering system ..........5-72
Rear Active Steer system .........5-79
Steering lock release malfunction
indicator .................. 2-23
Steering-wheel-mounted controls for
audio .................... 4-89
Tilt/telescopic steering ..........3-19
Storage .................... .2-46
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Sun visors................... .3-21
Sunglasses holder .............. .2-47
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . . .1-53
Supplemental air bag warning light . .1-53 , 2-17
Supplemental restraint system ........1-40
Supplemental restraint system, Precautions
on supplemental restraint system ......1-40
Switch Autolight switch ............. .2-36
Continuous Damping Control mode
select switch ................ 2-44
Fog light switch .............. 2-40
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
switch ................... 2-43
Hazard warning flasher switch ......2-40
Headlight switch .............. 2-36
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ................... 5-13
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF
switch ................... 2-44
Lane departure warning (LDW)
system ................... 2-42
Power door lock switch ...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch .............. 2-35
Snow mode switch ............2-43
Turn signal switch ............. 2-39
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .................... 2-45
T
Tachometer ................... .2-7
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge .............. .2-7Theft (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start
.................. .2-31
Thigh extension ................ .1-4
Three-way catalyst ............... .5-2
Tilt/telescopic steering .............3-19
Tire pressure, Low tire pressure warning
light ...................... .2-15
Tire, Tire replacement indicator ........2-25
Tires Flat tire ................... .6-2
Low tire pressure warning system ....5-3
Spare tire ................. 8-38
Tire and Loading information label . . . 8-30
Tire chains ................. 8-35
Tire dressing ................7-4
Tire pressure ................ 8-28
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) ....................
5-3
Tire rotation ................ 8-36
Types of tires ............... 8-34
Uniform tire quality grading .......9-28
Wheel/tire size ...............9-9
Wheels and tires ............. 8-28
Tonneau cover (see cargo cover) .......2-51
Top tether strap child restraints .......1-24
Touch screen system ..............4-4
Towing Flat towing ................ .9-27
Tow truck towing .............. 6-11
Towing a trailer .............. 9-19
Towing safety ............... 9-23
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system . . . .5-3
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system .....6-2
Trailer towing ................. .9-19Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................. .2-60
Transmission Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-13
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release ................... 5-16
Transmitter
(See remote keyless entry system) ......3-13
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................ .9-10
Trip computer ................. .2-27
Trip odometer ................. .2-27
Turn signal switch .............. .2-39
U
Underbody cleaning .............. .7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-28
V
Vanity mirror ................. .3-24
Vanity mirror lights ............. .2-59
Variable voltage control system . . .....8-17
Vehicle Dimensions ................ .9-10
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . . 6-14
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .................... 2-45
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system ................... 5-77
Vehicle information and settings
(display) ...................

4-7
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