check engine INFINITI QX 2010 User Guide
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Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual. Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an INFINITI dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
● Malfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed. The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by an INFINITI dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
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The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light does not come
on or does not go off, have the traction control
system checked by an INFINITI dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch is pushed to
OFF, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model) , or when the VDC system is not
functioning properly. This indicates the VDC sys-
tem is not operating.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. See
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual. The VDC OFF light also comes on when you
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the VDC system
checked by an INFINITI dealer.
While the VDC system is operating, you might
feel slight vibration or hear the system working
when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this
is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
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10. Cruise main switch indicator (if soequipped)/Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system main switch indicator (if so
equipped)
11. Cruise set switch indicator/Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system set switch in-
dicator
12. Parking brake warning
13. Low fuel warning
14. Lower windshield washer fluid warning
Door and liftgate open warning
This warning illuminates when a door, the liftgate
or the liftgate glass has been opened when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
Engine start operation indicator
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is pushed, but not turned.
No key warning (Intelligent Key model)
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions: 1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine. Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried
with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key.
– You do not have an Intelligent Key with you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you.
2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is in the ACC or ON position. A
chime will also sound.
Lock warning (Intelligent Key model)
This warning illuminates and a chime sounds if
the ignition switch has been in the ACC or ON
position and then placed in the OFF position.
Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position
and the warning and chime will turn off.
Refer to “Shift P warning” in this section for
additional information.
SHIFT P warning ( Intelligent Key model)
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ACC or OFF position and the shift
selector is in any position other than P (Park) position. Also, a chime sounds when the ignition
switch is in the OFF position.
If this warning illuminates, move the shift selector
to the P (Park) position or start the engine.
If the shift selector is moved to the P (Park)
position, the lock warning will appear. Refer to
“Lock warning” in this section.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “INFINITI Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator
(Intelligent Key model)
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Battery replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
4WD shift indicator (
model)
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator will illuminate the position selected by the
4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator may blink while
shifting from one drive mode to the other.
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Transfer 4LO position indicator (
model)
This indicator illuminates when the 4WD shift
switch is set in the 4LO position with the ignition
switch placed in the ON position.
If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the indicator blinks, stop the vehicle, drive
slowly forward and the indicator will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle, move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)
position, then depress and turn the 4WD shift
switch to 4LO or 4H.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you have first
stopped the vehicle and moved the shift selector
to N (Neutral) . Make sure the transfer 4LO posi-
tion indicator illuminates when you shift the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO.
The indicator may blink while shifting from
one drive mode to the other.
Automatic transmission position indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this indicator shows the selector posi-tion. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicator (if so
equipped)
This indicator illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The indicator turns off
when the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
This indicator illuminates while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If the
indicator blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI dealer.
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
main switch indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator is displayed when the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system main switch is
pushed. When the main switch is pushed again,
the indicator turns off. While the main switch
indicator is displayed, the ICC system is opera-
tional.
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system set
switch indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the Intelligent Cruise Con-
trol (ICC) system. If the indicator blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate that the ICC
system is not functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked by an INFINITI dealer.
See Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system in
the “Starting and driving” section for details.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) .
There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) .
Low windshield washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield
washer fluid as necessary. See “Window washer
fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
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CAUTION
●Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
● Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your INFINITI dealer.
● The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running. The heated steering wheel system is designed to
operate only when the surface temperature of the
steering wheel is below 68°F (20°C) .
The heated steering wheel switch is located on
the front of the console box.
Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm
the steering wheel after the engine starts. The
indicator light will come on.
If the surface temperature of the steering wheel is
below 68°F (20°C) , the system will heat the
steering wheel to approximately 86°F (30°C) ,
and cycle off and on to maintain a temperature
above 68°F (20°C) . The indicator light will remain
on as long as the system is on. Push the switch again to turn the heated steering
wheel system off manually. The indicator light will
go off.
NOTE:
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above 68°F (20°C) when the switch
is turned on, the system will not heat the
steering wheel. This is not a malfunction.
LIC0421
HEATED STEERING WHEEL
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The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe to
do so before backing up. Always back up
slowly.
The rear sonar system is active when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position and the shift
selector is in R (Reverse) .
When sensors detect obstacles within 5.9 ft (1.8
m) of the rear bumper, a beeping tone is emitted. The rear sonar system can be disabled by push-
ing the OFF switch. When the system is disabled,
the indicator light on the switch will illuminate.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
See “Rear sonar system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WIC0534LIC0471
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
REAR SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
(if so equipped)
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Verify the location of all Intelligent Keys that are
programmed for the vehicle. If another Intelligent
Key is in range or inside the vehicle, the vehicle
system may respond differently than expected.
SymptomPossible CauseRemedy
When stopping the engine The SHIFT P warning appears on the dis-
play and the inside warning chime sounds
continuously. The shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park)
position.
When opening the driver’s door to get out
of the vehicle The inside warning chime sounds
continuously.
The ignition switch is in the ACC position.Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
When closing the door after getting out of
the vehicle The NO KEY warning appears on the
display, the outside chime sounds 3 times
and the inside warning chime sounds for
approximately 3 seconds.
The ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
The NO KEY warning appears on the dis-
play and the outside chime sounds
continuously. The ignition switch is in the ACC position
and the shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion and place the ignition switch in the
OFF position.
When closing the door with the inside lock
knob turned to LOCK The outside chime sounds for approximately
3 seconds and all the doors unlock.
The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the door handle request
switch to lock the door The outside chime sounds for approximately
2 seconds. The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle. Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
A door is not closed securely.
Close the door securely.
The door handle request switch is pushed
before the door is closed. Push the door handle request switch after
the door is closed.
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1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver side instrument panel. The
hood will spring up slightly.
2Lift up the lever at the front of the hood as
illustrated with your fingertips and raise the
hood.
When closing the hood, lower it slowly and make
sure it locks into place.
WARNING
● Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
● If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
WARNING
● Always be sure the lift gate has been
closed securely to prevent it from open-
ing while driving.
● Do not drive with the lift gate open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
● Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
● Always be sure that hands and feet are
clear of the door frame to avoid injury
while closing the lift gate.
WPD0318
HOOD LIFT GATE
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NOTE:
The lift gate must be unlocked in order to
open the glass hatch.
WARNING
Do not drive with the glass hatch open.
This could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Exhaust
gas” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
The fuel-filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to remove. To tighten, turn
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
Put the fuel-filler cap on the cap holder
1while
refueling.
WARNING
● Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
● Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator light to come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
LPD0391
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
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CAUTION
●Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
● Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by an INFINITI dealer.
● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
● Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
● Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than passen-
ger cars to make them capable of performing in a
variety of on-pavement and off-road applications.
This gives them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars. An advantage of higher ground
clearance is a better view of the road, allowing
you to anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all possible, avoid sharp turns at high speeds. As
with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control
or vehicle rollover. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
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