weight INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Guide

Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the trailer
manufacturer. The tongue load must be
within the maximum tongue load limits
shown in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle
Weight (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The GVW equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load
and any other optional equipment. In addi-
tion, front or rear GAW must not exceed the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, cargo and/or optional equipment,
such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the
vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum
towing capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR,
Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be mea-
sured using platform type scales commonly
found at truck stops, highway weigh stations,
building supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity
for tongue/king pin load, use the following
procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin load.
WTI0160LTI2031
Technical and consumer information10-21

To determine the available towing capacity,
use the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the"Towing Load/Specification" chart found
in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it
is towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight
is not more than the Gross Trailer Weight
Rating shown on the trailer and is not more
than the calculated available maximum tow-
ing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The cargo in the
trailer and vehicle may need to be moved or
removed to meet the specified ratings. Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg).
4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg) GVWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW = 266 lbs. (121 kg) Available for tongue weight
7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg) GCWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW = 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Capacity available for towing
266 lbs. (121 kg) Available tongue weight
= 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Available capacity = 10 % tongueweight The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
the cargo to obtain the proper tongue load.
Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight
specification shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart even if the calculated
available tongue weight is greater than 15%.
If the calculated tongue weight is less than
10%, reduce the total trailer weight to match
the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
10-22Technical and consumer information

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only. The
safe towing capacity of your vehicle is af-
fected by dealer and factory installed op-
tions and passenger and cargo loads. You
must weigh the vehicle and trailer as de-
scribed in this manual to determine the ac-
tual vehicle towing capacity. Do not exceed
the published maximum towing capacity or
the GCWR or the GVWR shown on the
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can result
in an accident causing serious injury or
property damage.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Axle type AWD2WD/AWD
With Tow Package Without Tow Package
Maximum Towing Capacity*1 3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
Maximum Tongue Load 300 lbs. (136 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or
optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Technical and consumer information10-23

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes a receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the
maximum towing capacity of this vehicle
when the proper towing equipment is used.
Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genu-
ine INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls are
available from an INFINITI retailer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the towing
capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A Genuine
INFINITI trailer hitch is available from an
INFINITI retailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid
personal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road sur-
faces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable 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 the top of the ball.
• Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight.
• 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.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the hitch
receiver. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight. Additionally, the
ball mount should be chosen to keep the
trailer tongue level with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on the
receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer to
distribute the tongue weight (hitch weight) of
your trailer. Many vehicles can't carry the full
tongue weight of a given trailer, and need
some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the
front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
10-24Technical and consumer information

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV)
is recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the surge
brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer to de-
termine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.With the ignition switch on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for sev-
eral minutes so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the cen-
ter of the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bum-
per height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13
mm) of the reference height measured in
step 2. The rear bumper should be no
higher than the reference height mea-
sured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher
than the measured reference height when
the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is
higher than the measured reference height
when loaded, the vehicle may handle un-
predictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used
to help control these affects. If you choose to
use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch sup-
plier 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 lbs.
(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 lbs.
(1,587 kg).
Tire pressures
• When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle 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 manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
Technical and consumer information10-25

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.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, 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 us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stop light 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 damage the vehicle's electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer retailer to ob-
tain the proper equipment 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. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.Trailer brakes
Most states require a separate braking sys-
tem on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount, make sure the trailer meets
the local regulations and the regulations
where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge
brakes are activated by the trailer pushing
against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is
braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common
on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In
this type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special
brake-sensing module). Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
• Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/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 pos-
sible 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 grav-
ity 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.
10-26Technical and consumer information

• 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
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability
and braking performance will be somewhat
different than under normal driving
conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to preventload shift while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. • 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
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 to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion damage 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. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
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.
• While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
• If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P. 6-7).
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor- mal circumstances.
Technical and consumer information10-27

Chassis control................5-156Check tire pressure..............2-24Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-26Child restraints.........1-20, 1-22, 1-24LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-24Precautions on child
restraints.......1-22, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-27Child safety rear door lock...........3-6Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2, 7-4Climate control seat switch.........2-42Cold weather driving........... .5-165Console box................. .2-53Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)..................... .5-18Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. . .4-35CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
.............. .10-2Changing engine coolant..........8-5Checking engine coolant level.......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control.............5-75, 5-76Cup holders................. .2-54
D
Dimensions and weights...........10-9Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . . .2-41Distance Control Assist (DCA) system. .5-106Door locks................... .3-4Drive belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving.......... .5-165Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)........... .5-18Precautions when starting and
driving................ .5-4, 5-10Driving the vehicle...............5-18Dual power moonroof............2-66
E
E-call (SOS) Button............. .2-48Economy - fuel............... .5-145Electronic parking brake...........5-23Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15, 6-3Emission control information label. . . .10-11Emission control system warranty. . . .10-30Engine
Before starting the engine........5-16Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.............. .10-2Changing engine coolant..........8-5Changing engine oil.............8-6Changing engine oil filter..........8-6Checking engine coolant level.......8-5Checking engine oil level..........8-6
Engine compartment check locations. .8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation..............10-6Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-11Engine oil viscosity.............10-6Engine serial number...........10-11Engine specifications...........10-8Starting the engine............ .5-16Engine Block Heater............5-166Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . . .2-6Event Data recorders............10-32Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......5-4Explanation of maintenance items......9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch...........2-49
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-11Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)..................... .6-2Flat tire......................6-3Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid................ .8-10Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.................... .8-10
11-2

Tire chains.................8-36Tire pressure................8-27Tire rotation................8-36Types of tires................8-33Uniform tire quality grading......10-29Wheel/tire size...............10-9Wheels and tires..............8-27Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.....2-13Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). .5-5Top tether strap child restraint.......1-26Towing4-wheel drive models.......... .6-10All-wheel drive models...........6-9Flat towing...........10-28, 10-29Tow truck towing............. .6-8Towing load/specification.......10-23Trailer towing.............. .10-19Towing a trailer...............10-19Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).......5-32Transceiver
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver
.....2-70, 2-72, 2-73, 2-74TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid
.................... .8-10Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country)................... .10-10Trip odometer..................2-5Trunk light.................. .2-69Turn signal switch...............2-41
U
Uniform tire quality grading........10-29USB/iPod® Charging Ports.........4-42
V
Vanity mirror................. .3-33Variable voltage control system......8-14Vehicle dimensions and weights......10-9Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.................... .5-154Vehicle identification............10-10Vehicle identification number (VIN). . .10-10Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)............. .10-10Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate..................... .10-10Vehicle immobilizer system.........5-16Vehicle information display.........2-19Vehicle loading information........10-15Vehicle recovery................6-11Vehicle security system............2-29(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start..........2-30, 3-4, 5-16Vents..................... .4-33Visors......................3-32
W
Warning
Air bag warning light........1-61, 2-12
Anti-lock brake warning light. .2-10, 2-13Battery charge warning light.......2-11Brake warning light........... .2-10Distance Control Assist (DCA).....5-106Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-11Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Loose fuel cap warning..........2-22Low fuel warning light. .2-12, 2-15, 2-22Low tire pressure warning light.....2-13Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light.................... .2-22Seat belt warning light.......1-14, 2-12Supplemental air bag warning
light..................1-61, 2-12TPMS.................... .2-4Vehicle security system..........2-29Warning labels (for SRS).........1-60Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...............2-9, 2-10Warning lights..............2-9, 2-10Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders.................... .2-9Warning systems switch...........2-45Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders................ .2-9, 2-10Audible reminders..........2-9, 2-10Indicator lights............2-9, 2-10Warning lights............2-9, 2-10Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches
.................. .2-34Weights (See dimensions and weights). .10-9Wheel/tire size................10-9Wheels and tires................8-27
11-7