overheating INFINITI EX 2013 Towing Guide

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rearward vision, have someone outside the vehicle act as a “spotter” to guide you along. Do not
use the Back-up Collision Intervention system (BCI) when towing a trailer.

PARK SMART
A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always try to park
where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering. Once parked, always block the wheels on
both the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some precautions you should take:
Š Have someone block the wheels once the tow vehicle and trailer are in position and being held
by the vehicle’s brake.
Š Next, apply the parking brake and only then move the gear lever into PARK. If you move the lever
into PARK before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, it may be difficult to later
shift out of PARK. Transmission damage may also occur.

PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the trailer,
acceleration capability is reduced and you will require a longer distance to pass another vehicle. Be
certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely. Never attempt to pass on hills or when
going around curves.

HILLS – UPGRADES
As the incline increases, your vehicle — if equipped with an automatic transmission — is designed
to automatically select the correct gear for the best towing comfort and performance. To maintain
speed or avoid up and down shifts, manually shift to a lower gear as needed.

The added weight of a trailer places an increased load on the engine and cooling system, so
monitor your coolant temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if
equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS later in this section for more information.

HILLS – DOWNGRADES
While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease overall
stability. Therefore, to maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear. If

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your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, see your vehicle owner’s manual for information about the
use of this function.

Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you travel.
If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more time than usual due to the
engine’s reduced performance.

AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.

BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION
Do not use the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when towing a trailer.

TOW MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in stop-and-go
traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode may affect fuel
economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your vehicle owner’s manual for
additional information about Tow Mode.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer. If, however,
the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are experiencing a significant
loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the engine may be overheating and you
should immediately take the following steps:

1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP THE
ENGINE.

2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to

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maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed. The heater core in your vehicle is just like a
miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine
temperature.

*
See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine immediately.

4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water/coolant under high pressure may spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the
drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be careful
to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and other
moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the cooling fan is
running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks. Keep in mind,
too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start without warning
any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a loose or missing drive
belt, or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with the
engine cooled to its normal operating temperature, check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this point, if
repairs are required, go to the nearest Infiniti retailer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on overheating.

NOTE – All Infiniti vehicles have an engine protection mode which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature.