tow INFINITI FX 2010 Owner's Guide

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be
placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow AWD models with any of the wheels
on the ground as this may cause serious and
expensive damage to the powertrain.
All-wheel drive models
SCE0736
SCE0769
In case of emergency6-13
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
●Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed spe-
cifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
1
stored with jacking tools as illustrated. Attach
the tow strap to the recovery hook. Make sure
that the hook is properly secured in the original
place after use.
Do not use the tie down hooks
2for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
● Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.
● Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
● Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks.
● Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
● Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
● Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions. 3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
●Shift back and forth between R (reverse)
and D (drive).
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
6-14In case of emergency
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TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
●Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
● Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
● Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
● Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the inte-
rior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl
and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth
dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe
clean with a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot steam
cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the seat
or occupant classification sensors. This can
also affect the operation of the air bag system
and result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
●
Never use benzine, thinner, or any similar
material. ●
Small dirt particles can be abrasive and dam-
aging to the leather surfaces and should be
removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap,
car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents or ammonia-based
cleaners as they may damage the leather’s
natural finish.
● Only use fabric protectors approved by
INFINITI.
● Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter
or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens
cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
● Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per-
manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh-
ener in a location that allows it to hang free
and not contact an interior surface.
● Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on
the vents. These products can cause imme-
diate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
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VK50VE ENGINE
To remove the engine compartment covers,
unhook the clips
Alocated as illustrated.To remove the engine cover, pull the cover
upward first
1and then toward the front of the
vehicle
2.
SDI2263
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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●Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the
standard tire. Replace the spare tire as soon
as the tread wear indicators appear.
● Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.
● Do not use more than one spare tire at the
same time.
● Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
● Do not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly and may cause damage to the vehicle.
● Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire is smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid damage to the
vehicle, do not drive over obstacles. Also do
not drive the vehicle through an automatic
car wash since it may get caught.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39
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9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions ................................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .........9-11
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number) ....................................... 9-11
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Emission control information label ..............9-12
Tire and loading information label ..............9-13
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-13
Installing front license plate .......................9-14
Vehicle loading information ........................9-15
Terms ......................................... 9-15Vehicle load capacity
.......................... 9-16
Securing the load ............................. 9-17
Loading tips .................................. 9-18
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-19
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-19
Maximum load limits .......................... 9-19
Maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW)/
maximum gross axle weight (GAW) .............9-21
Towing load/specification ......................9-23
Towing safety ................................. 9-23
Flat towing ................................... 9-27
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-28
Treadwear .................................... 9-28
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-28
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-28
Emission control system warranty .................9-29
Reporting

safety defects (US only) .................9-29
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-30
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-31
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-32
In the event of a collision ......................9-32
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 23-3/4 gal 19-3/4 gal90 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change VK50VE7-1/8 qt5-7/8 qt 6.7 •Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
•Viscosity SAE 5W-30
VQ35HR 5-1/8 qt4-3/8 qt 4.9
Without oil filter change VK50VE6-1/8 qt5-1/8 qt 5.8
VQ35HR 4-7/8 qt4 qt4.6
Cooling system With reservoir VK50VE11-5/8 qt9-5/8 qt 11 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35HR
9-3/4 qt8-1/8 qt 9.2
Reservoir VK50VE7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
VQ35HR 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*3
Front differential gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90
or API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4
Rear differential gear oil VQ35HR without
towing package Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90
or API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*4
VK50VE/VQ35HR
with towing pack-
age Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API
GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
Transfer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*6
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equiva-
lent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants ——— NISSAN A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION
VK50VE engine
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91) may be
temporarily used, but only under the following
precautions:
●Have the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as pos-
sible.
● Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt accel-
eration.
However, for maximum vehicle performance, the
use of unleaded premium gasoline is recom-
mended.
VQ35HR engine
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded pre-
mium gasoline with an octane rating of at least
91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research
octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
you may use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Re-
search octane number 91), but you may notice a
decrease in performance.
CAUTION
●
Using a fuel other than that specified could
adversely affect the emission control sys-
tem, and may also affect warranty coverage.
● Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will damage
the three-way catalyst.
● Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel.
Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel system
components and is not covered by the
INFINITI vehicle limited warranty.
Gasoline specifications
INFINITI recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifica-
tions where it is available. Many of the automo-
bile manufacturers developed this specification
to improve emission system and vehicle perfor-
mance. Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
INFINITI supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
INFINITI does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your INFINITI cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance prob-
lems and/or fuel system damage.
● The fuel should be unleaded and have an oc-
tane rating no lower than that recommended
for unleaded gasoline.
● If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a methanol
blend, is used, it should contain no more than
10% oxygenate. (MTBE may, however, be
added up to 15%.)
9-4Technical and consumer information
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change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Opera-
tion under the following conditions may require
more frequent oil and filter changes.
●repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
● driving in dusty conditions,
● extensive idling,
● towing a trailer,
● stop and go “rush hour” traffic,
Refer to the “INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your INFINITI ve-
hicle must be charged with the refrigerant HFC-
134a (R-134a) and the lubricant, NISSAN A/C sys-
tem oil Type S or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubricant will
cause severe damage to the air conditioning
system and will require the replacement of all
air conditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
INFINITI vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling
of any refrigerant during automotive air condi-
tioning system service. Your INFINITI retailer
has the trained technicians and equipment
needed to recover and recycle your air condi-
tioning system refrigerant.
Contact an INFINITI retailer when servicing your
air conditioning system.
Technical and consumer information9-7
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weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load. This
information is located on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
●Cargo capacity - permissible weight of
cargo, the weight of total occupants
weight subtracted from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your
vehicle shown as “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo” on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Do not ex-
ceed the number of occupants shown as
“Seating Capacity” on the Tire and Load-
ing Information label.
To get “the combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo”, add the weight of all
occupants, then add the total luggage
weight. Examples are shown in the illus-
tration.
STI0445
9-16Technical and consumer information
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