ECU INFINITI FX 2013 Towing Guide

2013 Infiniti Towing Guide
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And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer light connectors and
ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier and are usually worth the
extra small investment. Purchase towing items such as hitches and hitch balls only from your
Infiniti retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.

If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, you must ensure that your
loaded trailer remains well within your vehicle's towing capacity as specified in the vehicle owner's
manual. In addition, you should purchase the right type, style, and class* of hitch and towing
equipment to properly adapt the trailer to your vehicle.






TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Towing requires a variety of equipment, and, depending upon the application, there can be several
types or styles of each piece of equipment. Working with your Infiniti retailer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment, it should be relatively simple to determine the proper type of
equipment for your specific vehicle given the intended application. This section explains the most
common pieces of towing equipment available.

HITCHES
Whichever type of hitch you use, it should be firmly bolted to your vehicle, and should be of the
appropriate weight class for the equipment you intend to tow. In addition, keep the following in
mind:
Š Do not modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body structure/frame when
installing the hitch.
Š Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle.
Š Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s impact-absorbing bumper.
Š Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened.
Š For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when not
towing.
Š If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame or
underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or towing device
to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel bearings, wheels, or tires.


*
Refer to your owners manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle.




WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

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The trailer load should be balanced equally from
side-to-side. Unequal side-to-side loading can
negatively affect handling and braking. Once in
place, all cargo should be firmly secured to
prevent shifting. If the load should shift abruptly
during braking or cornering, it could quickly affect
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very
unsafe situation.


Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue load, overloading, excessive trailer weight,
poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds, and poor maintenance are all things that can
affect the stability of your vehicle and trailer combination.

If swaying does occur, check the cargo load for proper balance and distribution to ensure proper
trailer tongue load. In addition, check the condition of the suspension and shocks, as well as the
tires, tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow vehicle and trailer.

If the swaying continues and your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing capacity limits
of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your Infiniti retailer or trailer manufacturer to
determine the problem.

VEHICLE SPEED
Please note that some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal road conditions or weather.
When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while handling agility decreases. Always leave
yourself an extra margin of distance to respond to emergency situations.

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PASSENGERS
Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. Not only is this unlawful in
most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during sudden trailer movement or in an
accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from the tow vehicle to leak inside. This could result
in carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up, or
adding extended mirrors — are not recommended for any Infiniti vehicle being used for towing
purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, frame structure/unibody, or
other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the limits described in this guide.
These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your vehicle and damage caused by
such modifications may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.

TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra
fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should
also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the trailer.
Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are the tire
pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied down securely?
Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball and secured using a
locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric
trailer brakes working properly?

Make a checklist of key items to be inspected. When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission oil,
and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a potential problem while in
your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.

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At Infiniti, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every Infiniti is protected by some of
the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including 4-year/60,000-mile Basic coverage.
All 2013 models also feature 6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain coverage.*

For additional peace of mind, the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan provides you with quality
long-term mechanical protection for 7 years/100,000 miles (measured from in service date and zero
miles, whichever comes first)”— long past your vehicle’s Basic and Powertrain Limited Warranty.
With the extra coverage, if a covered component fails during the term of the plan, Infiniti pays… not
you.** Plus, the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan includes extensive Roadside Assistance
benefits and car rental coverage.

All of this makes the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan a truly comprehensive package, offering
Infiniti owners exceptional value and peace of mind.

Coverage is available throughout the United States. Repair work will be done at authorized Infiniti
retailers by Infiniti-trained technicians utilizing Genuine Infiniti Parts.

For more information about the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan, contact your participating
Infiniti retailer or call 1-800-662-6200.

The quality of Genuine Infiniti Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a Genuine Infiniti
Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased within the Basic coverage
period of 4 years/60,000 miles, Genuine Infiniti Parts and Accessories are covered by the
remaining period of the warranty. If the remaining period is less than 12 months/12,000 miles (or if
the vehicle warranty has expired), then Genuine Infiniti Parts and Accessories are covered by their
own 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty. See your Infiniti Warranty Information Booklet or ask
your Infiniti retailer for specific details.

CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
Infiniti urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. And please make sure all
passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental restraint system and
must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.

In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat if the
vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should ride in the rear
seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts, according to their size. Please
see your vehicle owner's manual for more details.

*
For complete warranty details, refer to the Infiniti Warranty Information Booklet or see your nearest Infiniti
retailer.
**A nominal deductible may apply. For details please refer to the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan Service

Agreement or contact your Infiniti retailer.
PROTECTION