brakes INFINITI QX 2010 User Guide

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . . ........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level ........................8-8
Changing engine oil ............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-12
Brake fluid . . . ................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir ..................8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system .....................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-15Spark plugs
...................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs . . .......................8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment . . . ....................8-25
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
INFINITI Intelligent Key™ ........................ 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights . . . ....................8-28
Wheels

and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure .................................. 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39
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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism
On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift selector in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see an
INFINITI dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see an INFINITI dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by an INFINITI dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See an INFINITI dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information, see the
Maintenance Log section of your “INFINITI Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide” booklet for mainte-
nance intervals.
BRAKES
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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 determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer 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 on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
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 measured 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 unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. 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 lb (909 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 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system 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 hydraulic 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 op-
eration between 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) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see \bElectric trailer brake controller\b in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment 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.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake con-
troller.
example
LTI0117
Technical and consumer information9-23
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●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 perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently 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,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See \bAutomatic transmission
park warning light\b in the\bInstruments and
controls\b section and \bUsing four wheel
drive\b in the\bStarting and driving\b section.7. 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 fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
9-26Technical and consumer information
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●Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “INFINITI Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle – Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described earlier in this section.
● Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● INFINITI recommends that the cruise control
not be used while towing a trailer. ●
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Technical and consumer information9-27
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-11
A
Adjusting pedal position ............3-25
Aiming control, headlights ...........2-27
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-52
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-59
Air bag warning labels .............1-66
Air bag warning light ...........1-67, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-25
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-22
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-24
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-25
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-20
Anchor point locations .............1-36
Antenna .....................4-54
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-8, 2-9
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-50
Audible reminders ................2-15
Audio system ..................4-26
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-37Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player .........4-39
Audio system FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-34
Audio System Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-41
Audio system Radio ....................4-26
Rear audio controls .............4-53
Audio System Settings ...................4-34
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-51
Autolight switch .................2-26
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-29
Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Automatic
transmission position indicator
light .....................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-27
Automatic door locks ...............3-6
AUX jack .....................4-39
B
Battery ......................8-13 Charge warning light
............2-10
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-15
Block heater Engine ....................5-56
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-70
Booster seats ..................1-49
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-50
Brake assist (for Intelligent cruise control
system) ...................5-38
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-28
Brake system ................5-49
Brake warning light ..............2-9
Brake wear indicators ........2-15, 8-22
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-in schedule ................5-40
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-28
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-18
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-8
Bulb replacement ................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row) ......1-4
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P
Parking Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-48
Pedal position adjustment ...........3-25
Personal lights .................2-53
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free system . . . .4-70
Power Power door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-34
Power rear windows ............2-49
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ...........5-49
Power vent windows ............2-50
Power windows ...............2-47
Rear power windows ............2-49
Precautions Maintenance precautions ..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-3
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-31, 1-39, 1-44, 1-49
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-52
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-65
Programmable features .............4-11
Push starting ..................6-10 R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-69
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-34
Rear audio controls .............4-53
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-51
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-31
Rear audio controls ...............4-53
Rear center seat belt ..............1-26
Rear power windows ..............2-49
Rear seat air conditioner ............4-24
Rear sonar system ...............5-52
Rear sonar system off switch .........2-32
Rear

window and outside mirror defroster
switch ......................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-23
RearView Monitor ................4-18
Recorders Event data ..................9-32
Refrigerant recommendation ..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote controller (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) .............4-57
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......9-30
Resetting the fuel economy ...........4-7
Roof rack ....................2-46
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6 Child seat belts . . . .1-31, 1-39, 1-44, 1-49
Reporting safety defects (US only) . . . .9-30
Screen (See INFINITI mobile entertainment
system) .....................4-57
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-3
Second row bench seats ..........1-5
Second row captain’s chair .........1-4
Third row power folding seats .......1-18
Seat belt Child safety .................1-30
Infants and small children .........1-30
Injured Person ................1-23
Larger children ...............1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-20
Pregnant women ..............1-23
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-65
Rear center seat belt ............1-26
Seat belt extenders .............1-29
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-29
Seat belts ..................1-20
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-28
Three-point type with retractor .......1-23
Seat belt warning light .............2-13
Seatback pockets ................2-38
Seats Adjustment ................. .1-2
Automatic

drive positioner .........3-29
Front seats ..................1-2
Heated seats ................2-30
Second row captain’s chair adjustment .....1-4
Security indicator light .............2-14
Security system (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ...........2-21, 3-3, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
10-5
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