engine INFINITI QX 2011 Owners Manual

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 .................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification ............................. 9-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-10
Engine serial number .......................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Emission control information label ...............9-11
Tire and loading information label ...............9-11
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-12
Installing front license plate .......................9-12
Vehicle loading information .......................9-12
Terms ........................................ 9-12Vehicle load capacity
.......................... 9-14
Securing the load .............................. 9-15
Loading tips .................................. 9-16
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-16
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-17
Maximum load limits .......................... 9-17
Maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW)/
maximum gross axle weight (GAW) .............9-19
Towing load/specification ......................9-21
Towing safety ................................. 9-21
Flat towing ................................... 9-28
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-28
Treadwear .................................... 9-28
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-29
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-29
Emission control system warranty .................9-29
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-30
Readiness

for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ....9-31
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-32
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-32
In the event of a collision ......................9-33

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 mea- sureLiter
Fuel 26 gal 21-5/8 gal 98.4 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 6-7/8 qt 5-3/4 qt 6.5 •Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
•Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
Cooling system With reservoir 15-3/4 qt 13-1/8 qt 14.9 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Automatic transmission fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Transfer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid for ATX90A transfer*5*6
Front differential gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5, Viscosity SAE
80W-90*7
Rear differential gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity
SAE 75W-90*8
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*9
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*10 or equivalent DOT 3
Suspension fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Hydraulic Suspension Fluid*11*12
Multi-purpose grease ——— NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a)*13
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
*1: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*3:INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at INFINITI retailers.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Using transfer fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid will damage the transfer, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: See your INFINITI retailer for recommended transfer fluid.
*7: For hot climates, Viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
VK56VD 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%.)
● If a methanol blend is used, it should contain
no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol,
wood alcohol). It should also contain a suit-
able amount of appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure that all
methanol blends are suitable for use in
INFINITI vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling or hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint
damage.
9-4Technical and consumer information

E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispens-
ing pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for
gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower than recommended above can cause per-
sistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark knock is a
metallic rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead
to engine damage. If you detect a persistent
heavy spark knock even when using gasoline of
the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have an INFINITI retailer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is not re-
sponsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerating
or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern,
because you get the greatest fuel benefit when
there is light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
CAUTION
●Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifi-
cally designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel
system components and is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
● E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
● U.S. government regulations require ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified by a
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
Technical and consumer information9-5

1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance, see “CA-
PACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/ LUBRI-
CANTS” earlier in this section. INFINITI
recommends the use of an energy conserving
oil in order to improve fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE viscos-
ity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the vehicle
will be operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in change intervals.
STI0505
9-6Technical and consumer information

Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused by
improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil
and filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered
by the new INFINITI vehicle limited warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
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

ENGINE
ModelVK56VD
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 8-cylinder, V-slanted at 90°
Bore × Stroke in (mm) 3.858 × 3.622 (98 × 92)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 338.78 (5,552)
Firing order 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Idle speed rpm See the emission control information label on the underside of the hood.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
Spark plug Standard DILKAR7B11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
STI0397B
SPECIFICATIONS
9-8Technical and consumer information

WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheel
TypeSizeOffset in (mm)
Conventional and spare 20 × 8J 1.18 (30)
22×8J
Tire
Type SizePressure PSI (kPa) [Cold]
Conventional and spare P275/60R20 114H 35 (240)
P275/50R22 111H
DIMENSIONS
Overall length in (mm) 208.3 (5,290)
Overall width in (mm) 79.9 (2,030)
Overall height in (mm) 75.8 (1,925)
Front tread in (mm) 67.5 (1,715)
Rear tread in (mm) 67.9 (1,725)
Wheelbase in (mm) 121.1 (3,075) If you plan to travel in another country,
you
should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline.
Therefore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas
where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your ve-
hicle to another country, state, province or dis-
trict, it may be necessary to modify the vehicle
to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into another
country, state, province or district and regis-
tered, its modifications, transportation, and reg-
istration are the responsibility of the user.
INFINITI is not responsible for any inconvenience
that may result.
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING YOUR
VEHICLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
Technical and consumer information9-9

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The number is stamped as shown.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
STI0431STI0708STI0709
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
9-10Technical and consumer information

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer and
its cargo can adversely affect vehicle handling,
braking and performance and may lead to
accidents.
CAUTION
●Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for
the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
● For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow
a trailer, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This
helps the engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “TOWING LOAD/ SPECIFI-
CATION” later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs (1,587
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) should not exceed the value specified in
the following “Towing Load/Specification”
chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have
to be reduced on very steep grades or for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
STI0541
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-17