engine INFINITI QX 2011 User Guide

FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to 0 (Empty) after the
ignition switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers
“0” (Empty).
The low fuel warning
appears on the dot
matrix liquid crystal display when the fuel tank
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the gauge reaches “0”. There will be a small reserve of fuel in the tank
when the fuel gauge needle reaches “0”.
The
indicates that the fuel-filler door is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
● If the vehicle runs out of fuel, themalfunction indicator light (MIL) may come
on. Refuel as soon as possible. After a few
driving trips, the
light should turn off.
If the light remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer.
● For additional information, see “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” later in this section.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low (L) oil pressure.
The engine oil pressure is normal when the
gauge needle points within the zone
1shown
in the illustration.
CAUTION
● This gauge is not designed to indicate low
engine oil level. Use the dipstick to check
the oil level. (See “ENGINE OIL” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
SIC4374SIC4375
2-8Instruments and controls

●If the gauge needle does not move with the
proper amount of engine oil, have the ve-
hicle checked by an INFINITI retailer. Contin-
ued vehicle operation in such a condition
could cause serious damage to the engine.
VOLTMETER
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the volt meter indicates the battery
voltage. When the engine is running, it indi-
cates the generator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volt drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the
normal range (10.5 to 15.5 volt) while the engine
is running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
METER/RING ILLUMINATION AND
NEEDLE SWEEP
The ring illumination surrounding meters and
gauges illuminates when the driver’s door is
closed after getting into the vehicle with the
Intelligent Key carried in.
When the engine is started, the indicator
needles will sweep in the speedometer and
tachometer and the ring illumination will be
brightened gradually. This function can be
turned off. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in this
section.)
SIC4376
Instruments and controls2-9

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light (orange)*CRUISE indicator light*
Intelligent Key warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning
lightLane departure warning light
(orange)*High beam indicator light
Automatic Transmission (AT) oil tem-
perature warning lightLow tire pressure warning lightIntelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indica-
tor light*
Automatic Transmission (AT) park warn-
ing lightMaster warning lightLane Departure Prevention (LDP) ON
indicator light (green)*
Brake warning light
Preview Function warning light (or-
ange)*Low beam indicator light
Seat belt warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warn-
ing light (orange)*Supplemental air bag warning lightSecurity indicator light
Charge warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightSNOW mode indicator light
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light (orange)*Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
indicator light*TOW mode indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightAutomatic transmission position indica-
tor lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) warning light
(4WD models)Check suspension indicator lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light
*: if so equipped
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,or,,,,
,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
,or,,,,
,,,,,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the dot matrix liquid crystal display
between the speedometer and tachometer. (See
“DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY” later in
this section.)
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indi-
cates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.)
Automatic transmission
check warning light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the transmission is not functioning
properly. Have your INFINITI retailer check and
repair the transmission.
Automatic Transmission (AT)
park warning light
This light indicates that the Automatic Trans-
mission (AT) parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control is not secured in any driving
position while the AT selector lever is in the “P”
(Park) position, the transmission will disengage
and the wheels will not lock.
If the AT park warning light illuminates with the
selector lever in the P (Park) position, shift the
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) shift switch to the
AUTO, 4H or 4L position again with the selector
lever in the N (Neutral) position.(See “INFINITI
ALL-MODE 4WD” in the “5. Starting and driv-
ing” section.)
Automatic Transmission (AT)
oil temperature warning light
This light illuminates when the Automatic
Transmission (AT) oil temperature is too high. If
the light illuminates while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until
the light turns off.
Instruments and controls2-11

CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the AT oil
temperature warning light is on may damage
the AT.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid isnecessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by your INFINITI retailer. (See
“BRAKE FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.) 2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Low hydraulic pressure warning indicator :
If the brake warning light illuminates when the
engine is running, or while driving with the
parking brake is released, check the brake fluid
level. If the brake fluid level is sufficient, it may
indicate low hydraulic pressure in the brake
booster. Have the brake system checked by an
INFINITI retailer promptly.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning indica-
tor :
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working prop-
erly if the warning light is on. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive
carefully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the minimum
or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the BSW system is not
functioning properly. Although the vehicle is
still driveable, have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. See “BLIND SPOT WARNING
(BSW) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.
2-12Instruments and controls

Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an INFINITI retailer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and turn on the DCA
system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system or the
warning light stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still driveable under normal conditions, have
the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.See “DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST (DCA) SYS-
TEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engine
immediately and call an INFINITI retailer
or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dip-
stick to check the oil level. (See “ENGINE OIL” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause serious dam-
age to the engine almost immediately. Such
damage is not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
warning light (4WD models)
Thewarning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the 4WD system malfunctions, or the diam-
eter of the front and the rear wheels are differ-
ent, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. (See “INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section.)
CAUTION
● If the warning light comes on while driving
there may be a malfunction in the 4WD sys-
tem. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
● If the 4WD warning light turns on when driv-
ing on dry or hard surfaced roads:
– in the 4H(I) position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO
– in the 4L(O) position, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission selector lever to
the “N” (Neutral) position and shift the
4WD shift switch to AUTO
Instruments and controls2-13

●If the warning light is still on after the above
operations, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Intelligent Key warning light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 sec-
onds and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
electrical steering lock system or the Intelligent
Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to free the
steering lock or to start the engine. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, you can
drive the vehicle. However in these cases, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer for repair as soon as
possible.
Lane departure warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light will come on in orange, turn
green, and then turn off. This indicates that the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Depar-
ture Prevention (LDP) systems are operational.
While the LDW and/or LDP system is on, the
light will blink in orange and a warning chime
will sound if the vehicle is traveling close to
either the left or the right of a traveling lane
with detectable lane markers. If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the LDW and LDP systems
are not functioning properly. Although the ve-
hicle is still driveable, have the systems
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)/ PRE-
VENTION (LDP) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is pushed ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning :
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate. A
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning (if so equipped)
also appears in the dot matrix liquid crystal
display. If you select the tire pressure informa-
tion in the display, the LOW PRESSURE informa-
tion will be displayed. The tire pressure for each
tire will also be displayed.
2-14Instruments and controls

CAUTION
●The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular
tire pressure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS may not
operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of tires to
the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of
the following are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display:
● No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/lift gate open warning
● Loose fuel cap warning (if so equipped)
● Check tire pressure warning (if so equipped)
See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY”
later in this section.
Preview Function warning
light (orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Brake Assist (with Preview Function) sys-
tem.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, then resume driving.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion switch is pushed to the ON position, and
will remain illuminated until the driver’s seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
will sound for about 6 seconds unless the
driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front passen-
ger will illuminate if the seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied.
For approximately 5 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON position, the system does
not activate the warning light for the front
passenger.
See “SEAT BELTS” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light will illuminate. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds
if the front-impact air bag and side air bag,
curtain and rollover air bag systems and/or
pretensioner seat belts are operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain and rollover
air bag and pretensioner systems needs servic-
ing and your vehicle must be taken to your
nearest INFINITI retailer.
●
The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
2-16Instruments and controls

Automatic transmission
position indicator light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the indicator shows the automatic
selector position.
In the manual shift mode, when the transmis-
sion does not shift to the selected gear due to a
transmission protection mode, the AT position
indicator light will blink and a chime will sound.
See “AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section for further details.
Check suspension indicator
light
When the ignition switch is placed in the “ON”
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds.
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
Cruise main switch indicator :
This light illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light turns off when
the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator light illuminates,
the cruise control system is operational. (See
“CRUISE CONTROL” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.)Cruise malfunction :
If the cruise indicator light blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate the cruise
control system is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“CRUISE CONTROL” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.)
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
located on the instrument panel will be lit and
the passenger front air bag will be OFF depend-
ing on how the front passenger seat is being
used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “INFINITI ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM
(front seats)” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion of this manual.
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light illuminates when the Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
system is not operating.
When the IBA off indicator light illuminates
while the system is turned on (without the
warning chime sound), this light indicates that
the system control is temporarily unavailable.
When the IBA off indicator light illuminates with
the warning chime sound while the IBA system
is turned on, this light indicates that the system
may not be functioning properly. Park the ve-
hicle in a safe place. Check to see if the laser
sensor is clean. Turn the engine off, then restart
the engine.
If the IBA off indicator light illuminates after
following the procedures above, it may indicate
that the system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal condi-
tions, have the vehicle checked at an INFINITI
retailer. (See “INTELLIGENT BRAKE ASSIST (IBA)
SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” sec-
tion.)
2-18Instruments and controls

Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP) ON indicator light
(green; if so equipped)
The light comes on in green when the Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system is turned on.
The light turns off when the system is turned off.
NOTE:
This light is common with the lane departure
warning light (orange). (See “Lane departure
warning light” earlier in this section.)
For more details, see “LANE DEPARTURE WARN-
ING (LDW)/PREVENTION (LDP) SYSTEM” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
Low beam indicator light
The light illuminates when the front park, side
marker, tail and license plate lights are on.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose ormissing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check
to make sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and
closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least
3 US gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine
is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is
not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. (See “READINESS
FOR INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST” in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section.)
Operation :
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning (if so equipped)
appears in the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
light should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
light does not turn off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by an
INFINITI retailer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the retailer.
● Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected by an INFINITI
retailer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the retailer.
Instruments and controls2-19