fuel INFINITI QX 2011 Owner's Guide

●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal
by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather. In cold weather, keep the
engine running for a minimum of 2 - 3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
When racing the engine up to 4,000 rpm or
more under the no load condition, the en-
gine will enter the fuel cut mode.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
R (Reverse) :
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must
be depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from the P
(Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any
drive position to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral) :
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Manual shift mode
When the selector lever is in the manual shift
gate, the transmission is ready for the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu-
ally by moving the selector lever up or down.
When shifting up, move the selector lever to the
+ (up) side. The transmission shifts to the
higher range.
When shifting down, move the selector lever to
the (down) side. The transmission shifts to
the lower range.
When canceling the manual shift mode, return
the selector lever to the D (Drive) position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving
mode.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1 →
←M2→
←M3→
←M4→
←M5→
←M6→
←M7
M7 (7th) :
Use this position for all normal forward driving
at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) andM5 (5th) :
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th),M3 (3rd) andM2 (2nd) :
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
M1 (1st) :
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
● Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7th
gear. This reduces fuel economy.
● Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
Starting and driving5-17

The IBA system will remain in the last ON or OFF
state it was left in until it is manually changed
by pressing the IBA OFF switch.
Illumination of the IBA OFF indicator light with-
out a beep sound is an indication that the IBA
system is temporarily unavailable. It will occur
under the following conditions:
– When driving into a strong light (for example,sunlight)
– When the 4WD shift switch is in the 4H or 4L position (for 4WD models)
The IBA OFF indicator light will turn off when the
system returns to its normal operating condi-
tions.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Sensor main-
tenance” earlier in this section.CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum
engine performance and ensure the future reli-
ability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and reduced en-
gine performance.
● Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
● Avoid quick starts.
● Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km). ●
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
● Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
● Avoid unnecessary prolonged engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Improper tire pressure will increase
wear and waste fuel.
● Make sure the front wheels are properly
aligned. Improper alignment will cause pre-
mature tire wear and lower fuel economy.
● Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-83

WARNING
●Do not attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to any
drive or reverse position with the engine run-
ning. Doing so may result in drivetrain dam-
age or unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels are
raised off the ground. Make sure you inform
test facility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with 4WD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
CAUTION
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driving
on dry, hard surfaces in 4HI or 4LO may
cause unnecessary noise, tire wear and in-
creased fuel consumption.
If the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) warning light
turns on when driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4HI position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO.
– in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the brake pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift switch to
AUTO.
If the 4WD warning light is still on after
the above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible.
● The transfer case may be damaged if you
continue driving with the 4WD warning light
blinking.
See “ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
PRECAUTIONS” earlier in this section for other
precautions for offroad driving.
INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD SYSTEM
The all mode 4WD system provides 3 positions
(AUTO, 4HI and 4LO), so you can select the
desired drive mode according to the driving
conditions.
INFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD(if so equipped)
5-84Starting and driving

The 4WD shift switch is used to select the 4WD
mode depending on the driving conditions.
There are 3 types of drive modes available,
AUTO, 4HI and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, AUTO, 4H and 4L.
You must depress the 4WD shift switch to select
4L, and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
selector lever in the N (Neutral) position when
changing into or out of 4L.
WARNING
●When parking, apply the parking brake be-
fore stopping the engine and make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator is on and the ATP
warning light turns off. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the P (Park)
position.
● The 4LO and 4HI indicators must stop blink-
ing and the 4LO or 4HI indicator must remain
illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the selector lever
is shifted from the N (Neutral) position to any
other gear while the 4LO and 4HI indicators
are blinking alternately, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly.
CAUTION
● Never shift the 4WD shift switch between 4L
and 4H while driving.
● The 4HI position provides greater traction.
Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause in-
creased fuel consumption and higher oil
temperatures, and could damage drivetrain
component. Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h)
in 4HI is not recommended.
● The 4LO position provides maximum trac-
tion. Avoid raising vehicle speed exces-
sively, as the maximum speed is approxi-
mately 31 MPH (50 km/h).
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift
switch to the AUTO or 4H position. Do not
move the 4WD shift switch when making a
turn or reversing.
● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (between
AUTO and 4H) while driving on steep down-
hill grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears for engine
braking.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween AUTO and 4H) with the rear wheels
spinning. ●
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in the
4HI or 4LO position. Driving on dry hard sur-
faces in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise and tire wear. INFINITI recommends
driving in the AUTO position under these
conditions.
● The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted
between 4HI and 4LO at low ambient tem-
peratures and the 4LO and 4HI indicators
may blink even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD shift switch between 4H
and 4L.
When driving on rough roads,
● Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,
● Place stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.
● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4L.
● If it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeat
forward and backward movement to increase
the movement.
● If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire
chains may be effective.
Starting and driving5-87

The 4WD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the 4WD warning light will either
remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shift indicator turns off.
High-temperature transfer case oil makes the
4WD warning light blink rapidly (about twice per
second). If the warning light blinks rapidly
during operation, stop the vehicle in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light turns off
after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the 4WD warn-
ing light blink slowly (about once per two
seconds). Change the 4WD shift switch to AUTO
and do not drive fast.CAUTION
●If the 4WD warning light comes on or blinks
slowly during operation or rapidly after stop-
ping the vehicle for a while, have your ve-
hicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.
● Shifting between 4HI and 4LO is not recom-
mended when the 4WD warning light turns
on.
● When the 4WD warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the 4WD
shift switch is in AUTO or 4H. Be especially
careful when driving. If corresponding parts
are malfunctioning, the 4WD mode will not
be engaged even if the 4WD shift switch is
shifted.
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driving
on dry, hard surfaces in 4HI or 4LO may
cause unnecessary noise, tire wear and in-
creased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when driv-
ing on dry hard surface roads:
– in the AUTO or 4HI position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO. – in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle and
shift the transmission selector lever to
the N (Neutral) position and shift the 4WD
shift switch to AUTO.
● If the 4WD warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle checked
by an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
● The transfer case may be damaged if you
continue driving with the warning light
blinking.
5-90Starting and driving

The TOW MODE should be used when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Driving
the vehicle in the TOW MODE with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not
cause any damage. However, fuel economy may
be reduced, and the transmission/engine driv-
ing characteristics may feel unusual.Push the TOW MODE switch to activate TOW
MODE. The indicator light on the TOW MODE
switch illuminates when the TOW MODE is
selected. Push the TOW MODE switch again to
turn the TOW MODE OFF.
TOW MODE is automatically canceled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
For driving or starting the vehicle on snowy
roads or slippery areas, turn the SNOW mode
on.
To turn the SNOW mode on, push the SNOW
mode switch. The SNOW mode indicator light on
the meter panel will illuminate. When the SNOW
mode is activated, engine output is controlled
to avoid wheel spin.
To turn the SNOW mode off, push the switch
and the indicator on the meter panel will turn
off. Turn the SNOW mode off for normal driving
and fuel economy.
SIC4474SIC4454
TOW MODE SNOW MODE
Starting and driving5-93

Temperature
A temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will
also accelerate the disintegration of paint sur-
faces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
●Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.
● Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
● Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
● Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
● NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from
the passenger compartment by washing it
out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum
cleaner.
● Never allow water or other liquids to come in
contact with electronic components inside
the vehicle as this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned peri-
odically.
For additional protection against rust and cor-
rosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult an INFINITI retailer.
Appearance and care7-7

Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air comes
out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the
wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from
the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc. Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. Move
the selector lever to P (Park).
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
● Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
● If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts. ●
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
● If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by a jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
● Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
key is in the OFF position and the engine is
not running. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel filter or
fuel lines should be serviced by an INFINITI
retailer because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down.
● Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also avail-
able. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, we recommend that it be done by an
INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5