service INFINITI QX 2011 Owner's Guide

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

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 lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission dam-
age could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down-hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
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 descending
a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness and
could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the INFINITI Service
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
causing 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 vehicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road
in a safe area.
9-26Technical and consumer information

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it isbalanced as described earlier in this sec-
tion.
●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. ●
While towing a trailer, do not use the follow-
ing systems (if so equipped):
– the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) sys- tem
– the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
– the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
– the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
– Intelligent Brake Assist ( IBA) system
● Some states or provinces have specific regu-
lations 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, do not allow the
water 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, the transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For addi-
tional information, see the INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide.
TOW mode
Using TOW mode is recommended when pulling
a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Push the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
TOW MODE indicator light in the meter illumi-
nates when TOW mode is selected. Push the
TOW MODE switch again to turn TOW mode off.
TOW mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
TOW mode includes the following features:
● Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
● Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
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.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil should
be replaced and transmission oil/fluid should be
changed more frequently. For additional infor-
mation, see the 9. “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section later in this manual.
Technical and consumer information9-27

FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
●Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always
tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any automatic transmission ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication.
● DO NOT tow an Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) ve-
hicle with any of the wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
● For emergency towing procedures refer to
“TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
Automatic Transmission
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models :
Do not tow a 4WD vehicle with any of the wheels
on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models :
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly
MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-28Technical and consumer information

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
●How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
● Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
● How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
● How fast the vehicle was traveling.
● Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which crashes
and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle
only if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data (e.g.
name, gender, age and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with
the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or
the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer and INFINITI retailer, other par-
ties, such as law enforcement, that have the
special equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR
data will only be accessed with the consent of
the vehicle owner or lessee or as otherwise
required or permitted by law.
Genuine INFINITI Service Manual for this model
and prior models can be purchased. A genuine
INFINITI Service Manual is the best source of
service and repair information for your vehicle.
This manual is the same one used by the factory
trained technicians working at an INFINITI re-
tailer. Genuine INFINITI Owner’s Manual can
also be purchased.
In the USA:
For current pricing and availability of genuine
INFINITI Service Manuals
contact:
1-800-450-9491
www.infiniti-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
INFINITI Service Manuals contact:
1-800-247-5321
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a genuine INFINITI Service
Manual or Owner’s Manual for this model or
prior models, please contact an INFINITI retailer.
For the phone number and location of an
INFINITI retailer in your area call the INFINITI
Satisfaction Center at 1-800-361-4792 and a
bilingual INFINITI representative will assist you.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR) OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL
ORDER INFORMATION
9-32Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......5-97
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) ....2-40
Advanced air bag system ...........1-55
Aiming control Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) . . 2-40
Headlights ................. 2-39
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-55
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-57
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ......1-60
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system . . 1-60
Air bag warning labels ............1-63
Air bag warning light ..........1-63, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-18
Air conditioner Advanced Climate Control System
(ACCS) ................... 4-35
Air conditioner service ..........4-40
Air conditioner specification label ....9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .....4-40, 9-7
Automatic climate control .....4-31, 4-34
In-cabin microfilter ............4-39
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) .........2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-8
Antenna .................... 4-82Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
.......5-97
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ....................... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest ..................... 1-16
Around View™ Monitor ............4-19
Audible reminders ............... 2-20
Audio operation precautions .........4-40
Audio system ................. 4-40
Steering wheel audio controls ......4-81
Auto closure .................. 3-23
Autolight system ................ 2-37
Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-11
Climate control ........... 4-31,
4-34
Door locks ..................3-5
Drive positioner .............. 3-30
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-15
Moonroof .................. 2-64
Seat positioner .............. 3-30
Average fuel consumption and speed ....2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ........5-6
B
Back door (See lift gate) ...........3-19
Battery ..................... 8-15
Battery saver system ........2-39, 2-66
Intelligent Key ............... 8-24
Variable voltage control system .....8-16 Before starting the engine
..........5-13
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system . . . . . . 5-29
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warning
light ....................... 2-12
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System . . . 4-96
Booster seats ................. 1-47
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . ....5-97
Brake booster ............... 8-21
Brake fluid .............. 8-12, 8-13
Brake system ............... 5-94
Parking brake operation .........5-19
Warning light ................ 2-12
Break-in schedule ............... 5-83
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ...........4-7
Instrument panel .............. 2-41
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-11
Bulb replacement ............... 8-26
C
Cabin air filter ................. 4-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............4-95
Cargo floor box ................ 2-60
Cargo light ................... 2-68
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ....5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning . . . 4-80
Center
multi-function control panel . . ....4-3

N
New vehicle break-in .............. 5-83
O
Odometer .....................2-6
Off-road recovery .................5-7
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Changing engine oil and filter .......8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-9
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil pressure gauge .........2-8
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Oil filter replacement indicator ......2-25
Operation, Indicators for operation ......2-23
Outside air temperature ............2-28
Outside mirrors ................. 3-28
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......6-13
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................... 9-32
P
Panic alarm ................... 3-16
Parking Brake break-in ............... 5-94
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Parking on hills ............... 5-92
Phone Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System . . 4-96
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-95Pocket
...................... 2-58
Power Front seat adjustment ............1-2
Power door lock ...............3-4
Power outlet ................. 2-52
Power steering fluid ............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-94
Power windows ............... 2-61
Precautions Audio operation .............. 4-40
Braking precautions ............5-94
Child restraints ............... 1-30
Cruise control ................ 5-37
Driving safety .................5-8
Lane departure warning (LDW) system . . 5-20
Maintenance .................8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving .....5-6
Seat belt usage ............... 1-18
Supplemental

restraint system ......1-50
When starting and driving .........5-2
Preview function ................ 5-95
Preview Function warning light ........2-16
Push starting .................. 6-13
Push-button ignition switch ..........5-10
R
Radio ...................... 4-40
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-95
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... 4-54
Rain-sensing auto wiper system .......2-33
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-7
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test........................ 9-31Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock . . 3-6
Rear personal lights
.............. 2-66
Rear window wiper and washer switch . . . 2-34
Rear window wiper blades ..........8-20
Recorders, Event data .............9-32
Registering your vehicle in another
country ......................9-9
Remote controller (DVD) ............4-92
Remote keyless entry system .........3-15
Reporting safety defects ............9-30
Roadside assistance program . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Rollover ......................5-6
Roof Moonroof .................. 2-64
Roof rack .................. 2-60
S
Safety Child seat belts ............... 1-28
Towing safety ................ 9-21
Satellite radio operation ............4-55
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-2
Front seats ............... 1-2, 1-16
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................. 1-28
Infants .................... 1-29
Injured persons ............... 1-21
Larger children ............... 1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage . . ....1-18
Pregnant women .............. 1-21
Seat

belt cleaning ..............7-6
Seat belt extenders ............. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-28
10-5