transmission oil INFINITI QX 2011 Owners Manual

Warn-ing
light Name Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
2-11
Automatic Transmission
(AT) check warning light2-11
Automatic Transmission
(AT) oil temperature warn-
ing light2-11
Automatic Transmission
(AT) park warning light
2-11
Brake warning light 2-12
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
system warning light (or-
ange)*2-12
Warn-
ing
light Name Page
Charge warning light 2-13
Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system warning
light (orange)* 2-13
Engine oil pressure warn-
ing light
2-13
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
warning light (4WD mod-
els)2-13
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system warning light
(orange)*2-14
Intelligent Key system
warning light
2-14
Lane departure warning
light (orange)*2-14
Warn-
ing
light Name Page
Low tire pressure warning
light
2-14
Master warning light 2-16
Preview Function warning
light (orange)*2-16
Seat belt warning light 2-16
Supplemental air bag
warning light2-16
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light 2-17
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-11

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

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

5. To stop the engine, shift the selector leverto the P (Park) position and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant
temperature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tempera-
ture with heavy loads, such as when towing a
trailer).
When the engine temperature reaches a certain
level:
● The engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
● Engine power may be reduced.
● The air conditioning cooling function may be
automatically turned OFF for a short time
(the blower will continue to operate).
Engine power and, under some conditions, ve-
hicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the
vehicle may not accelerate at the desired
speed. The transmission will downshift or up-
shift as it reaches prescribed shift points. You
can also shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine cool-
ant temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can
be increased using the accelerator pedal, and
air conditioning cooling function will automati-
cally be turned back ON. If:1. The engine coolant temperature is not
reduced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning light
illuminates or engine coolant tem-
perature gauge does not return to the
normal range from the H position, this
may indicate a malfunction. Move the
vehicle off the road to a safe area and
allow the engine to cool. If after checking
the oil and coolant, the
remains on
or engine coolant temperature does not
return to the normal range, do not con-
tinue to drive and contact an INFINITI
retailer.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)may also come ON. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed, unless it remains on, but
have it inspected soon by an INFINITI retailer.
See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND AU-
DIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving

WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to the side
of the road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. See “IF
YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
7 speed automatic transmission
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum efficiency and
smooth operation.Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
After starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-
verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift
mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission model is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive posi-
tion while the ignition switch position is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into
a driving gear. 2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal while
shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Re-
verse), D (Drive) or manual shift mode. Al-
ways depress the brake pedal until shifting
is completed. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use cau-
tion when shifting into a forward or reverse
gear before the engine has warmed up.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while
vehicle is moving forward. Never shift to P
(Park), D (Drive) or manual shift mode while
vehicle is moving rearward. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and have an
accident.
● Except in an emergency, do not shift to the N
(Neutral) position while driving. Doing so
can cause a loss of engine braking which
may result in a collision, serious personal
injury or death. In addition, coasting with
the transmission in the N (Neutral) position
may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
Starting and driving5-15

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

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
Vk56vd engine model ........................... 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Brake fluid ................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-16
Drive belts ....................................... 8-17Spark plugs
..................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-19
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-20
Brake booster ................................. 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-24
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior

and interior lights ..................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-29
Tire pressure .................................. 8-29
Tire labeling .................................. 8-33
Types of tires ................................. 8-35
Tire chains ................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-36

11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionas the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the un- dercover in place. Be careful not to strip
the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of children. Contact an INFINITI retailer if replacement is
required.
CAUTION
●
Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
● 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11