tow INFINITI QX50 2020 Workshop Manual

The maintenance intervals shown on the pre-
ceding pages are for normal operating condi-
tions. If the vehicle is mainly operated under
severe driving conditions as shown below,
more frequent maintenance must be per-
formed on the following items as shown in
the table.SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles(8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use. ∙ Driving in dusty conditions.
∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread
roads.
∙ Towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect
and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance item Maintenance operation Maintenance interval
Brake fluid ReplaceEvery 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Brake pads & rotors InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Exhaust system InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (AWD models) InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE
OPERATING CONDITIONS
9-12Maintenance and schedules

10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities . . 10-2Fuel recommendation ....................... 10-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations .....10-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ........................... 10-7
Specifications .................................. 10-8
Engine ...................................... 10-8
Wheels and tires ............................ 10-9
Dimensions and weights .....................10-9
When traveling or registering in another
country ....................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification .......................... 10-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate . . . 10-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ........................... 10-10
Engine serial number ....................... 10-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .....10-11
Emission control information label ..........10-11
Tire and Loading Information label ..........10-12
Air conditioner specification label ...........10-12
Installing front license plate ....................10-12Vehicle loading information
....................10-14
Terms ..................................... 10-14
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-15
Securing the load ........................... 10-16
Loading tips ............................... 10-17
Measurement of weights ...................10-17
Towing a trailer ............................... 10-18
Maximum load limits ....................... 10-19
Towing load/specification ..................10-22
Towing safety ............................. 10-23
Flat towing for all–wheel drive vehicle
(if so equipped) ............................. 10-28
Flat towing for front wheel drive vehicle
(if so equipped) ............................. 10-28
Uniform tire quality grading ....................10-29
Emission control system warranty .............10-30
Reporting safety defects ......................10-30
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................... 10-31
Event Data

Recorders (EDR) ................... 10-32
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................................... 10-33

∙ Do not use fuel that contains the octanebooster methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl (MMT). Using fuel con-
taining MMT may adversely affect ve-
hicle performance and vehicle emissions.
Not all fuel dispensers are labeled to indi-
cate MMT content, so you may have to
consult your gasoline retailer for more
details. Note that Federal and California
laws prohibit the use of MMT in reformu-
lated gasoline.
∙ U.S. government regulations require ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and black
label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Gasoline specifications
INFINITI recommends using gasoline that
meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications where it is available.
Many of the automobile manufacturers de-
veloped this specification to improve emis-
sion control system and vehicle performance.
Ask your service station manager if the gaso-
line meets the 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
gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their
presence. INFINITI does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility 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
problems and/or fuel system damage.
∙ The fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that recom-
mended for unleaded gasoline. ∙
If an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should contain
no more than 15% oxygenate.
∙ If a methanol blend is used, it should con-
tain no more than 5% methanol (methyl
alcohol, wood alcohol). It should also
contain a suitable amount of appropri-
ate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
If not properly formulated with appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors, such methanol blends may cause
fuel system damage and/or vehicle per-
formance 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 driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, im-
mediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or
a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refuel-
ing. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
10-4Technical and consumer information

CAUTION
Damage to engine caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and fil-
ter quality and/or viscosity is not covered
by the INFINITI New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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 recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter change
intervals depend upon how you use your ve-
hicle.
Operation under the following conditions
may require more frequent oil and filter
changes: ∙ repeated short distance driving at cold outside temperatures
∙ driving in dusty conditions
∙ extensive idling
∙ towing a trailer
∙ stop and go commuting
For additional information on maintenance
schedules, refer to the “Maintenance and
schedules” section of this manual.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your INFINITI
vehicle must be charged with the refrigerant
HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, Genuine
NISSAN A/C System Oil Type ND-OIL8 or
the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replacement
of all air conditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
INFINITI vehicle does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth’s atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recovery
and recycling of any refrigerant during auto-
motive air conditioner system service. An
INFINITI retailer has the trained technicians
and equipment needed to recover and recycle
your air conditioner system refrigerant.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer when servicing your air conditioner
system.
Technical and consumer information10-7

WARNING
∙ It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
∙ Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
∙ Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before load-
ing your vehicle:
∙ Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle) - vehicle weight in-
cluding: standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This
weight does not include passen-
gers and cargo. ∙ GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) -
curb weight plus the combined
weight of passengers and cargo.
∙ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This information
is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.
∙ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maximum weight (load) limit
specified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.
∙ GCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer. ∙ Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load
limit, Total load capacity - maxi-
mum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo)
for the vehicle. This is the maxi-
mum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
∙ Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo, the subtracted
weight of occupants from the load
limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
10-14Technical and consumer information

Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement “The com-bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
lbs. or XXX kg” on your vehicle’s
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX lbs. or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lbs. passengers in your ve-
hicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs. (1,400-750 (5 X 150)
= 650 lbs.) or (640-340 (5 X 70) =
300 kg.) 5. Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the GVWR
or the GAWR for your vehicle. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Mea-
surement of weights” in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional information,
refer to “Tire and Loading Information
label” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are luggage hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The hooks can be used to
secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
When securing items using luggage hooks
located on the side finisher do not apply a
load over more than 6.5 lbs. (29 N) to a single
hook.
The luggage hooks that are located on the
floor should have loads less than 110 lbs.
(490 N) to a single hook.
Cargo area luggage hooks
LTI2331
10-16Technical and consumer information

Tow Hitch Receiver (with Tow Package)
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 loadfor the first 500 miles (805 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged. ∙ For the first 500 miles (805 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 vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
NOTE:
Tow hitches are available as an accessory for
this vehicle. If a tow hitch is installed, the
liftgate electronic control unit (ECU) needs
to be replaced with an ECU programmed
with towing logic for the Motion-Activated
Liftgate to function properly.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places addi-
tional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com.
This guide includes information on trailer
towing capability and the special equipment
required for proper towing. Lifestyle Receiver (without Tow Package)
WARNING
The Lifestyle Receiver cannot be used for
towing a trailer. Only use the Lifestyle Re-
ceiver for receiver mounted accessories
that meet the below requirements.
∙ The maximum allowable load is 300 lbs.
(136 kg) including the weight of the in-
stalled accessory carrier.
∙ Do not exceed allowable cargo weight capacity of your vehicle.
Failure to use the Lifestyle Receiver as in-
tended can result in serious injury or death.
LTI2339LTI2338
TOWING A TRAILER
10-18Technical and consumer information

CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Lifestyle
Receiver to avoid damage to your vehicle
do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle with the
Lifestyle Receiver (if so equipped). The Life-
style Receiver should be used for receiver-
mounted accessories only. The Lifestyle Re-
ceiver is designed for carrying bikes, snow
boards/skis, camping gear and various other
bulky items.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing (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 ve-
hicle handling, 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 for low traction situ-
ations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).Temperature conditions can also affect tow-
ing. For example, towing a heavy trailer in
high outside temperatures on graded roads
can affect engine performance and cause
overheating. The engine protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of engine
damage, could activate and automatically
decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip care-
fully to account for trailer and vehicle load,
weather and road conditions.
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 espe-
cially careful when driving. If the vehicle can-
not maintain a safe driving speed, pull to the
side of the road in a safe area. Allow the en-
gine to cool and return to normal operation.
For additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
LTI2030
Technical and consumer information10-19

Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the trailer
manufacturer. The tongue load must be
within the maximum tongue load limits
shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle
Weight (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The GVW equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load
and any other optional equipment. In addi-
tion, front or rear GAW must not exceed the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, cargo and/or optional equipment,
such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the
vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum
towing capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR,
Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be mea-
sured using platform type scales commonly
found at truck stops, highway weigh stations,
building supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity
for tongue/king pin load, use the following
procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are
normally in the vehicle when towing a
trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin
load.
WTI0160LTI2031
10-20Technical and consumer information

To determine the available towing capacity,
use the following procedure.1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the "Towing Load/Specification" chart
found in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it
is towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight
is not more than the Gross Trailer Weight
Rating shown on the trailer and is not more
than the calculated available maximum tow-
ing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The
cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to be
moved or removed to meet the specified rat-
ings. Example:
∙ Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg).
∙ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label - 4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg).
∙ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart
- 7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg).
∙ Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg).4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg) GVWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW
= 266 lbs. (121 kg) Available for tongue weight
7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg) GCWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW
= 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Capacity available for towing
266 lbs. (121 kg) Available tongue weight
= 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
the cargo to obtain the proper tongue load.
Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight
specification shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart even if the calcu-
Technical and consumer information10-21