transmission INFINITI QX80 2020 Owner's Guide

visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
WAF0351X
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shift lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shift lever button pushed.
To move the shift lever, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF orLOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
using a
suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock
as illustrated. 5. Push the shift lever button
and move
the shift lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have the automatic transmission system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Starting and driving5-21

.Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse posi-
tion with the engine running. Doing
so may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test a 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer or similar equipment even
if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform
test facility personnel that your ve-
hicle is equipped with 4WD before it
is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
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 increased 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 (Neutral) position
with the brake pedal depressed
and shift the 4WD shift switch to
AUTO.
If the 4WD warning light is still on
after the above operation, have
your vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
. The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the 4WD
warning light blinking.
See “On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions” (P.5-8) for other precautions
for offroad driving.
Starting and driving5-111
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYINFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®(if so equipped)

SSD1100
*1: The 4LO and 4HI indicator may flash alternately. Stop the vehicle and be sure to turn the 4WD shift switch after the transmission shift
lever has been shifted to the N (Neutral) position. If the indicator keeps flashing after the 4WD shift procedure, drive slowly without abrupt
maneuvers for a while. Then the indicator will illuminate or turn off.
· Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to the 4LO position. Otherwise the gears may grind, damaging the drive system.
*2: While changing in and out of the 4LO position, the engine must be running. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and the 4LO indicator
will not be on or flashing.
Starting and driving5-113

The 4WD shift switch is used to select the
4WD mode depending on the driving condi-
tions. 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 sta-
tionary and the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position when changing into or out of 4L.
WARNING
.When parking, apply the parking
brake before stopping the engine
and make sure that the 4WD shift
indicator is on and the ATP warning
light turns off. Otherwise, the vehicle
could unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the P
(Park) position.
. The 4LO and 4HI indicators must
stop blinking and the 4LO or 4HI
indicator must remain illuminated or
turn off before shifting the transmis-
sion into gear. If the shift lever is
shifted from the N (Neutral) position
to any other gear while the 4LO and
4HI indicators are blinking alter- nately, the vehicle may move unex-
pectedly.
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 increased 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
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed
excessively, as the maximum speed is
approximately 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 rever-
sing.
. Do not shift the 4WD shift switch
(between AUTO and 4H) while driv-
ing on steep downhill grades. Use the
engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears for engine brak-
ing. .
Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 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 surfaces 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 temperatures 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 be-
tween 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.
Starting and driving5-115

5-116Starting and driving
.If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire
chains may be effective.
CAUTION
. Do not spin the tires excessively.
Tires will sink deep into the mud,
making it difficult to free the vehicle.
. Avoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
SSD1048
4WD SHIFT SWITCH
.Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the
AUTO, 4H or 4L position, depending on
driving conditions.
. With the switch set to the AUTO posi-
tion, distribution of torque to the front
and rear wheels changes automatically,
depending on road conditions encoun-
tered [ratio; 0 : 100 (2WD) ?50 : 50
(4WD)]. This results in improved driving
stability.
. When the vehicle is stopped after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt after
the shift lever is shifted to N (Neutral) or
P (Park) position. This occurs because
the transfer clutch is released and not because of a malfunction.
CAUTION
.
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 rever-
sing. If the 4WD shift switch is
operated while making a turn, accel-
erating or decelerating or if the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position while in the AUTO, 4H or 4L,
you may feel a jolt. This is not a
malfunction.
. Do not shift the 4WD shift switch
while driving on steep downhill
grades. Use the engine brake and
low automatic transmission gears
for engine braking.
. Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
. Before placing the 4WD shift switch
in the 4H position from AUTO,
ensure the vehicle speed is less than
62 MPH (100 km/h). Failure to do so
can damage the 4WD system.
. Never shift the 4WD shift switch
between 4L and 4H while driving.

5-118Starting and driving
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
warning 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 stopping the vehicle for
a while, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
. Shifting between 4HI and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warn- ing 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 increased fuel
consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on
when driving 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
shift 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 as soon as possible. It
is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. .
The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking.

WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Be especially careful when stopped
on a hill on frozen or muddy roads.
Failure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards may result in a loss
of control of the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on
a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards
and may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
. The hill start assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle is
stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.
The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and the hill start assist system will stop
operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light illuminates in the meter, the hill
start assist system will not operate. (See
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P.2-11).)
Starting and driving5-119
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM

5-120Starting and driving
SD1006MA
WARNING
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
. Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
. Do not leave children unattended
inside the vehicle. They could un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious accidents. .
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly
become high enough to cause a sig-
nificant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
. Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied
and the transmission be placed in the
P (Park) position. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmis-
sion shift lever has been pushed as far
forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a sloping
drive way, it is a good practice to turn the
wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,NO CURB:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

4. Push the ignition switch to the OFFposition.
SIC4474
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 econ-
omy may be reduced, and the transmission/
engine driving characteristics may feel unu-
sual.
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.
SIC4454
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 on the vehicle information display
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 will turn off. Turn
the SNOW mode off for normal driving and
fuel economy.
Starting and driving5-121
TOW MODE SNOW MODE

6-4In case of emergency
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road andaway from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the automatic
transmission is in the P (Park) posi-
tion. .
Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
. Never change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
MCE0001A
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocksat both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from moving
when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.