suspension INFINITI QX80 2020 Owner's Manual

Warninglight Name Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
2-12
Automatic Transmission (AT)
check warning light2-12
Automatic Transmission (AT)
oil temperature warning light
2-12
Automatic Transmission (AT)
park warning light2-12
Brake warning light
2-13
Charge warning light 2-13
Engine oil pressure warning
light2-14
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
warning light (4WD models)
2-14
Forward Emergency Braking
(FEB) system warning light2-14
Low tire pressure warning
light
2-14
Master warning light 2-16
Seat belt warning light 2-16
Supplemental air bag warn-
ing light 2-16Warning
light Name Page
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light 2-16Indicator
light Name PageAdaptive Front lighting Sys-
tem (AFS) indicator light (if so
equipped) 2-17
Check suspension indicator
light
2-17
Exterior light indicator
2-17
Front fog light indicator light2-17
Front passenger air bag sta-
tus light2-17
High beam assist indicator
light2-17
High beam indicator light
2-17
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-17
Security indicator light 2-18
TOW mode indicator light 2-18
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
2-18
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light2-18
Illustrated table of contents0-13
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

.Forcing the front seat or seatback
against an object on the seat or floor
behind it.
. An object placed under the front passen-
ger seat.
. An object placed between the seat
cushion and center console.
If the vehicle is moving, please come to a
stop when it is safe to do so. Check and
correct any of the above conditions. Restart
the vehicle and wait 1 minute.
NOTE:
A system check will be performed during
which the front passenger air bag status
light will remain lit for about 7 seconds
initially.
If the light is still OFF after this, the small
adult, child or child restraint should be
repositioned in the rear seat and it is
recommended that the vehicle be checked
by an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.Other supplemental front-impact
air bag precautions
WARNING
. Do not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause in-
jury if the front air bags inflate.
. Do not place objects with sharp edges
on the seat. Also, do not place heavy
objects on the seat that will leave
permanent impressions in the seat.
Such objects can damage the seat or
occupant classification sensors
(weight sensors). This can affect the
operation of the air bag system and
result in serious personal injury.
. Do not use water or acidic cleaners
(hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This
can damage the seat or occupant
classification sensors. This can also
affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious personal
injury. .
Immediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will
be hot. Do not touch them; you may
severely burn yourself.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This
is to prevent accidental inflation of
the supplemental air bag or damage
to the supplemental air bag system.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or front end struc-
ture. This could affect proper opera-
tion of the front air bag system.
. Tampering with the air bag system
may result in serious personal injury.
Tampering includes changes to the
steering wheel and the instrument
panel assembly by placing material
over the steering wheel pad and
above the instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
. Removing or modifying the front
passenger seat may affect the func-
tion of the air bag system and result
in serious personal injury.
. Modifying or tampering with the
front passenger seat may result in
serious personal injury. For example,
Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-63

inflate if the forces in another type of
collision are similar to those of a higher
severity side impact. They are designed to
inflate on the side where the vehicle is
impacted. They may not inflate in certain
side collisions on the side where the vehicle is
impacted.
Curtain air bags are also designed to inflate
in certain types of rollover collisions or near
rollovers. As a result, certain vehicle move-
ments (for example, during severe off road-
ing) may cause the curtain air bags to inflate.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper side air bag and
curtain air bag operation.
When side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by release of smoke. This smoke is
not harmful and does not indicate a fire.
Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it
may cause irritation and choking. Those with
a history of a breathing condition should get
fresh air promptly.
Side air bags, along with the use of seat
belts, help to cushion the impact force on the
chest and pelvis of the front occupants.
Curtain air bags help to cushion the impact
force to the head of occupants in the front
and rear (2nd and 3rd) outboard seating
positions. They can help save lives and
reduce serious injuries. However, an inflatingside air bag or curtain air bag may cause
abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags and
curtain air bags do not provide restraint to
the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as
far as practical away from the side air bag.
Rear seat passengers should be seated as far
away as practical from the door finishers
and side roof rails. The side air bags and
curtain air bags inflate quickly in order to
help protect the occupants. Because of this,
the force of the side air bags and curtain air
bags inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against,
these air bag modules during inflation. In a
rollover, the curtain air bags on both sides
are designed to inflate. Under both side-
impact situations, the curtain air bags will
remain inflated for a short period of time.
The side air bags and curtain air bags
operate only when the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
systems are operational.
WARNING
.
Do not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door
finisher and the front seat. Such
objects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if side air bag
inflates.
. Right after inflation, several side air
bags and curtain air bag system
components will be hot. Do not touch
them; you may severely burn your-
self.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
side air bag and curtain air bags. This
is to prevent damage to or accidental
inflation of the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or side panel. This
could affect proper operation of the
side air bag and curtain air bag
systems.
. Tampering with the air bag system
may result in serious personal injury.
For example, do not change the front
Safety — seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-65

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightMaster warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Seat belt warning lightSecurity indicator light
Automatic transmission check warning
lightSupplemental air bag warning lightTOW mode indicator light
Automatic Transmission (AT) oil tem-
perature warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning lightAdaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
indicator light (if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off in-
dicator light
Brake warning lightCheck suspension indicator light
Charge warning lightExterior light indicator
Engine oil pressure warning lightFront fog light indicator light
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) warning light
(4WD models)Front passenger air bag status light
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) sys-
tem warning lightHigh beam assist indicator light
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light
Instruments and controls2-11
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS

alerts the driver to the fact that the VDC
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, for
example the VDC or hill start assist system
may not be functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service. If a
malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. For additional
information, see “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” (P.5-124).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Front lighting Sys-
tem (AFS) indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) indicator light will illuminate.
The light will turn off in about 1 second if the
AFS is operational.
If the AFS indicator light blinks, it may
indicate the AFS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
See “Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)”
(P.2-43).
Check suspension indicator
light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds.
Exterior light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO,orposition and the front parking lights, instru-
ment panel lights, rear combination lights,
license plate lights or headlights are on. The
indicator turns off when these lights are
turned off.
Front fog light indicator light
The front fog light indicator light illuminates
when the front fog lights are on. (See “Fog
light switch” (P.2-45).)
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light
() located on the instrument panel will be
lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger
seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light
operation, see “INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System (front seats)” (P.1-57).
High beam assist indicator
light
The indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beam selected. This indicates that the high
beam assist system is operational. (See
“High beam assist” (P.2-40).)
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam
is selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light may also
come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (14 liters) of
fuel in the fuel tank.
Instruments and controls2-17

.You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working
properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automa-
tically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
and the VDC warning light
will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light
illuminates (for 4WD models).
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-16) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18). The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indication
of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces
and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. .
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto
a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
INFINITI recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
Starting and driving5-125

SCE0876
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turnsby turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the
wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground.
NCE130
3. Install the assembled jack rod into the
jack as shown.
4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the clearance between the tire and ground
is achieved.
5. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands and turn
the jack lever.
NOTE:
Before jacking up the vehicle, make sure the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
If the vehicle is lifted up with the engine
running, the auto-leveling suspension will
become disabled after 120 seconds. To
reset the auto-leveling suspension, cycle
In case of emergency6-9

6-18In case of emergency
JVE0433X
Front
JVE0434X
Rear
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
.Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device
designed specifically for vehicle recovery.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.
Attach the tow strap to the towing hook.
CAUTION
.Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the main structural
members of the vehicle or the towing
hooks. Otherwise, the vehicle body
will be damaged. .
Use the towing hook only to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow the vehicle for a long
distance using only the towing hook.
. The towing hook is under tremendous
force when used to free a stuck
vehicle. Never pull the hook at an
angle.
. Always pull the cable straight out
from the front or rear of the vehicle.
. Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cooling
systems.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.

WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-
up wax residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance before reapplying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in choos-
ing the proper product.
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abra-
sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing
on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning pro-
ducts are available at an INFINITI retailer or
any automotive accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This
will prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defroster ele-
ments.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against road
salt in areas where it is used during
winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
Appearance and care7-3

TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
.When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(Example: Summer, All Season or
Snow) and construction. An INFINITI
retailer may be able to help you with
information about tire type, size,
speed rating and availability.
. Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
. Replacing tires with those not origin-
ally specified by INFINITI could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
. For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety
Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on
the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better
snow traction than All Season tires and may
be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice. Sum-
mer tires do not have the tire traction rating
M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the
use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on
all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be thesame size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires. Skid and
traction capabilities of studded snow tires,
on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are the proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions.
Use only SAE Class S chains. Class
“S” chains are used on vehicles with re-
stricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed to
meet the SAE standard minimum clearances
between the tire and the closest vehicle
suspension or body component required to
accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
Do-it-yourself8-33