tow INFINITI QX80 2021 Workshop Manual

.Shift back and forth between R (Re-verse) and D (Drive).
.Apply the accelerator as little as
possible to maintain the rocking mo-
tion.
.Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R and D.
.Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing
service to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-19

7-4Appearance and care
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
Bright wheels (if so equipped)
The bright wheels use a different coating
process than typical aluminum alloy wheel
and they are not plated wheels. These
wheels are clear-coated and require the
following special cleaning. They should be
regularly washed with a soft sponge soaked
in a lot of water. After washing with water,
wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth and dry
completely. When there is chemical or tire
wax, or dirt such as an antifreeze agent on
the surface, wash them with water as soon
as possible.
CAUTION
.The surfaces of the wheels use a
different coating process than typical
aluminum alloy wheels. Do not use
aluminum alloy wheel cleaners or
abrasive cleaners to clean the wheels.
Using such cleaners could damage the
wheel surfaces.
. Do not use an automatic car wash if
the vehicle is equipped with bright
wheels. The wheel coating may be
damaged.
. Do not use a brush to wash the
wheels if the vehicle is equipped with
bright wheels. The wheel coating may
be damaged.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coat-
ing to the tires to help reduce discoloration
of the rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to
the tires, it may react with the coating and form a compound. This compound may come
off the tire while driving and stain the vehicle
paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.
Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more easily
with an oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.

Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe
the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean,
soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution,
then wipe clean with a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order
to maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classifica-
tion sensors. This can also affect the
operation of the air bag system and
result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
.Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material. .
For cleaning, use a soft cloth, dam-
pened with water. Never use a rough
cloth, alcohol, benzine, thinner or any
kind of solvent or paper towel with a
chemical cleaning agent. They will
scratch or cause discoloration to the
lens.
. Do not spray any liquid such as water
on the meter lens. Spraying liquid
may cause the system to malfunction.
. Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to the leather surfaces
and should be removed promptly. Do
not use saddle soap, car waxes,
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, sol-
vents, detergents or ammonia-based
cleaners as they may damage the
leather’s natural finish.
. Only use fabric protectors approved
by INFINITI.
. Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
.Hanging-type air fresheners can cause
permanent discoloration when they con-
tact vehicle interior surfaces. Place the
air freshener in a location that allows it
to hang free and not contact an interior
surface.
. Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip
on the vents. These products can cause
immediate damage and discoloration
when spilled on interior surfaces.
Carefully read and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions before using air fresh-
eners.
SUEDE MATERIAL (LIMITED
models)
The ceiling, moonroof sunshade and pillar
trim are made from a suede material.
Clean the suede material as follows:
CAUTION
To help prevent damaging the suede
material parts while cleaning:
Appearance and care7-5
CLEANING INTERIOR

9-6Maintenance and schedules
Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid
leaks. Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler
and hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration,
and damage. Tighten connections or replace
parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving
for prolonged periods in dusty conditions,
replace the filter more frequently.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease
leakage. (4WD/RWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving condi-
tions, inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Rotate tires at the specified interval. When
rotating tires, check for damage and uneven
wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at
specified intervals.To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, INFINITI provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive.
These schedules contain both distance and
time intervals, up to 120,000 miles
(192,000 km)/96 months. For most people,
the odometer reading will indicate when
service is needed. However, if you drive very
little, your vehicle should be serviced at the
regular time intervals shown in the schedule.
After 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions;
should be performed
on vehicles that are driven under especially
demanding conditions. Additional mainte-
nance items should be performed if you
primarily operate your vehicle under the
following 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 car-
top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe main-
tenance intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fluids/lubricants ..... 10-2Fuel information ....................................................... 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........... 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
oil recommendations ................................................ 10-7
Specifications .................................................................. 10-8
Engine ........................................................................\
.. 10-8
Wheels and tires ........................................................ 10-9
Dimensions ............................................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering in
another country ............................................................. 10-11
Vehicle identification ................................................... 10-11 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ....... 10-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ...................................................... 10-11
Engine serial number ............................................. 10-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........ 10-12
Emission control information label ................... 10-12
Tire and loading information label .................... 10-13
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-13
Installing front license plate ..................................... 10-15
Vehicle loading information ...................................... 10-15 Terms ........................................................................\
. 10-15 Vehicle load capacity ........................................... 10-17
Securing the load ................................................. 10-18
Loading tips ........................................................... 10-18
Measurement of weights ................................... 10-19
Towing a trailer ........................................................... 10-19 Maximum load limits ........................................... 10-19
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/
maximum Gross Axle Weight (GAW) ............. 10-21
Towing load/specification ................................. 10-22
Towing safety ....................................................... 10-23
Flat towing ............................................................. 10-31
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 10-31 Treadwear .............................................................. 10-31
Traction AA, A, B and C ..................................... 10-32
Temperature A, B and C .................................... 10-32
Emission control system warranty ......................... 10-32
Reporting safety defects .......................................... 10-33
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test ....................................................................... 10-34
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ................................... 10-35
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ........................................................ 10-35

10-4Technical and consumer information
FUEL INFORMATION
VK56VD engine
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, you may use unleaded regular gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91), but
you may notice a decrease in performance.
CAUTION
.Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
warranty coverage.
. Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
. Do not use E-15 or E-85 fuel in your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed
to run on E-15 or E-85 fuel. Using E-
15 or E-85 fuel in a vehicle not
specifically designed for E-15 or E-
85 fuel can adversely affect the
emission control devices and systems
of the vehicle. Damage caused by such fuel is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
. Do not use fuel that contains the
octane booster methylcyclopentadie-
nyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
Using fuel containing MMT may
adversely affect vehicle performance
and vehicle emissions. Not all fuel
dispensers are labeled to indicate
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 reformulated gasoline.
. U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be iden-
tified by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percen-
tage 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
developed this specification to improve
emission system and vehicle performance.
Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Char- ter (WWFC) specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. 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 re-
commended for unleaded gasoline.
. If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)

10-16Technical and consumer information
pants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included 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 weight of
total occupants weight subtracted
from the load limit.
STI0445

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your
vehicle shown as “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo” on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not exceed the number of
occupants shown as “Seating Capa-
city” on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label.
To get “the combined weight of
occupants and cargo”, add the weight
of all occupants, then add the total
luggage weight. Examples are shown
in the illustration.
Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement “The com-bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s
placard.
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 kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 − 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 calcu-
lated 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 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
for your vehicle. (See “Measurement
of weights” (P.10-19).)
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.
Technical and consumer information10-17

ures caused by overloading are
not covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels sepa-
rately to determine axle loads. Indivi-
dual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings
are given on the vehicle certification
label. If weight ratings are exceeded,
move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 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.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drivetrain, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the “Towing load/
specification” (P.10-22). The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart.
Technical and consumer information10-19
TOWING A TRAILER

10-20Technical and consumer information
STI0541
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
vehicle 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 on very steep
grades or for low traction situations (for
example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on gradedroads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The transmission high
fluid temperature and engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission and engine damage, could
activate and automatically decrease engine
power. Vehicle speed may decrease under
high load. Plan your trip carefully 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 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” (P.6-14).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 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.