ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See\bCapacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants\b earlier in this
section. INFINITI recommends the use of an en-
ergy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil ad-
ditives. The use of an oil additive is not necessary
when the proper oil type is used and maintenance
intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new INFINITI vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
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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 recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting
Refer to the “INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your INFINITI
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil DH-PS or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment 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 regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. An INFINITI dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact an INFINITI dealer when servicing your
air conditioner system.
9-6Technical and consumer information
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●Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “INFINITI Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle – Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described earlier in this section.
● Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● INFINITI recommends that the cruise control
not be used while towing a trailer. ●
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Technical and consumer information9-27
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Tow mode includes the following features:● Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
● Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by INFINITI”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
WARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Installing a snowplow may affect vehicle
handling. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
SNOW PLOW
9-28Technical and consumer information
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Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready” con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, an INFINITI dealer can conduct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h) and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes. 8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-31
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Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-8
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Window washer fluid ............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Fog light switch .................2-29
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) .....1-59
Front seats ....................1-2
Front sonar system ............2-33, 5-53
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-40
Fuel gauge ..................2-6
Fuel octane rating ..............9-4
Fuel recommendation ............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-23
Fuses ......................8-23
Fusible links ...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ...................2-54
Gascap.....................3-23
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine oil pressure gauge ..........2-6
Fuel gauge ..................2-6
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
Voltmeter ...................2-7 General maintenance
..............8-2
Glass hatch ...................3-22
Glove box ....................2-37
Glove box lock .................2-37
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth . . . .4-70
Hazard
warning flasher switch .........2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-24
Headlight control switch ............2-25
Headlights ....................8-27
Headlights, aiming control ...........2-27
Headphones (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) .............4-58
Heated seats ..................2-30
Heated steering wheel .............2-31
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-22
Heater operation ..............4-23
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-24
HomeLink Universal Transceiver .......2-54
Hood release ..................3-18
Hook Luggage hook ................2-44
Horn .......................2-30
I
Ignition switch ..................5-9
Immobilizer system ............3-3, 5-11
Important vehicle information label .......9-10
In-cabin microfilter ...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy ............5-40 Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)
.....................2-8
INFINITI mobile entertainment system
(MES) ......................4-54
INFINITI vehicle immobilizer
system ................2-21, 3-3, 5-11
INFINITI voice recognition system .......4-82
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror .......3-27
Instrument brightness control .........2-28
Instrument panel ..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-28
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system Brake assist .................5-38
Intelligent Key system Key operating range .............3-9
Key operation ................3-10
Mechanical key ................3-3
Remote
keyless entry operation ......3-12
Troubleshooting guide ...........3-17
Warning signals ...............3-17
Interior light ...................2-52
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-33
J
Jump starting ...................6-8
K
Keyfob battery replacement ..........8-25
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) ........3-12
10-3
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Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-10
Emission control information label .....9-10
Engine serial number ............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-66
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-33
License plate Installing the license plate .........9-11
Lift gate .....................3-18
Lift gate release .................3-22
Light Air bag warning light .........1-67, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-8
Bulb replacement ..............8-28
Charge warning light ............2-10
Fog light switch ...............2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-24
Headlight control switch ..........2-25
Headlights ..................8-27
Interior light .................2-52
Light bulbs ..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light ......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light .......2-19
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-61
Personal lights ...............2-53 Security indicator light
...........2-14
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-8
Lights Map lights ..................2-54
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Door locks ..................3-4
Glove
box lock ...............2-37
Lift gate release ...............3-22
Power door locks ...............3-5
Low fuel warning light ......2-11, 2-12, 2-19
Low tire pressure warning light ........2-11
Low washer fluid warning light .........2-19
Luggage hook ..................2-44
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .........2-46
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information) ........2-43
M
Maintenance Changing the maintenance interval .....4-9
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder ...................4-10
General maintenance ............8-2
Inside the vehicle ...............8-3
Maintenance precautions ..........8-5
Outside the vehicle ..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval . . . .4-10
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-29
Setting ....................4-9
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ...........2-14 Map lights
....................2-54
Map pocket ...................2-38
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control .......2-28
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .....3-27
Outside mirror control ...........3-27
Outside mirrors ...............3-27
Vanity mirror .................3-26
Moonroof ....................2-50
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-41
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) .....9-4
Odometer .....................2-4
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................ .9-2
Changing
engine oil .............8-9
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-10
Checking engine oil level ..........8-8
Engine oil ...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-10
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Outside mirror control .............3-27
Outside mirrors .................3-27
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ..........9-32
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-32
10-4
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P
Parking Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-48
Pedal position adjustment ...........3-25
Personal lights .................2-53
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free system . . . .4-70
Power Power door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-34
Power rear windows ............2-49
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ...........5-49
Power vent windows ............2-50
Power windows ...............2-47
Rear power windows ............2-49
Precautions Maintenance precautions ..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-3
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-31, 1-39, 1-44, 1-49
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-52
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-65
Programmable features .............4-11
Push starting ..................6-10 R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-69
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-34
Rear audio controls .............4-53
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-51
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-31
Rear audio controls ...............4-53
Rear center seat belt ..............1-26
Rear power windows ..............2-49
Rear seat air conditioner ............4-24
Rear sonar system ...............5-52
Rear sonar system off switch .........2-32
Rear
window and outside mirror defroster
switch ......................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-23
RearView Monitor ................4-18
Recorders Event data ..................9-32
Refrigerant recommendation ..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote controller (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) .............4-57
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......9-30
Resetting the fuel economy ...........4-7
Roof rack ....................2-46
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6 Child seat belts . . . .1-31, 1-39, 1-44, 1-49
Reporting safety defects (US only) . . . .9-30
Screen (See INFINITI mobile entertainment
system) .....................4-57
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-3
Second row bench seats ..........1-5
Second row captain’s chair .........1-4
Third row power folding seats .......1-18
Seat belt Child safety .................1-30
Infants and small children .........1-30
Injured Person ................1-23
Larger children ...............1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage ......1-20
Pregnant women ..............1-23
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-65
Rear center seat belt ............1-26
Seat belt extenders .............1-29
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-29
Seat belts ..................1-20
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-28
Three-point type with retractor .......1-23
Seat belt warning light .............2-13
Seatback pockets ................2-38
Seats Adjustment ................. .1-2
Automatic
drive positioner .........3-29
Front seats ..................1-2
Heated seats ................2-30
Second row captain’s chair adjustment .....1-4
Security indicator light .............2-14
Security system (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ...........2-21, 3-3, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
10-5
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
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