1. Vents (P. 4-21)
2. Headlight/fog light/turn signal switch(P. 2-24)
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
and Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone
System (P. 4-51, 4-70)
4. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-52, P.2-30)
5. Meters, gauges and warning/indicator
lights (P. 2-3, 2-8)
6. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-28)
7. Cruise control main/set switches (if so
equipped) and Intelligent cruise control
main/set switches (if so equipped)
(P. 5-17, P.5-19)
8. Windshield wiper/washer switch and
rear window wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-22, P. 2-23)
9. Ignition switch (P. 5-9)
10. Navigation system* (P. 4-2)
11. Navigation system* controls (P. 4-2)
12. Audio system controls (P. 4-26)
13. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-52)
14. Glove box (P. 2-37)
15. Hazard lights (P. 2-29)
16. Climate controls (P. 4-22)
WIC1379
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
17. Power outlet (P. 2-34)
18. Heated seat switch (P. 2-30)
19. Tow mode switch (P. 2-33)
20. Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) OFFswitch (P. 2-32)
21. Shift selector (P. 5-12)
22. Heated steering wheel switch (P.2-31)
23. Clock (P. 2-34)
24. Power outlet (P. 2-34)
25. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-61)
26. Auxiliary jack (P. 4-39
27. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-41)
28. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-24)
29.. Rear or front and rear sonar system off
switch (P. 5-52)
30. Pedal position adjustment switch
(P. 3-25)
31. Headlight aiming control (P. 2-27)
32. Power vent windows switch (P. 2-50)
33. Lift gate open/close switch (P. 3-18)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Engine oil pressure gauge 6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer, A/T po-
sition indicator, 4WD shift indicator
light (if so equipped)/vehicle information
display
7. Voltmeter
8. Fuel gauge
LIC1169
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
\bBrake system\b in the\bStarting and driving\b sec-
tion.
Automatic transmission check
warning light
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for about 2 seconds. If the light comes
on at any other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI dealer.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting
in serious personal injury or property
damage. ●
The warning light may come on when
the ignition switch is ON and the shift
selector is placed in the P position
while shifting the transfer case be-
tween 4H and 4LO. Shift the 4WD shift
switch to the 2WD, AUTO, 4H, or 4LO
position again to turn off the ATP warn-
ing light when the warning light comes
on. Before shifting the 4WD switch into
the 4LO position or out of 4LO in the 4H
position, move the shift selector into
the N position. Shift the shift selector
into the P position and make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light is ON and
the ATP warning light is OFF.
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the shift selector is in the P (Park) position,
the transmission will disengage and the drive
wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Instruments and controls2-9
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is ad-
justed. After the tire is inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low
tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pres-
sure gauge to check the tire pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch is
turned ON. The light will remain on after the 1
minute. Have the system checked by an INFINITI
dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.WARNING
●If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by an INFINITI dealer as
soon as possible.
● If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. ●
When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your INFINITI dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
CAUTION
● The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Master warning light
This light comes on when various vehicle infor-
mation display warnings appear.
2-12Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this 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 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual. Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an INFINITI dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
● Malfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed. The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by an INFINITI dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
2-14Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56
(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
The flashers will operate with the ignition switch
placed in any position.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.The front and 2nd row seats are warmed by
built-in heaters.
1. Start the engine.
2. Push the LO or HI position of the switch, as desired, depending on the temperature. The
indicator light in the switch will illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the seat is warmed or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
LIC0663WIC1441
HORN HEATED SEATS
2-30Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
CAUTION
●Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
● Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your INFINITI dealer.
● The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running. The heated steering wheel system is designed to
operate only when the surface temperature of the
steering wheel is below 68°F (20°C) .
The heated steering wheel switch is located on
the front of the console box.
Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm
the steering wheel after the engine starts. The
indicator light will come on.
If the surface temperature of the steering wheel is
below 68°F (20°C) , the system will heat the
steering wheel to approximately 86°F (30°C) ,
and cycle off and on to maintain a temperature
above 68°F (20°C) . The indicator light will remain
on as long as the system is on. Push the switch again to turn the heated steering
wheel system off manually. The indicator light will
go off.
NOTE:
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above 68°F (20°C) when the switch
is turned on, the system will not heat the
steering wheel. This is not a malfunction.
LIC0421
HEATED STEERING WHEEL
Instruments and controls2-31
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56
(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe to
do so before backing up. Always back up
slowly.
The rear sonar system is active when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position and the shift
selector is in R (Reverse) .
When sensors detect obstacles within 5.9 ft (1.8
m) of the rear bumper, a beeping tone is emitted. The rear sonar system can be disabled by push-
ing the OFF switch. When the system is disabled,
the indicator light on the switch will illuminate.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
See “Rear sonar system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WIC0534LIC0471
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
REAR SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
(if so equipped)
2-32Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56
(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane