R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
4 (Fourth gear):
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
Do not downshift into the 4 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 4 position. 4H:
62 MPH (100 km/h)
4LO: 31 MPH (50 km/h)
3 (Third gear):
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 2 position. 2WD and AUTO:62 MPH (100 km/h)
4H: 62 MPH (100 km/h)
4LO: 27 MPH (44 km/h) 1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud,
or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Do not downshift into the 1 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 1 position.
2WD and AUTO:37 MPH (60 km/h)
4H: 37 MPH (60 km/h)
4LO: 16 MPH (27 km/h)
Starting and driving5-15
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector may
not be moved from the P (Park) position even with
the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector, release the shift lock.
The shift selector can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock
release.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position to unlock the steering wheel. Now the vehicle
may be moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have an INFINITI dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift selector cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, please note
that the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, place the ignition
switch in the OFF position and wait for 3
seconds. Then turn the ignition switch back
to the ON position. The vehicle should re-
turn to its normal operating condition. If it
does not return to its normal operating
condition, have an INFINITI dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.
LSD0090
5-16Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
The system is intended to enhance the operation
of the vehicle when following another vehicle
traveling in the same lane and direction.
If the distance sensor
1detects a slower mov-
ing vehicle ahead of you, the system will reduce
your speed so that you follow the vehicle in front
of you at the selected distance.
The system automatically controls the throttle
and applies the brakes (up to 25% of vehicle
braking power) if necessary.
The detection range of the sensor is approxi-
mately 390 ft (120 m) ahead.
WARNING
● This system is only an aid to assist the
driver and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver’s re-
sponsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
● The system is primarily intended for use
on straight, dry, open roads with light
traffic. It is not advisable to use the
system in city traffic or congested
areas.
● This system will not adapt automati-
cally to road conditions. This system
should be used in evenly flowing traffic.
Do not use the system on roads with
sharp curves, or on icy roads, in heavy
rain or in fog.
The distance sensor will not detect under most
conditions: ● Stationary and slow moving vehicles
● Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
● Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
● Motorcycles or scooters traveling offset in
the travel lane This system will not automatically brake
the vehicle to a stop.
WARNING
●
As there is a performance limit to the
distance control function, never rely
solely on the Intelligent Cruise Control
system. This system does not correct
careless, inattentive or absent-minded
driving, or overcome poor visibility in
rain, fog, or other bad weather. Deceler-
ate the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal, depending on the distance
to the vehicle ahead and the surround-
ing circumstances in order to maintain
a safe distance between vehicles.
● Although the brake operation is con-
trolled by the system, the system does
not automatically stop the vehicle. If the
vehicle speed falls below approxi-
mately 20 MPH (32 km/h) , the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control system is automati-
cally canceled and a warning chime
sounds. (The brake control is also
canceled.)
LSD0105
Starting and driving5-21
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
System operation
WARNING
Normally when controlling the distance to
a vehicle ahead, this system automatically
accelerates or decelerates your vehicle
according to the speed of the vehicle
ahead. Depress the accelerator to prop-
erly accelerate your vehicle when accel-
eration is required for a lane change. De-
press the brake pedal when deceleration
is required to maintain a safe distance to
the vehicle ahead due to its sudden brak-
ing or if a vehicle cuts in. Always stay alert
when using the ICC system.
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed based
on the road conditions. The ICC system main-
tains the set vehicle speed, similar to standard
cruise control, as long as no vehicle is detected in
the lane ahead.
The ICC system displays the set speed. The
CRUISE indicator light in the vehicle information
display comes on.
Vehicle detected ahead:
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead, the
ICC system decelerates the vehicle by control-
ling the throttle and applying the brakes to match
the speed of a slower vehicle ahead. The system then controls the vehicle speed based on the
speed of the vehicle ahead to maintain a driver
selected distance.
The stoplights of the vehicle come on and
the brake pedal depresses when braking is
performed by the ICC system.
CAUTION
Never place your foot under the brake
pedal, when the brake is operated by the
Intelligent Cruise Control system. You
may get your foot caught in the pedal.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator comes on. The ICC
system will also display the set speed and se-
lected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected:
When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead, the
ICC system gradually accelerates your vehicle to
resume the previously set vehicle speed. The ICC
system then maintains the set speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected the vehicle
ahead detection indicator turns off.
If a vehicle ahead appears during acceleration to
the set vehicle speed or any time the ICC system
is in operation, the system controls the distance
to the vehicle.
System set display without vehicle ahead
WSD0218
Starting and driving5-29
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
How to change the set distance to the
vehicle ahead
The distance to the vehicle ahead can be se-
lected at any time depending on the traffic con-
ditions.
Each time the DISTANCE switch is pressed, the
set distance will change to long, medium, short
and back to long again in that sequence.●
The distance to the vehicle ahead will
change according to the vehicle speed. The
higher the vehicle speed, the longer the dis-
tance.
● If the engine is stopped, the set distance
becomes “long”. (Each time the engine is
started, the initial setting becomes “long”.)
● The CRUISE indicator light will appear in the
vehicle information display.
Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle ahead
due to rapid deceleration of that vehicle or if
another vehicle cuts in, the system warns the
driver with the chime and ICC system display.
Decelerate by depressing the brake pedal to
maintain a safe vehicle distance if:
● The chime sounds.
● The vehicle ahead detection and set dis-
tance indicator blink.
The warning chime may not sound in some cases
when there is a short distance between vehicles.
Some examples are: ● When the vehicles are traveling at the same
speed and the distance between vehicles is
not changing.
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling faster
and the distance between vehicles is in-
creasing.
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed,
overriding the system.
● When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle.
The warning chime will not sound when your
vehicle approaches vehicles that are parked or
moving slowly.
WSD0208LSD0117
Starting and driving5-31
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
If the indicator stays on, it may indicate that
the Preview Function is malfunctioning
(the brake is operative) . Although the Ve-
hicle is still driveable under normal condi-
tions, have the vehicle checked at an
INFINITI dealer.
Sensor maintenance
The sensor for the Preview Function, is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is located
below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating properly,
be sure to observe the following:● Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage
them.
● Do not impact the areas around the sensor.
Do not touch or disassemble the screw lo-
cated on the sensor. Doing so could cause
failure or malfunction. If the sensor installa-
tion part is deformed due to an accident,
contact an INFINITI dealer.
● Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
● Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
● Avoid quick starts.
● Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. ●
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
● Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
● Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
● Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
● Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
● Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-40Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—diane
●When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
● For vehicles equipped with
, use 4H or
4L position only when necessary. Four-
wheel drive operation lowers fuel economy.
WARNING
● For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle, move the automatic transmission
shift selector to the N position and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI dealer as soon
as possible.
● The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking.
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD)
Starting and driving5-41
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/13/09—tbrooks
4WD Shift
Switch Position Wheels
Driven Indicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
AUTO Rear wheels
or 4 wheels
For driving on paved or slippery roads
Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> AUTO <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift
position engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE SHIFT
SELECTOR TO THE N POSITION IN THIS OP-
ERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERATION WHEN
DRIVING STRAIGHT.
2WDRear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads (Economy
drive) or state dynamometer I/M testing
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blink Neutral disengages the automatic transmis-
sion mechanical parking lock, which will
allow the vehicle to roll. Do not leave the
transfer shift position in Neutral.*2 1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift selector to the N position.
3. Push the 4WD shift switch and move it to
4LO or 4H with the brake pedal depressed.
YOU CANNOT MOVE THE TRANSFER 4WD
SHIFT SWITCH BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR
4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST
STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE
BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVE THE SHIFT SELEC-
TOR TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO 4 wheelsIlluminated For use when maximum power and traction
is required (for example: on steep grades
or rocky, sandy, muddy roads)
*1: The transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to shift the 4WD shift switch after the shift selector has been shifte
dtothe
N position. If the indicator light keeps blinking after the 4WD shift procedure in the previous page, drive slowly without abrupt maneuvers for a while. Then
the light will turn on or off.
Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to 4LO. Otherwise gears may grind, damaging the drive system.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition switch must be in the ON position and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on
or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light will also turn on when
4LO is selected. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” later in this section.
Starting and driving5-43
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie