E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on levelroads, have an INFINITI dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which INFINITI
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
●
Your vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the INFINITI new
vehicle limited warranty.
● E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline. ●
U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
●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
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
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
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-11
A
Adjusting pedal position ............3-25
Aiming control, headlights ...........2-27
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-52
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-59
Air bag warning labels .............1-66
Air bag warning light ...........1-67, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-25
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-22
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-24
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-25
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-20
Anchor point locations .............1-36
Antenna .....................4-54
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-8, 2-9
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-50
Audible reminders ................2-15
Audio system ..................4-26
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-37Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player .........4-39
Audio system FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-34
Audio System Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-41
Audio system Radio ....................4-26
Rear audio controls .............4-53
Audio System Settings ...................4-34
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-51
Autolight switch .................2-26
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-29
Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Automatic
transmission position indicator
light .....................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-27
Automatic door locks ...............3-6
AUX jack .....................4-39
B
Battery ......................8-13 Charge warning light
............2-10
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-15
Block heater Engine ....................5-56
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-70
Booster seats ..................1-49
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-50
Brake assist (for Intelligent cruise control
system) ...................5-38
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-28
Brake system ................5-49
Brake warning light ..............2-9
Brake wear indicators ........2-15, 8-22
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-in schedule ................5-40
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-28
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-18
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-8
Bulb replacement ................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row) ......1-4
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
Car phone or CB radio.............4-69
Cargo light ...................2-54
Cargo net ....................2-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning .............4-50
CD player (See audio system) .........4-37
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-36
Child restraints .......1-30, 1-30, 1-31, 1-33
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-31, 1-39, 1-44, 1-49
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-36
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ...................2-34, 4-35
(models with navigation system) ......4-13
Clock set ....................4-13
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-54
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-37
CompactFlash (CF) player ...........4-39
Console box ...............2-36, 2-42
Control panel buttons ..............4-2
Brightness/contrast button .........4-18
Enter button ..................4-2
Setting button ................4-11
Startup screen ................4-5
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) ......4-51
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-22
Rear audio controls .............4-53
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-24
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-8 Checking engine coolant level
........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-17
Cup
holders ...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-64
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ..................2-28
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ....................2-24
Digital video disc DVD .............4-54
Dimensions and weights .............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-28
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Distance to empty ................4-7
Door locks ....................3-4
Drive belt ....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-29
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-54
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-13
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel .................5-40
Emission control information label .......9-10
Emission control system warranty .......9-30
Engine Before starting the engine .........5-11 Block heater
.................5-56
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-8
Changing engine oil .............8-9
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level ........8-7
Checking engine oil level ..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Starting the engine ............ .5-12
Engine
oil pressure gauge ............2-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .........2-10
Enter button ....................4-2
Event data recorders ..............9-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........5-2
Eyeglass case ..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-29
Flat tire ......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
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
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie