The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are four types of drive
modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H and
4LO.
You must push the switch in to select 4LO,
and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
shift selector in the N position when chang-
ing into or out of 4LO.
WARNING
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make sure
that the 4WD shift indicator light is on and
the ATP warning light goes off. Otherwise,
the vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the P
position.
CAUTION
●Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
● The 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is
not recommended.
● The 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 MPH
(50 km/h) .
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or reversing.
● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving
on steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low automatic transmis-
sion gears (D1 or D2) for engine
braking. ●
Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) with the
rear wheels spinning.
● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
INFINITI recommends driving in the
2WD or AUTO position under these
conditions.
● The 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.
When driving on rough roads, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or
4LO.
● Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
5-44Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
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 damp-
ened 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 manu-
facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric pro-
tectors 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 sensor. This can also affect the opera-
tion of the air bag system and result in
serious personal injury.
CAUTION
●Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-
lar material.
● Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to leather surfaces and
should be removed promptly. Do not
use saddle soap, car waxes, polishes,
oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents or ammonia-based cleaners as
they may damage the leather’s natural
finish.
● Never use fabric protectors unless rec-
ommended by the manufacturer.
● Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam-
age 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 per-
manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh-
ener 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 imme-
diate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions before using the air fresheners.
FLOOR MATS
The use of genuine INFINITI floor mats can ex-
tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation. Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . . ........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level ........................8-8
Changing engine oil ............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-12
Brake fluid . . . ................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir ..................8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system .....................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-15Spark plugs
...................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs . . .......................8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment . . . ....................8-25
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
INFINITI Intelligent Key™ ........................ 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights . . . ....................8-28
Wheels
and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure .................................. 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 28 gal23-1/4 gal 105.8 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change 6-7/8 qt 5-3/4 qt 6.5 Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *2
Without oil filter change 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
Cooling system With reservoir 3-3/4 gal 3-1/8 gal 14.4 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ———NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — ——HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil ———NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Transfer fluid 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0 Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent (if available)
Front differential gear oil 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 OR API GL-5
Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *8
Rear differential gear oil 3-3/4 pt 3-1/8 pt 1.75 API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-90 gear oil or equivalent *9
Windshield washer fluid (shared between
front and rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal
4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new ve-
hicle limited warranty.
*4: DEXRON™ VI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your INFINITI dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*9: See your INFINITI dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56 (iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
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
Technical and consumer information9-5
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56
(iwz)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/12/09—debbie
Service manual order form...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner ............4-25
Setting button ..................4-11
Shift lock release ................5-16
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-28
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-64
Sonar Front system .............2-33, 5-53
Rear system .................5-52
Spark plug replacement ............8-16
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRS warning label ...............1-66
Starting Before starting the engine .........5-11
Jump starting .................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting ................6-10
Starting the engine .............5-12
Startup screen ..................4-5
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-31
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ...........5-49
Tilting steering wheel ............3-24
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-51
Stop light ....................8-28
Storage .....................2-36
Overhead storage compartment ......2-39
Storage bin ................2-39, 2-43
Sun visors ....................3-26
Sunglasses case ................2-37
Sunglasses holder ...............2-37
Sunroof (see Moonroof) ............2-50 Supplemental air bag warning labels
.....1-66
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-67, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-59
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-66
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-52
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental
air bag system) .........1-52
Switch Autolight switch ...............2-26
Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Fog light switch ...............2-29
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-29
Headlight aiming control ..........2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-24
Headlight control switch ..........2-25
Ignition switch ................5-9
Power door lock switch ...........3-5
Rear sonar system off switch .......2-32
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ....................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switches .2-23
Turn signal switch ..............2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch.2-32
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-22
T
Tachometer ....................2-5
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-10Theft
(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ...........2-21, 3-3, 5-11
Third row power folding seats .........1-18
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tilting steering wheel ..............3-24
Tire Flat tire ....................6-2
Spare tire ...................6-3
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Tire chains ..................8-39
Tire placard .................9-11
Tire pressure ................8-32
Tire rotation .................8-39
Tires of 4-wheel drive ............8-41
Types of tires ................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-29
Wheels and tires ..............8-32
Wheel/tire size ................9-8
Tire
pressure
Low tire pressure warning light ......2-11
Tire pressure display ...............4-8
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder .......4-8
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-36
Tow mode switch ................2-33
Towing 2-wheel drive models ............6-12
4-wheel drive models ............6-13
Flat towing ..................9-28
Tow truck towing ..............6-11
Towing load/specification .........9-19
Trailer towing ................9-16
Transceiver HomeLink Universal Transceiver .....2-54
10-6
REVIEW COPY—2010 Infiniti QX56(iwz)
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02/12/09—debbie