2011 INFINITI QX brake

CAUTION
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, etc.
● Do not attach any additional hitches to your
vehicle because a hitch is already mounted
to your vehicle frame.
Tire pressures
●When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
●Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a towing package,
which also includes the 7-pin trailer harness
connector located under the trailer hitch cover
on the rear bumper.
CAUTION
● When splicing into the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, a commercially available power-type
module/converter must be used to provide
power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses
the vehicle battery as a direct power source
for all trailer lights while using the vehicle
tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal source. The module/converter
must draw no more than 15 milliamps from
the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a
module/converter that exceeds these power
requirements may damage the vehicle’s
electrical system. See a reputable trailer re-
tailer to obtain the proper equipment and to
have it installed.
● Do not connect electrical devices that draw
more than 40 amps to the vehicle. The fus-
ible link may melt.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact an INFINITI retailer or
reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs. (1,587
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system MUST
be used. However, most states require a sepa-
rate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Make sure the
trailer meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
STI0745
9-24Technical and consumer information

Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic
line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes
are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking.
Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of
system, there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking systems
are activated by an electronic signal sent from a
trailer brake controller (special brake sensing
module).
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake func-
tion testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly to
the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turn-
ing, stopping and backing up in an area which
is free from traffic. Steering stability, and brak-
ing performance will be somewhat different
than under normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Technical and consumer information9-25

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission dam-
age could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down-hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer
are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descending
a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness and
could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the INFINITI Service
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
causing 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 vehicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road
in a safe area.
9-26Technical and consumer information

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it isbalanced as described earlier in this sec-
tion.
●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. ●
While towing a trailer, do not use the follow-
ing systems (if so equipped):
– the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) sys- tem
– the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
– the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
– the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
– Intelligent Brake Assist ( IBA) system
● Some states or provinces have specific regu-
lations 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, do not allow the
water 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, the transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For addi-
tional information, see the INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide.
TOW mode
Using TOW mode is recommended when pulling
a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Push the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
TOW MODE indicator light in the meter illumi-
nates when TOW mode is selected. Push the
TOW MODE switch again to turn TOW mode off.
TOW mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
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 driv-
ing characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil should
be replaced and transmission oil/fluid should be
changed more frequently. For additional infor-
mation, see the 9. “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section later in this manual.
Technical and consumer information9-27

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
●How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
● Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
● How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
● How fast the vehicle was traveling.
● Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which crashes
and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle
only if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data (e.g.
name, gender, age and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with
the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or
the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer and INFINITI retailer, other par-
ties, such as law enforcement, that have the
special equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR
data will only be accessed with the consent of
the vehicle owner or lessee or as otherwise
required or permitted by law.
Genuine INFINITI Service Manual for this model
and prior models can be purchased. A genuine
INFINITI Service Manual is the best source of
service and repair information for your vehicle.
This manual is the same one used by the factory
trained technicians working at an INFINITI re-
tailer. Genuine INFINITI Owner’s Manual can
also be purchased.
In the USA:
For current pricing and availability of genuine
INFINITI Service Manuals
contact:
1-800-450-9491
www.infiniti-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
INFINITI Service Manuals contact:
1-800-247-5321
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a genuine INFINITI Service
Manual or Owner’s Manual for this model or
prior models, please contact an INFINITI retailer.
For the phone number and location of an
INFINITI retailer in your area call the INFINITI
Satisfaction Center at 1-800-361-4792 and a
bilingual INFINITI representative will assist you.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR) OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL
ORDER INFORMATION
9-32Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......5-97
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) ....2-40
Advanced air bag system ...........1-55
Aiming control Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) . . 2-40
Headlights ................. 2-39
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-55
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-57
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ......1-60
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system . . 1-60
Air bag warning labels ............1-63
Air bag warning light ..........1-63, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-18
Air conditioner Advanced Climate Control System
(ACCS) ................... 4-35
Air conditioner service ..........4-40
Air conditioner specification label ....9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .....4-40, 9-7
Automatic climate control .....4-31, 4-34
In-cabin microfilter ............4-39
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) .........2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-8
Antenna .................... 4-82Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
.......5-97
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ....................... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest ..................... 1-16
Around View™ Monitor ............4-19
Audible reminders ............... 2-20
Audio operation precautions .........4-40
Audio system ................. 4-40
Steering wheel audio controls ......4-81
Auto closure .................. 3-23
Autolight system ................ 2-37
Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-11
Climate control ........... 4-31,
4-34
Door locks ..................3-5
Drive positioner .............. 3-30
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-15
Moonroof .................. 2-64
Seat positioner .............. 3-30
Average fuel consumption and speed ....2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ........5-6
B
Back door (See lift gate) ...........3-19
Battery ..................... 8-15
Battery saver system ........2-39, 2-66
Intelligent Key ............... 8-24
Variable voltage control system .....8-16 Before starting the engine
..........5-13
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system . . . . . . 5-29
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warning
light ....................... 2-12
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System . . . 4-96
Booster seats ................. 1-47
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . ....5-97
Brake booster ............... 8-21
Brake fluid .............. 8-12, 8-13
Brake system ............... 5-94
Parking brake operation .........5-19
Warning light ................ 2-12
Break-in schedule ............... 5-83
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ...........4-7
Instrument panel .............. 2-41
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-11
Bulb replacement ............... 8-26
C
Cabin air filter ................. 4-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............4-95
Cargo floor box ................ 2-60
Cargo light ................... 2-68
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ....5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning . . . 4-80
Center
multi-function control panel . . ....4-3

Floor mat cleaning................7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-11
Brake fluid .............. 8-12, 8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Engine coolant ................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid ............8-12
Window washer fluid ............8-14
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ...................... 4-54
Fog light switch ................. 2-42
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . . . 5-75
Front passenger air bag and status light . . . 1-57
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-2
Front seat Front seat adjustment .........1-2, 1-16
Front-seat active head restraint ........1-12
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Fuel economy ................ 5-83
Fuel economy information (display) ....4-9
Fuel octane rating ..............9-4
Fuel recommendation ............9-4
Fuel-filler cap ................ 3-23
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-23
Gauge .....................2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning .........3-25
Fuses ....................... 8-21
Fusible links .................. 8-22 G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ................... 2-68
Gascap ..................... 3-23
Gauge .......................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge .........2-8
Fuel gauge ..................2-8
Odometer ...................2-6
Speedometer .................2-6
Tachometer ..................2-7
Trip computer ................ 2-27
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box .................... 2-57
H
Hands-Free Phone System, Bluetooth . . . 4-96
Hazard warning flasher switch ........2-43
Head

restraints ..................1-8
Headlight washer ................ 2-41
Headlights Aiming control ............... 2-39
Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-40
Bulb replacement .............. 8-27
Headlight switch .............. 2-37
Xenon headlights .............. 2-36
Heated seats .................. 2-44
Heated steering wheel .............2-43
Heater Automatic climate control ......4-31, 4-34
Engine block heater ............5-102
Hill start assist system .............5-91HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .......2-68
Hood release .................. 3-18
Hook Coat hooks ................. 2-59
Luggage hook ................ 2-59
Horn ....................... 2-44
I
Ignition switch (Push-button) .........5-10
Immobilizer system ............... 2-31
In-cabin microfilter ............... 4-39
Indicator Dot matrix display ............. 2-21
Lights ..................... 2-17
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System . ....2-31
INFINITI voice recognition system ......4-106
INFO button ....................4-7
Inside mirror .................. 3-27
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ......9-31
Instrument brightness control .........2-41
Instrument panel .................2-4
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator
light ....................... 2-18
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system .....5-80
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system ....5-39
Main

switch indicator ........... 2-24
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light .................. 2-14
Intelligent Key ..................3-2
Intelligent Key system ..............3-6
Battery replacement ............8-24
Key operating range .............3-8
Key operation ................3-9
Warning light ................ 2-14
10-3

N
New vehicle break-in .............. 5-83
O
Odometer .....................2-6
Off-road recovery .................5-7
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Changing engine oil and filter .......8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-9
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil pressure gauge .........2-8
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Oil filter replacement indicator ......2-25
Operation, Indicators for operation ......2-23
Outside air temperature ............2-28
Outside mirrors ................. 3-28
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......6-13
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................... 9-32
P
Panic alarm ................... 3-16
Parking Brake break-in ............... 5-94
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Parking on hills ............... 5-92
Phone Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System . . 4-96
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-95Pocket
...................... 2-58
Power Front seat adjustment ............1-2
Power door lock ...............3-4
Power outlet ................. 2-52
Power steering fluid ............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-94
Power windows ............... 2-61
Precautions Audio operation .............. 4-40
Braking precautions ............5-94
Child restraints ............... 1-30
Cruise control ................ 5-37
Driving safety .................5-8
Lane departure warning (LDW) system . . 5-20
Maintenance .................8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving .....5-6
Seat belt usage ............... 1-18
Supplemental

restraint system ......1-50
When starting and driving .........5-2
Preview function ................ 5-95
Preview Function warning light ........2-16
Push starting .................. 6-13
Push-button ignition switch ..........5-10
R
Radio ...................... 4-40
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-95
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... 4-54
Rain-sensing auto wiper system .......2-33
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-7
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test........................ 9-31Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock . . 3-6
Rear personal lights
.............. 2-66
Rear window wiper and washer switch . . . 2-34
Rear window wiper blades ..........8-20
Recorders, Event data .............9-32
Registering your vehicle in another
country ......................9-9
Remote controller (DVD) ............4-92
Remote keyless entry system .........3-15
Reporting safety defects ............9-30
Roadside assistance program . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Rollover ......................5-6
Roof Moonroof .................. 2-64
Roof rack .................. 2-60
S
Safety Child seat belts ............... 1-28
Towing safety ................ 9-21
Satellite radio operation ............4-55
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment ........1-2
Front seats ............... 1-2, 1-16
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................. 1-28
Infants .................... 1-29
Injured persons ............... 1-21
Larger children ............... 1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage . . ....1-18
Pregnant women .............. 1-21
Seat

belt cleaning ..............7-6
Seat belt extenders ............. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-28
10-5