WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
●The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
●Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
●The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
●The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) .
Check with the trailer and towing equipmentmanufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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 separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
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 connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see “Electric trailer brake controller” in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake controller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller jumper
harness, perform the following procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the
rearmost position.
example
LTI0117
9-24Technical and consumer information
●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 descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
●If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
●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.
●Downshift the transmission 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.
Technical and consumer information9-27
10 Index
A
Aiming control, headlights...........2-33
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-53
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-61
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-68
Airbagwarninglight...........1-69,2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-53
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls....4-48
Servicing air conditioner..........4-53
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-24
Anchor point locations.............1-37
Antenna.....................4-96
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-95
Audible reminders...............2-13
Audio system..................4-54
Bluetooth®audio..............4-91
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD)player.................4-70
Audio System
iPod®Player................4-87Audio system
Radio ....................4-54
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-94
USB interface................4-82
Autolight switch.................2-31
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-31
Automatic power window switch.....2-51
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-29
Automatic door locks..............3-6
B
Battery......................8-14
Charge warning light.............2-8
Before starting the engine...........5-16
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-16
Block heater
Engine...................5-101
Bluetooth®audio................4-91
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system.................4-109, 4-123
Boosterseats..................1-49
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-95
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake system................5-94
Brake warning light..............2-8
Brake wear indicators........2-13,8-20
Parking brake operation..........5-21
Self-adjusting brakes............8-20Brakes......................8-20
Break-inschedule ...............5-89
Brightness/contrast button.......4-10,4-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-34
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulbreplacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Cargolight ...................2-56
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
Car phone or CB radio............4-109
CD care and cleaning.............4-94
CD player (See audio system).........4-75
Check tire pressure...............2-23
Child restraints.......1-31,1-31,1-32,1-34
Precautions on child
restraints........1-32,1-40,1-44,1-49
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-37
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-37
Child safety rear door lock............3-7
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving.............5-100
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-75
Consolebox...................2-47
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-17
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-53
Precautions when starting and driving....5-4
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-67
Push starting...................6-12
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-109
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player..................4-70
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-94
Rainsensor....................2-28
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-31
Rear power windows..............2-51
RearViewMonitor................4-24
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-30
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-29
Recorders
Eventdata..................9-31
Refrigerant recommendation...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only).......9-30
Roof rack.....................2-49
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7
Childseatbelts.....1-32,1-40,1-44,1-49
Reporting safety defects (US only).....9-30Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment.........1-3
Second row bench seats........1-5,1-7
Seatback pockets................2-44
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-31
Infants and small children..........1-31
Injured Person................1-26
Largerchildren................1-32
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-23
Pregnant women...............1-26
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-67
Seatbeltextenders .............1-30
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-30
Seatbelts...................1-23
Three-point type with retractor.......1-26
Seat belt warning light..............2-11
Seats
Adjustment...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner..........3-31
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats..........2-35,2-36,2-38
Security indicator light..............2-13
Security system
(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start...........2-25,3-4,5-15
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-20
Service manual order form...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner.............4-53
Sparkplugreplacement.............8-17
Speedometer...................2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-68
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-16
Jump starting.................6-10
Precautions when starting and driving....5-4Push starting.................6-12
Starting the engine.............5-16
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-39
Power steering fluid.............8-12
Power steering system...........5-94
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-94
Stoplight.....................8-26
Storage......................2-43
Storagebin....................2-48
Sunglasses case.................2-44
Sunglasses holder................2-44
Sunroof (see Moonroof).............2-52
Sun visors....................3-28
Supplemental air bag warning labels......1-68
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-69, 2-11
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-61
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-68
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-53
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-53
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-31
Automatic power window switch......2-51
Fog light switch...............2-34
Hazard warning flasher switch........6-2
Headlightaimingcontrol ..........2-33
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-30
Headlight control switch..........2-31
Power door lock switch............3-6
Power inverter switch............2-41
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-30
10-5