2017 INFINITI Towing Guide
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economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your vehicle owner’s manual for
additional information about Tow Mode.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer. If, however,
the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are experiencing a significant
loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the engine may be overheating and you
should immediately take the following steps:
1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP THE
ENGINE.
2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed, and exit the vehicle. The heater core in your
vehicle is just like a miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to
help reduce engine temperature.
*
See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.
3.
If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine immediately.
4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood.
WARNING -Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed under
these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant may spurt out, possibly causing serious injury.
5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the
drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency.
WARNING- Be careful to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive
belt and other moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the
cooling fan is running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks. Keep in
mind, too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start without warning
any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a loose or missing drive belt,
or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.
2017 INFINITI Towing Guide
20 6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with the
engine cooled to its normal operating temperature; check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this point, if
repairs are required, go to the nearest INFINITI retailer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on overheating.
NOTE – All INFINITI vehicles have an engine protection mode which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature.
NOTES
Passenger Vehicles – INFINITI does not recommend trailer towing with Q50, Q60, Q70, or Q70 (HEV)
vehicles.
Cross-Over Vehicles – INFINITI
does not recommend trailer towing with QX30, QX50, or the QX70 2WD
vehicles.
Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle
payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for details.
1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with
driver and any options required, to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue
load.
2 In general, a weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) should be used
when towing over 5,000 lbs.
3 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector
trailer wire harnesses are required for use with trailer brakes (available
separately).
