WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes orstraps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
∙ The child restraint top tether strap may be damaged by contact with items in the
cargo area. Secure any items in the cargo
area. Your child could be seriously injured
or killed in a collision if the top tether
strap is damaged.
∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and
rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your ve-
hicle can break, tire damage could occur,
or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of con-
trol and cause personal injury.
LOADING TIPS
∙ The GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label. ∙ Do not load the front and rear axle
to the GAWR. Doing so will exceed
the GVWR.
WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle can
break, tire damage could occur, or
it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury. ∙ Overloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tire,
but can also cause unsafe vehicle
handling and longer braking dis-
tances. This may cause a prema-
ture tire failure which could result
in a serious accident and personal
injury. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh the
front and the rear wheels separately
to determine axle loads. Individual axle
loads should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). The
total of the axle loads should not ex-
ceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on
the vehicle certification label. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
Technical and consumer information10-17
Tow Hitch Receiver (with Tow Package)
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer
and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance and
may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
∙ Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy loadfor the first 500 miles (805 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged. ∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places addi-
tional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com.
This guide includes information on trailer
towing capability and the special equipment
required for proper towing. Lifestyle Receiver (without Tow Package)
WARNING
The Lifestyle Receiver cannot be used for
towing a trailer. Only use the Lifestyle Re-
ceiver for receiver mounted accessories
that meet the below requirements.
∙ The maximum allowable load is 300 lbs.
(136 kg) including the weight of the in-
stalled accessory carrier.
∙ Do not exceed allowable cargo weight capacity of your vehicle.
Failure to use the Lifestyle Receiver as in-
tended can result in serious injury or death.
LTI2339LTI2338
TOWING A TRAILER
10-18Technical and consumer information
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Lifestyle
Receiver to avoid damage to your vehicle
do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle with the
Lifestyle Receiver (if so equipped). The Life-
style Receiver should be used for receiver-
mounted accessories only. The Lifestyle Re-
ceiver is designed for carrying bikes, snow
boards/skis, camping gear and various other
bulky items.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer loads,
but also the places you plan to tow. Tow
weights appropriate for level highway driving
may have to be reduced for low traction situ-
ations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect tow-
ing. For example, towing a heavy trailer in
high outside temperatures on graded roadscan affect engine performance and cause
overheating. The engine protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of engine
damage, could activate and automatically
decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip care-
fully to account for trailer and vehicle load,
weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a colli-
sion. Be especially careful when driving. If
the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driving
speed, pull to the side of the road in a safe
area. Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “If your vehicle overheats” in
the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
LTI2030
Technical and consumer information10-19
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers 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 de-
termine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer 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 ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea- sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher
than the measured reference height when
the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is
higher than the measured reference height
when loaded, the vehicle may handle unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of vehicle
control and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used
to help control these affects. If you choose to
use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch sup-
plier to make sure the sway control device will
work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer’s brake system. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer for installing
and using the sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg).
Tire pressures
∙ When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat- ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
10-24
Technical and consumer information
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
The safety chains can be attached to the
bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to the
bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, 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 us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stop light 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 ex-
ceeds these power requirements may dam-
age the vehicle’s electrical system. See a
reputable trailer retailer to obtain the
proper equipment and to have it installed.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. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
Most states require a separate braking sys-
tem 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 avail-
able.
Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic 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 operation be-
tween 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).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment 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.
Pre-towing tips
∙ Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/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 condi-
tion.
∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shift while driving.
∙ Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low.
Technical and consumer information10-25
∙ Load the trailer so approximately 60% ofthe 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 tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
∙ Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle 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
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability
and braking performance will be somewhat
different than under normal driving condi-
tions.
∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent 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.
∙ 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 back-
ing up.
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 to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 2. Have someone place blocks on the
downhill 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. Turn off the engine.
To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
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.
10-26Technical and consumer information
∙ While going downhill, the weight of thetrailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain 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 overheat-
ing. Shifting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.
∙ If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, refer to “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this 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 recom-
mended maintenance schedule in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual. ∙ 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 ad- versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle 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 or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently ap- ply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described in this section. ∙ Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. 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 re-
duced 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.
Technical and consumer information10-27
DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The rela-
tive performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service prac-
tices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions onspecified government test surfaces of as-
phalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat, and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tempera-
ture can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
heat build-up and possible tire failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-29