2020 INFINITI Towing Guide
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PASSENGERS
WARNING - Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed.
Not only is this unlawful in m ost areas, passengers could be seriously injured during
sudden t railer movement or in an accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from
the tow vehicle to leak inside. This could result in carbon monoxide poisoning from the
engine exhaust.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
WARNING - DO NOT modify your vehicle beyond those required for proper hitch
installation, wiring hook -up , or adding extended mirrors on any INFINITI vehicle being
used for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems,
electrical, frame structure/un ibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for
towing within the limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the
reliability and longevity of your vehicle , void warranty coverage or possible result in loss
of vehicle control and ca use an accident, personal injury or death.
TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper
cables, extra fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as
taillight bulbs. You should also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well
as a jack suitable for use on the trailer. Choose a jack that can raise and lower the
trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and disconnect it from the ball of your
hitch. Choose on e with a weight capacity that matches or surpasses your trailer
tongue weight.
WARNING- Be aware that your automotive jack is designed for lifting only your
vehicle during a tire change. Using an automobile jack to lift a tr ailer-bearing load may
be unstable possibly causing it to fall off the jack stand which may result in property
damage or serious injury or death.
BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the traile r.
Are the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains /cables securely in place? Is the
cargo tied down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over
the hitch ball and secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up
and functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?
Make a checklist of key items to inspect . When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission
oil, and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a poten tial
problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.
If you ha ve never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS &
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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 hea r 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 t raffic. 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 d rop or continues to increase, stop t he 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, sta nd
clear to avoid being burned and s hut 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 wate r/coolant may spurt out,
possibly causing seriou s 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 h ands, 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 m ind, 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 immediate ly.
