2021 INFINITI QX80 transmission oil

0-14Illustrated table of contents
Red lightNamePage
Automatic Transmission (AT)
oil temperature warning light 2-12
Automatic Transmission (AT)
park warning light2-12
Brake warning light
2-12
Charge warning light 2-13
Engine oil pressure warning
light2-13
Master warning light 2-14
Seat belt warning light 2-14
Security indicator light 2-14
Supplemental air bag warn-
ing light2-14Yellow
light Name Page
Adaptive Front lighting Sys-
tem (AFS) indicator light (if so
equipped) 2-15
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
2-15
Automatic Transmission (AT)
check warning light2-15
Check suspension indicator
light2-15
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
warning light (4WD models)
2-15
Forward Emergency Braking
(FEB) system warning light2-16
Low tire pressure warning
light
2-16
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) 2-17
Master warning light 2-18
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light2-18
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
2-18Other
light Name Page
Exterior light indicator
2-19
Front fog light indicator light2-19
Front passenger air bag sta-
tus light2-19
High beam assist indicator
light
2-19
High beam indicator light
2-19
TOW mode indicator light 2-19
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights2-19
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

Warning indicator light (red)Warning indicator light (yellow)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off in-
dicator light
Automatic Transmission (AT) oil tem-
perature warning lightAdaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
indicator light (if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light
Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning lightAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightWarning indicator light (other)
Exterior light indicator
Brake warning lightAutomatic transmission check warning
lightFront fog light indicator light
Charge warning lightCheck suspension indicator lightFront passenger air bag status light
Engine oil pressure warning lightFour-Wheel Drive (4WD) warning light
(4WD models)High beam assist indicator light
Master warning lightForward Emergency Braking (FEB) sys-
tem warning lightHigh beam indicator light
Seat belt warning light and chimeLow tire pressure warning lightTOW mode indicator light
Security indicator lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Supplemental air bag warning lightMaster warning light
Instruments and controls2-11
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS

2-12Instruments and controls
CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if
so equipped) will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) will
come on briefly and then go off:
,or,,,,,,
If any light does not come on or operates in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system malfunc-
tion. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Some indicators and warnings are also
displayed on the vehicle information display
between the speedometer and tachometer.
(See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-20).)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
(red)
See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-20).
Automatic Transmission (AT)
oil temperature warning light
This light illuminates when the Automatic
Transmission (AT) oil temperature is too
high. If the light illuminates while driving,
reduce the vehicle speed as soon as safely
possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
AT oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the AT.
Automatic Transmission (AT)
park warning light (4WD models)
This light indicates that the Automatic
Transmission (AT) parking function is not
engaged. If the transfer control is not
secured in any driving position while the AT
shift lever is in the P (Park) position, the
transmission will disengage and the wheels
will not lock. If the AT park warning light illuminates with
the shift lever in the P (Park) position, shift
the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) shift switch
to the AUTO, 4H or 4L position again with
the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.
(See “INFINITI all-mode 4WD
®” (P.5-113).)
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid
is low, add fluid and have the system
checked. It is recommended you have this
service performed by an INFINITI retai-
ler. (See “Brake fluid” (P.8-9).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended you have this service performed
by an INFINITI retailer.

ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant
temperature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
perature with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer).
When the engine temperature reaches a
certain level:
.The engine coolant temperature gauge
will move toward the H position.
. Engine power may be reduced.
. The air conditioning cooling function may
be automatically turned OFF for a short
time (the blower will continue to oper-
ate).
Engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed
can be controlled with the accelerator pedal,
but the vehicle may not accelerate at the
desired speed. The transmission will down-
shift or upshift as it reaches prescribed shift
points. You can also shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine
coolant temperature is reduced, vehicle
speed can be increased using the accelerator
pedal, and air conditioning cooling function
will automatically be turned back ON. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not
reduced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning light
illuminates or engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge does not return to the normal
range from the H position, this may
indicate a malfunction. Move the vehicle
off the road to a safe area and allow the
engine to cool. If after checking the oil
and coolant, the
remains on or
engine coolant temperature does not
return to the normal range, do not
continue to drive. It is recommended
you contact an INFINITI retailer.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may also come ON. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed, unless it remains on, but
have it inspected soon. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
See “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P.2-11).
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
collision. 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. See
“If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Starting and driving5-17
DRIVING THE VEHICLE

.Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse posi-
tion with the engine running. Doing
so may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test a 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer or similar equipment even
if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform
test facility personnel that your ve-
hicle is equipped with 4WD before it
is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
CAUTION
.Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or
4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.
If the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
warning light turns on when driving
on dry hard surface roads:
— in the 4HI position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO.
— in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission
lever to the N (Neutral) position
with the brake pedal depressed
and shift the 4WD shift switch to
AUTO.
If the 4WD warning light is still on
after the above operation, have
your vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
. The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the 4WD
warning light blinking.
See “On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions” (P.5-8) for other precautions
for offroad driving.
Starting and driving5-113
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYINFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®(if so equipped)

5-116Starting and driving
The 4WD shift switch is used to select the
4WD mode depending on the driving condi-
tions. There are 3 types of drive modes
available, AUTO, 4HI and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls
the transfer case operation. Rotate the
switch to move between each mode, AUTO,
4H and 4L.
You must depress the 4WD shift switch to
select 4L, and the vehicle MUST be sta-
tionary and the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position when changing into or out of 4L.
WARNING
.When parking, apply the parking
brake before stopping the engine
and make sure that the 4WD shift
indicator is on and the ATP warning
light turns off. Otherwise, the vehicle
could unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the P
(Park) position.
. The 4LO and 4HI indicators must
stop blinking and the 4LO or 4HI
indicator must remain illuminated or
turn off before shifting the transmis-
sion into gear. If the shift lever is
shifted from the N (Neutral) position
to any other gear while the 4LO and
4HI indicators are blinking alter- nately, the vehicle may move unex-
pectedly.
CAUTION
.
Never shift the 4WD shift switch
between 4L and 4H while driving.
. The 4HI position provides greater
traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it
will cause increased fuel consumption
and higher oil temperatures, and
could damage drivetrain component.
Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in
4HI is not recommended.
. The 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed
excessively, as the maximum speed is
approximately 31 MPH (50 km/h).
. When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or rever-
sing.
. Do not shift the 4WD shift switch
(between AUTO and 4H) while driv-
ing on steep downhill grades. Use the
engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears for engine brak-
ing. .
Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between AUTO and 4H) with the
rear wheels spinning.
. Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4HI or 4LO position.
Driving on dry hard surfaces in 4HI or
4LO may cause unnecessary noise
and tire wear. INFINITI recommends
driving in the AUTO position under
these conditions.
. The 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4HI and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the 4LO
and 4HI indicators may blink even
when the 4WD shift switch is shifted.
After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4H and 4L.
When driving on rough roads,
. Drive carefully according to the road
surface conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,
. Place stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.
. Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4L.
. If it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeat
forward and backward movement to
increase the movement.

If the 4WD warning light comes on, the
4WD shift indicator turns off.
High-temperature transfer case oil makes
the 4WD warning light blink rapidly (about
twice per second). If the warning light blinks
rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light
turns off after a while, you can continue
driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the 4WD
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Change the 4WD shift switch
to AUTO and do not drive fast.
CAUTION
.If the 4WD warning light comes on or
blinks slowly during operation or
rapidly after stopping the vehicle for
a while, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
. Shifting between 4HI and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warn-
ing light turns on. .
When the 4WD warning light comes
on, the 2WD mode may be engaged
even if the 4WD shift switch is in
AUTO or 4H. Be especially careful
when driving. If corresponding parts
are malfunctioning, the 4WD mode
will not be engaged even if the 4WD
shift switch is shifted.
. Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or
4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces
in 4HI or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on
when driving on dry hard surface
roads:
— in the AUTO or 4HI position, shift the 4WD shift switch to AUTO.
— in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission
shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position and shift the 4WD shift
switch to AUTO.
. If the 4WD warning light is still on
after the above operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. .
The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking.
Starting and driving5-119

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VK56VD engine model .............................................. 8-3
Engine cooling system ..................................................... 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter .................................. 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .......................... 8-8
Power steering fluid ......................................................... 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
... 8-9 Brake fluid ..................................................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 8-11 Jump starting ............................................................. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Spark plugs ....................................................................... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .............................................. 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
. 8-14 Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-15
Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-15
Replacing ................................................................... 8-16
Rear window wiper blades .......................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-17
Brake booster ........................................................... 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-18 Engine compartment .............................................. 8-18
Passenger compartment ...................................... 8-20
Intelligent Key battery replacement ......................... 8-21
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-23
Headlights ................................................................ 8-24
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ............................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ............................................................. 8-27
Tire labeling .............................................................. 8-31
Types of tires ........................................................... 8-33
Tire chains ................................................................ 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ................................... 8-35