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increased load on the engine and cooling system, so monitor your coolant 
temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if 
equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF 
YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS later in this section for more information. 
 
HILLS – DOWNGRADES 
 
 WARNING- While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle 
may decrease overall stability, and may deteriorate overall handling characteristics.  
The vehicle may handle unpredictably which could cause a loss of vehicle control 
resulting in an accident, property damage, serious injury or death.  Therefore, to 
maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear and apply 
the braking in short bursts. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, see your vehicle 
owner’s manual for information about the use of this function. 
 
  WARNING- Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this 
reduces their effectiveness and could cause overheating which could result in 
damage to your brake components or unable to slow to a safe speed. Shifting to a 
lower gear instead provides “engine braking” and reduces the need to brake as 
frequently. 
HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE 
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level 
that you travel. If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more 
time than usual due to the engine’s reduced performance. 
 
While towing a trailer, do not use the following systems (if so equipped): 
— ProPILOT Assist 
— the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system 
— the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system 
— the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system 
— the Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) system 
— the Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) system 
— the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system 
— the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system 
— the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection system 
— the Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system. 
 
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL 
 
  WARNING- In order to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead to avoid the 
possibility of accidents, property damage, serious injury or death.  INFINITI recommends 
not to use the Intelligent Cruise control (ICC) system while towing a trailer or other 
vehicle.   In certain road conditions when your vehicle is towing, the ICC sensor may 
not detect a vehicle ahead.  If the ICC sensor cannot detect the reflector on the 
vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not maintain the selected distance which could 
cause an accident, property damage, or death.  

 
 
 
 
 
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BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION 
  
 WARNING- Do not use or rely upon the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when 
towing a trailer.  The BSI system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing 
the radar sensors which could cause an accident, property damage, or death.   
 
TOW MODE (IF SO EQUIPPED) 
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in 
stop-and-go traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode 
may affect fuel 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.  
  

 
 
 
 
 
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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. 
 
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 cautions that you do not tow a trailer with the Q50, or Q60 
vehicles. 
 
 
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).