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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 most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during 
sudden trailer 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/unibody, 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, and damage caused by such modifications 
may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty or may possibly result in loss of 
vehicle control and cause 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 one 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 trailer-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 trailer. 
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 potential 
problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.  
If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to.  
*When checking or replacement is required, it is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for       
service. 
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS &  

 
 
 
 
 
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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).