Infiniti QX80 (2021 year). Manual in english — page 24

5-126

Starting and driving

.

You may feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working
properly.

.

Adjust your speed and driving to the road

conditions.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light

illuminates in the

instrument panel. The VDC system automa-
tically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light

flashes if

this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
and the VDC warning light

will not flash.

The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light
illuminates (for 4WD models).
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-18) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18).

The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indication
of a malfunction.

WARNING

.

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces
and always drive carefully.

.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light

may

illuminate.

.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light

may illumi-

nate.

.

If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC warning
light

may illuminate.

.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light

may illuminate. Do not drive

on these types of roads.

.

When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light

may

illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto
a stable surface.

.

If wheels or tires other than the
INFINITI recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light

may illuminate.

.

The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a

snow covered road.

SIC4455

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) OFF SWITCH

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON for most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
the VDC system reduces the engine output
to reduce wheel spin. The engine speed will
be reduced even if the accelerator is de-
pressed to the floor. If maximum engine
power is needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn
the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system, push the VDC OFF switch.
The VDC off indicator light

will illumi-

nate.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine to turn ON the system.

Starting and driving

5-127

5-128

Starting and driving

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before insert-
ing it into the key hole or use the Intelligent
Key system.

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For
additional information, see “Battery” (P.8-
11).

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling
system” (P.8-4).

TIRE EQUIPMENT

SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended you consult an INFINITI re-
tailer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.

Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-34).

For four-wheel drive

If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:

.

A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to

remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.

.

A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

.

A shovel to dig the vehicle out of

snowdrifts.

.

Extra window washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

.

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”
under these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.

.

Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

.

Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.

.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.

.

Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.

.

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.

To use the engine block heater

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine

block heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a

grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground

F a u l t I n t e r r u p t ( G F I ) p r o t e c t e d ,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be plugged

in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.

WARNING

.

Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.

.

Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before

starting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical shock
and can cause serious injury.

.

Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure
to use the proper extension cord or
a grounded outlet can result in a fire
or electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury.

Starting and driving

5-129

6 In case of emergency

Hazard warning flasher switch . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Roadside assistance program . . . . . . . . . ... 6-2
Emergency engine shut off . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .. 6-3
Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-11
Push starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-13
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-14
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-15

Towing recommended by INFINITI . . . . ... 6-16
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . 6-18

6-2

In case of emergency

SIC2574

Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights will
flash.

WARNING

.

If stopping for an emergency, be sure
to move the vehicle well off the road.

.

Do not use the hazard warning
flashers while moving on the highway
unless unusual circumstances force
you to drive so slowly that your
vehicle might become a hazard to
other traffic.

.

Turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.

The flasher can be actuated with the ignition
switch in any position.
When an impact that could activate the
supplemental air bags is detected, the
hazard warning flasher lights blink automa-
tically. If the hazard warning flasher switch is
pushed twice, the hazard warning flashers
will turn off.

WARNING

Do not turn the hazard warning flasher
switch to off until you can make sure
that it is safe to do so. Also, the hazard
flasher warning may not blink automa-
tically depending on the force of impact.

Some state laws may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driving.

In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) for
details.

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:

.

Rapidly push the push-button ignition

switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or

.

Push and hold the push-button ignition

switch for more than 2 seconds.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except the
spare. When the low tire pressure warning
light is lit and the “Tire Pressure Low Add
Air” warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by
the low tire pressure warning light. This
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h).
For more details, see “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
11) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-5).

WARNING

.

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and

increase the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.

.

Since the spare tire is not equipped
with the TPMS, when a spare tire is
mounted or a wheel is replaced, the
TPMS will not function and the low
tire pressure warning light will flash
for approximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute. Have
your tires replaced and/or TPMS
system reset as soon as possible. It
is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for these services.

.

Replacing tires with those not origin-
ally specified by INFINITI could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.

.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may

In case of emergency

6-3

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF

FLAT TIRE

6-4

In case of emergency

cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.

Stopping the vehicle

1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the

parking brake. Move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position.

4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and

to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the

vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.

WARNING

.

Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the automatic
transmission is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.

.

Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.

.

Never change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.

MCE0001A

Blocking wheels

Place suitable blocks

at both the front and

back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from moving
when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.

JVE0219X

Getting the spare tire and tools

1. Open the liftgate.
2. Raise the cargo floor board using the

handle

.

JVE0431X

WARNING

When removing jacking tools, be sure
the rubber sound suppressor

, used to

control jack stand from rattling against
metal, is not attached to the jacking tool.

If rubber sound suppressor remains on
jack when vehicle is being jacked up, the
vehicle will be unstable and may fall off
jack stand causing serious injury of
death.

3. Remove the cargo floor cover.
4. Remove the jacking tools.

In case of emergency

6-5

6-6

In case of emergency

JVE0423X

5. Securely screw to connect the T-shaped

end of the jack rod and the extension bar

as illustrated.

6. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the

square hole of the wheel nut wrench to
form a handle

.

7. Locate the oval opening above the

middle of the rear bumper.

8. Place the T-shaped end of the jack rod

through the opening and direct it to-
wards the spare wheel winch assembly,
located directly above the spare wheel.

SCE0916

CAUTION

Do not insert the jack rod straight as it is
designed to be inserted at an angle as
shown.

9. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod

into the T-shaped opening of the spare
wheel winch. Apply pressure to keep the
jack rod engaged in the spare wheel
winch and turn the jack rod counter-
clockwise to lower the spare wheel.

SCE0377

10. Once the spare wheel is completely

lowered, remove the jack rod and reach
under the vehicle to remove the hanging
plate.

11. Carefully slide the spare wheel from

under the rear of the vehicle.

After preparing the spare tire, to remove the
rod, pull out the rod while moving the rod to
the right and left with the screw of the
extension facing the side.

CAUTION

When storing the wheel, make sure that
the hanging plate is in the center of the

wheel and then lift it up into the storage
area.

JVE0436X

CAUTION

When storing the wheel, be sure to
mount the wheel horizontally. Securing
the wheel that is in a tilted position as
illustrated may cause looseness and

In case of emergency

6-7

6-8

In case of emergency

dropping of the wheel while driving.
Lower the wheel on the ground again,
and make sure that the hanging plate is
properly set. Hang the wheel again and
make sure that the wheel is held hor-
izontally, then store the wheel.

Jacking up the vehicle and removing
the damaged tire

WARNING

.

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

.

Use only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle on
other vehicles. The jack is designed
for lifting only your vehicle during a
tire change.

.

Use the correct jack-up points. Never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.

.

Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.

.

Never use blocks on or under the jack.

.

Do not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack, as it may cause
the vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip
differentials.

.

Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.

Carefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instruc-
tions.

SCE0875

Jack-up point

1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up

points as illustrated.

The jack should be used on level firm
ground.

SCE0876

2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns

by turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench.

Do not remove the

wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground.

NCE130

3. Install the assembled jack rod into the

jack as shown.

4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the

clearance between the tire and ground
is achieved.

5. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack

lever and rod with both hands and turn
the jack lever.

NOTE:

Before jacking up the vehicle, make sure the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
If the vehicle is lifted up with the engine
running, the auto-leveling suspension will
become disabled after 120 seconds. To
reset the auto-leveling suspension, cycle

In case of emergency

6-9

6-10

In case of emergency

the ignition switch ON/OFF one time.

SCE0910

Installing the spare tire

The full-size temporary use only spare tire
(if so equipped) is designed for emergency
use. (See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” (P.8-27).)

1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and

tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.

3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten

wheel nuts alternately and evenly in the
sequence illustrated ( ,

,

,

,

,

)

until they are tight.

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire

touches the ground. Then, with the

wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as illu-
strated. Lower the vehicle completely.

WARNING

.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.

.

Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.

.

Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).

.

As soon as possible, tighten the wheel

nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:

98 ft-lb (133 N·m)

The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to specification at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.

.

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD

pressure.

COLD pressure:

After the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km).

COLD tire pressures are shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label affixed to the driver side center
pillar.

After adjusting tire pressure to the COLD
tire pressure, the display of the tire pressure
information may show higher pressure than
the COLD tire pressure after the vehicle has
been driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km). This is
because the tire pressurizes as the tire
temperature rises. This does not indicate a
system malfunction.

Stowing the damaged tire and tools

1. Securely store the damaged tire, jack and

tools in the storage area.

2. Close the cargo floor cover.
3. Replace the cargo floor board.
4. Close the liftgate.

WARNING

.

Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an

accident or sudden stop.

.

The full-size temporary use only
spare tire (if so equipped) is designed
for emergency use. (See specific in-
structions under the heading “Wheels
and tires” (P.8-27).)

To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.

WARNING

.

If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.

.

Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery.

.

Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.

.

Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.

.

The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.

.

Whenever working on or near a
battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or

In case of emergency

6-11

JUMP STARTING

6-12

In case of emergency

industrial safety spectacles) and re-
move rings, metal bands, or any other
jewelry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.

.

Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode and
cause serious injury.

.

Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.

JVE0495X

WARNING

Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage to
the charging system and cause personal
injury.

1. Remove the engine compartment cover,

if necessary. See “Engine compartment
check locations” (P.8-3).

2. If the booster battery is in another

vehicle

, position the two vehicles (

and

) to bring their batteries into close

proximity to each other.

Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

3. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever

to the P (Park) position. Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).

4. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so

equipped). Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth

to reduce

explosion hazard.

5. Connect jumper cables in the sequence

as illustrated (

?

?

?

).