Infiniti QX56 (2012 year). Manual

8-36

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that
must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.

TYPES OF TIRES

WARNING

. When changing or replacing tires, be

sure all four tires are of the same type
(Example: Summer, All Season or Snow)
and construction. An INFINITI retailer
may be able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.

. Replacement tires may have a lower

speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.

. Replacing tires with those not originally

specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.

. For additional information regarding

tires, refer to

“Important Tire Safety

Information

” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-

mation

” (Canada) in the Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet.

All season tires

INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on
the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better
snow traction than All Season tires and
may be more appropriate in some areas.

Summer tires

INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire traction
rating M&S on the tire sidewall.

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the
use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on

all four wheels.

Snow tires

If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load
rating to the original equipment tires. If
you do not, it can adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.

Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and
may not match the potential maximum
vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.

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

For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohi-
bit 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.

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TIRE CHAINS

Use of tire chains may be prohibited
according to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When instal-
ling tire chains, make sure they are the
proper size for the tires on your vehicle and
are installed according to the chain man-
ufacturer

’s suggestions. Use only SAE

Class S chains. Class

“S” chains are used

on vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle
clearance. Vehicles that can use Class

“S”

chains are designed to meet the SAE
standard minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension
or body component required to accommo-
date the use of a winter traction device (tire
chains or cables). The minimum clearances
are determined using the factory equipped
tire size. Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the
tire chain must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action
damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle
when using tire chains. In addition, drive at
a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling

and performance may be adversely af-
fected.

Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.

Never install tire chains on the full-size
temporary use only spare tire (if so
equipped).

Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with tire chains in such conditions can
cause damage to the various mechanisms
of the vehicle due to some overstress.

SDI1662

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES

Tire rotation

INFINITI recommends rotating the
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
(See

“Flat tire” in the “6. In case of

emergency

” section for tire replacing

procedures.)

As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

898 ft-lb (133 N·m)

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-37

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8-38

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all
times. It is recommended that wheel
nuts be tightened to the specifica-
tion at each tire rotation interval.

WARNING

. After rotating the tires, check and

adjust the tire pressure.

. Retighten the wheel nuts when

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

. Do not include the full-size tem-

porary use only spare tire (if so
equipped) in the tire rotation.

. For additional information regard-

ing tires, refer to

“Important Tire

Safety Information

” (US) or “Tire

Safety Information

” (Canada) in

the Warranty Information Booklet.

SDI1663

Wear indicator

Wear indicator location mark

Tire wear and damage

WARNING

. Tires should be periodically in-

spected for wear, cracking, bul-
ging or objects caught in the
tread. If excessive wear, cracks,
bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.

. The original tires have built-in

tread wear indicators. When wear
indicators are visible, the tire(s)
should be replaced.

. Tires degrade with age and use.

Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because
some tire damage may not be
obvious. Replace the tires as
necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.

. Improper service of the spare tire

may result in serious personal
injury. If it is necessary to repair
the spare tire, contact an INFINITI
retailer.

. For additional information regard-

ing tires, refer to

“Important Tire

Safety Information

” (US) or “Tire

Safety Information

” (Canada) in

the Warranty Information Booklet.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Replacing wheels and tires

When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carry-
ing capacity as originally equipped. (See
“Specifications” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information

” section for recom-

mended types and sizes of tires and
wheels.)

WARNING

. The use of tires other than those

recommended or the mixed use of tires
of different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-tire
clearance, tire chain clearance, speed-
ometer calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could result in
serious personal injury.

. If the wheels are changed for any

reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could cause
premature tire wear, degrade vehicle
handling characteristics and/or interfer-

ence with the brake discs/drums. Such
interference can lead to decreased brak-
ing efficiency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. See

“Wheels and tires” in the

“9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.

. 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.
Contact your INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.

. Replacing tires with those not originally

specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.

. Do not install a damaged or deformed

wheel or tire even if it has been repaired.
Such wheels or tires could have struc-
tural damage and could fail without
warning.

. The use of retread tire is not recom-

mended.

. For additional information regarding

tires, refer to

“Important Tire Safety

Information

” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-

mation

” (Canada) in the Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet.

Four-wheel Drive (4WD) models

CAUTION

. Always use tires of the same type, size,

brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer case
and differential gears.

. ONLY use spare tires specified for the

4WD model.

If excessive tire wear is found, it is
recommended that all four tires be re-
placed with tires of the same size, brand,
construction and tread pattern. The tire
pressure and wheel alignment should also
be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact an INFINITI retailer.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-39

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8-40

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Wheel balance

Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle
handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. There-
fore, they should be balanced as required.

Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.

For additional information regarding tires,
refer to

“Important Tire Safety Information”

(US) or

“Tire Safety Information” (Canada)

in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.

Care of wheels

See

“Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appear-

ance and care

” section for details about

care of the wheels.

Spare tire

When a spare tire is mounted (TEMPORARY
USE ONLY or conventional), the TPMS will
not function.

Spare tire (FULL-SIZE TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire) (Applies ONLY to vehicles
equipped with P275/50R22 tires):

Observe the following precautions if the

full-size temporary use only spare tire must
be used, otherwise your vehicle could be
damaged or involved in an accident.

WARNING

. The full-size temporary use only spare

tire should be used for emergency use. It
should be replaced with the standard
tire at the first opportunity to avoid
possible tire or differential damage

. Drive carefully while the spare tire is

installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
braking while driving. The vehicle driv-
ing performance may be affected when
driving on wet or snow covered roads.

. When the spare tire is installed, the

following systems may not work cor-
rectly.

— Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS)

— Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Sys-

tem

. Periodically check spare tire inflation

pressure. Always keep the spare tire
inflated to the pressure specification
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-

tion label. For Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label location, see

“Tire and Loading

Information label

” in the index of this

manual.

. With the spare tire installed do not drive

your vehicle at speeds faster than 50
MPH (80 km/h).

. When driving on roads covered with

snow or ice, the spare tire should be
used on the front wheels and original
tire used on the rear wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the
two rear original tires.

. Do not use the spare tire on other

vehicles.

. Do not use more than one spare tire at

the same time.

CAUTION

Do not use tire chains on the spare tire. Tire
chains will not fit properly and may cause
damage to the vehicle.

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9-2

Technical and consumer information

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the

“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.

Capacity (Approximate)

Recommended specifications

US measure

Imp measure

Liter

Fuel

26 gal

21-5/8 gal

98.4

See

“Fuel recommendation” later in this section.

Engine oil*1

Drain and refill

With oil filter change

6-7/8 qt

5-3/4 qt

6.5

. Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3

. Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3

Without oil filter change

6-1/2 qt

5-1/2 qt

6.2

Cooling system

With reservoir

15-3/4 qt

13-1/8 qt

14.9

Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent

Automatic transmission fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4

Transfer fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid for ATX90A transfer*5

Front differential gear oil

—

Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-
90*6

Rear differential gear oil

—

API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*7

Power steering fluid (PSF)

Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the

“8. Maintenance

and do-it-yourself

” section.

Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*8

Brake fluid

Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*9 or equivalent DOT 3

Suspension fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Hydraulic Suspension Fluid*10

Multi-purpose grease

—

NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)

Air conditioning system refrigerant

—

HFC-134a (R-134a)*11

Air conditioning system lubricants

—

NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent

Window washer fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent

*1: For additional information, see

“Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.

*2:

For additional information, see

“Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” later in this section.

*3:

INFINITI recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at INFINITI retailers.

*4:

Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.

*5:

Using transfer fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Transfer Fluid will damage the transfer, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.

*6: For hot climates, Viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32

8F (08C).

*7: See an INFINITI retailer for service for synthetic oil.

*8: DEXRON

VI type ATF may also be used.

*9: Available in mainland US through an INFINITI retailer.

CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9-4

Technical and consumer information

FUEL RECOMMENDATION

VK56VD engine

INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 96).

If unleaded premium gasoline is not
available, you may use unleaded regular
gasoline with an octane rating of at least
87 AKI number (Research octane number
91), but you may notice a decrease in
performance.

CAUTION

. Using a fuel other than that specified

could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
warranty coverage.

. Under no circumstances should a leaded

gasoline be used, because this will
damage the three-way catalyst.

. Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your

vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel
system components and is not covered
by the INFINITI vehicle limited warranty.

Gasoline specifications

INFINITI recommends using gasoline that
meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC)
specifications where it is available. Many
of the automobile manufacturers devel-
oped this specification to improve emis-
sion system and vehicle performance. Ask
your service station manager if the gaso-
line meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications.

Reformulated gasoline

Some fuel suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines
are specially designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. INFINITI supports efforts to-
wards cleaner air and suggests that you
use reformulated gasoline when available.

Gasoline containing oxygenates

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline contain-
ing oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their
presence. INFINITI does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your INFINITI
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.

If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline,

please take the following precautions as
the usage of such fuels may cause vehicle
performance problems and/or fuel system
damage.
. The fuel should be unleaded and have

an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.

. If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a

methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)

. If a methanol blend is used, it should

contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not
available to ensure that all methanol
blends are suitable for use in INFINITI
vehicles.

If any undesirable driveability problems
such as engine stalling or hard hot starting
are experienced after using oxygenate-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

blend fuels, immediately change to a non-
oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of
MTBE.

Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.

E-85 fuel

E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline. E-85 can only be used in a
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-
85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage
for that region.

Aftermarket fuel additives

INFINITI does not recommend the use of
any aftermarket fuel additives (Example:
fuel injector cleaner, octane booster, intake
valve deposit removers, etc.) which are
sold commercially. Many of these additives
intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to
the fuel system and engine.

Octane rating tips

Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an INFINITI retailer
correct the condition. Failure to correct the
condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which INFINITI is not responsible.

Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This in
turn may cause excessive fuel consumption
or damage to the engine. If any of the
above symptoms are encountered, have
your vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer
or other competent service facility.

However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.

CAUTION

. Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-

85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not
specifically designed for E-85 fuel can
damage fuel system components and is
not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle
limited warranty.

. E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%

fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.

. U.S. government regulations require

ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and black
label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that
region.

Technical and consumer information

9-5

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9-6

Technical and consumer information

STI0505

API certification mark

API service symbol

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION

Selecting the correct oil

It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance,
see

“Capacities and recommended fuel/

lubricants

” earlier in this section. INFINITI

recommends the use of an energy conser-
ving oil in order to improve fuel economy.

Select only engine oils that meet the

American Petroleum Institute (API) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standar-
dization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification mark
on the front of the container. Oils which do
not have the specified quality label should
not be used as they could cause engine
damage.

Oil additives

INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.

Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.

Oil viscosity

The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity
be selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.

Selecting the correct oil filter

Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
change intervals.

Change intervals

The oil and oil filter change intervals for
your engine are based on the use of the
specified quality oils and filters. Oil and
filter other than the specified quality, or oil
and filter change intervals longer than
recommended could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered
by the new INFINITI vehicle limited warran-
ties.

Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not
have to change the oil before the first
recommended change interval. Oil and
filter change intervals depend upon how
you use your vehicle. Operation under the
following conditions may require more
frequent oil and filter changes.
. repeated short distance driving at cold

outside temperatures,

. driving in dusty conditions,
. extensive idling,
. towing a trailer,
. stop and go “rush hour” traffic,
Refer to the

“INFINITI Service and Main-

tenance Guide

” for the maintenance sche-

dule.

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT RE-
COMMENDATIONS

The air conditioning system in your
INFINITI vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the
lubricant, NISSAN A/C system oil Type S
or the exact equivalents.

CAUTION

The use of any other refrigerant or lubricant
will cause severe damage to the air con-
ditioning system and will require the repla-
cement of all air conditioner system
components.

The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
INFINITI vehicle will not harm the earth

’s

ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth

’s atmosphere, certain

governmental regulations require the re-
covery and recycling of any refrigerant
during automotive air conditioning system
service. Your INFINITI retailer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed
to recover and recycle your air conditioning
system refrigerant.

Contact an INFINITI retailer when servicing
your air conditioning system.

Technical and consumer information

9-7

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9-8

Technical and consumer information

ENGINE

Model

VK56VD

Type

Gasoline, 4-cycle

Cylinder arrangement

8-cylinder, V-slanted at 90

Bore

6 Stroke

in (mm)

3.858

6 3.622 (98 6 92)

Displacement

cu in (cm

)

338.78 (5,552)

Firing order

1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2

Idle speed

rpm

See the emission control information label on
the underside of the hood.

Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.)

degree/rpm

Spark plug

Standard

DILKAR7B11

Spark plug gap (Normal)

in (mm)

0.043 (1.1)

Camshaft operation

Timing chain

This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.

STI0397B

SPECIFICATIONS

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If you plan to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel
available is suitable for your vehicle

’s

engine.

Using fuel with too low an octane rating
may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles must be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your
vehicle to areas where appropriate fuel is
not available.

When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district, it may be necessary to modify
the vehicle to meet local laws and regula-
tions.

The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications
may differ.

When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, trans-
portation, and registration are the respon-
sibility of the user. INFINITI is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.

STI0431

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE

The vehicle identification number plate is
attached as shown. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used
in the vehicle registration.

STI0708

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)

The number is stamped as shown.

Technical and consumer information

9-11

WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING YOUR
VEHICLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

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Infiniti QX56 (2012 year). Manual - part 32