steering INFINITI QX50 2020 Owner's Manual

Two-Wheel Drive models with
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck
as illustrated.NOTE:
If the electronic parking brake is released,
the rear wheels can be grounded while tow-
ing. If the electronic parking brake is not re-
leased, towing dollies should be used. For
additional information, refer to “Electronic
parking brake” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
∙ Never tow Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) models with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or backward), as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels.
∙ When towing Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models with the rear
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by placing
the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering
lock mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism).
LCE2371
6-10In case of emergency

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal
injury or death when recovering a stuck
vehicle:
∙ Contact a professional towing service torecover the vehicle if you have any ques-
tions regarding the recovery procedure.
∙ Tow chains or cables must be attached only to main structural members of the
vehicle.
∙ Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
∙ Only use devices specifically designed for vehicle recovery and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions.
∙ Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle.
∙ Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device designed
specifically for vehicle recovery. Always fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions for the
recovery device.Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
∙ Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
∙ Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
∙ Shift back and forth between R (Re- verse) and D (Drive). ∙ Apply the accelerator as little as pos-
sible to maintain the rocking motion.
∙ Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive).
∙ Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-11

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are miss-
ing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your vehicle is
equipped with different sized tires in the front
and rear, tires cannot be rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge of-
ten and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires, in-
cluding the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or
age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect un-
even or abnormal tire wear, there may be a
need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at nor-
mal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, re-
fer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility. It is recommended that you have
a damaged windshield repaired by an INFINITI
retailer, or a INFINITI Certified Collision Cen-
ter. To locate a collision center in your area,
refer to http://collision.infinitiusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth op-
eration. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, have your vehicle checked immediately.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P
(Park) position mechanism: On a fairly steep
hill check that the vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be se-
curely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
does not securely hold the vehicle, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to en-
sure they operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery (for maintenance free batteries)*:
This vehicle is equipped with a sealed main-
tenance free battery. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belt*:
Make sure the drive belt is
not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have the
exhaust system inspected. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For additional information, refer to
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if fuel fumes
are evident, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replacing
coolant, be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent with the proper mixture. (For ad-
ditional information on the proper mixture for
your area, refer to “Engine cooling system” in
the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of the
coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer to
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if valve
noise increases. Adjust valve clearance if nec-
essary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness.
Tighten connections or replace parts as nec-
essary. Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness, or deterio-
ration. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing, cracks,
deterioration, and signs of leaking. Replace
any deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear, de-
terioration and fluid leaks. Replace any dete-
riorated or damaged parts immediately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the exhaust
pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks, cracks,
deterioration, and damage. Tighten connec-
tions or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified in-
tervals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, replace the filter more fre-
quently. Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, loose-
ness, and grease leakage. (AWD)
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspen-
sion parts, drive shaft boots: Check for dam-
age, looseness, and leakage of oil or grease.
Under severe driving conditions, inspect more
frequently.
Tire rotation: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) according to the
instructions under “Explanation of general
maintenance items” in this section. When ro-
tating tires, check for damage and uneven
wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil: Visually inspect for signs of
leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

The following tables show the standard
maintenance schedule. Depending upon
weather and atmospheric conditions, varyingroad surfaces, individual driving habits and
vehicle usage, additional or more frequent
maintenance may be required.
After90,000 miles (144,000 km)/144 months,
continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time interval.
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
3.75 (6)6 7.5
(12) 12 11.25
(18)18 15
(24) 24 18.75
(30)30 22.5
(36) 36 26.25
(42)42 30
(48) 48 33.75
(54)54 37.5
(60) 60 41.25
(66)66 45
(72) 72
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) R
Brake fluid RRR
Brake lines and cables IIIIII
Brake pads and rotors I IIIII
CVT fluid NOTE (2)IIIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3) I*I*I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil & oil filter NOTE (6)RRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines & Fuel lines I*I*I*
Exhaust system III
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intelligent Key battery IR RR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(AWD models) I IIIII
Spark plugs NOTE (9) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle &
suspension parts  III
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (11)IIIIII
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and schedules9-9

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
48.75 (78)78 52.5
(84) 84 56.25
(90)90 60
(96) 96 63.75
(102) 102 67.5
(108) 108 71.25
(114) 114 75
(120) 120 78.75
(126) 126 82.5
(138) 138 86.25
(138) 138 90
(144) 144
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) R R
Brake fluid RRR
Brake lines and cables IIIIII
Brake pads and rotors IIIIII
CVT fluid NOTE (2) IIIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3) I* I* I* I* I* I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil & oil filter NOTE (6) RRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines & Fuel lines I* I* I*
Exhaust system III
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intelligent Key battery RRRR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(AWD models) IIIIII
Spark plugs NOTE (9)Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle &
suspension parts  III
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (11)IIIIII
9-10Maintenance and schedules

The maintenance intervals shown on the pre-
ceding pages are for normal operating condi-
tions. If the vehicle is mainly operated under
severe driving conditions as shown below,
more frequent maintenance must be per-
formed on the following items as shown in
the table.SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles(8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use. ∙ Driving in dusty conditions.
∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread
roads.
∙ Towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect
and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance item Maintenance operation Maintenance interval
Brake fluid ReplaceEvery 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Brake pads & rotors InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Exhaust system InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (AWD models) InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts InspectEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE
OPERATING CONDITIONS
9-12Maintenance and schedules

Tow Hitch Receiver (with Tow Package)
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer
and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance and
may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
∙ Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy loadfor the first 500 miles (805 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged. ∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
NOTE:
Tow hitches are available as an accessory for
this vehicle. If a tow hitch is installed, the
liftgate electronic control unit (ECU) needs
to be replaced with an ECU programmed
with towing logic for the Motion-Activated
Liftgate to function properly.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places addi-
tional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com.
This guide includes information on trailer
towing capability and the special equipment
required for proper towing. Lifestyle Receiver (without Tow Package)
WARNING
The Lifestyle Receiver cannot be used for
towing a trailer. Only use the Lifestyle Re-
ceiver for receiver mounted accessories
that meet the below requirements.
∙ The maximum allowable load is 300 lbs.
(136 kg) including the weight of the in-
stalled accessory carrier.
∙ Do not exceed allowable cargo weight capacity of your vehicle.
Failure to use the Lifestyle Receiver as in-
tended can result in serious injury or death.
LTI2339LTI2338
TOWING A TRAILER
10-18Technical and consumer information

∙ Load the trailer so approximately 60% ofthe trailer load is in the front half and
40% is in the back half. Also make sure
the load is balanced side to side.
∙ Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
∙ Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
∙ Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability
and braking performance will be somewhat
different than under normal driving condi-
tions.
∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shift while driving. ∙ Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
∙ Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
∙ Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
∙ Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
∙ When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want
the trailer to go. Make small corrections
and back up slowly. If possible, have
someone guide you when you are back-
ing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion damage could occur. 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the
downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
10-26Technical and consumer information