brake fluid INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Manual

30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
48 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Engine drive belts*
• Fuel tank vapor vent system*
• Fuel lines/connections*
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Differential gear oil (AWD models) (1)
• Transfer case oil (AWD models) (1)
• Drive shaft boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/
hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake,
power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belt and hose inspection
• Engine air filter• Suspension components (shocks, sub-
frame, tie rods)
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter (2)
• Replace engine air filter (3)
• Replace brake fluid
• Tire rotation
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Drive shaft boots
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
Essentials:
• Replace brake fluid
(1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy
roads, change (not just inspect) oil every
20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months.(2) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter within
two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km).
(3) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be required.
* Maintenance items and intervals with“*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable ve-
hicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the
emission warranty or manufacturer recall li-
ability. Other maintenance items and inter-
vals are required.

2.0L 4 cylinder (KR20DDET engine model)
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-15)
2. Drive belt location (P. 8-15)
3. Air filter (P. 8-15)4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-10)
5. Battery (P. 8-12)
6. Fuse/Fusible link box (P. 8-15)7. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-11)
8. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-6)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-6)
Refer to the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LDI3173
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

Warning/Indicator light (red)Warning/Indicator light (yellow) Warning/Indicator light (other)
Slip indicator light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light
CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if so
equipped) will come on:
,,,,or,
The following lights (if so equipped) come on
briefly and then go off:
or,,,,,or,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system malfunc-
tion. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played in the vehicle information display be-
tween the speedometer and tachometer. For
additional information, see “Vehicle informa-
tion display” (P. 2-19).
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
(red)
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-19).
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for the foot brake system.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine is
running, with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. For additional information,
see “Brake fluid” (P. 8-10).
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
2-10Instruments and controls

WARNING
• Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it to
be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driving
it could be dangerous.
• Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or a low brake fluid level
may increase your stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
• If the brake fluid level is below the MINI-
MUM or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, or missing or if the light re- mains on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates when a malfunction oc-
curs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning light illuminates, the
chime sounds and the following message is
displayed in the vehicle information display:
“When parked apply parking brake”.
When the ignition is placed in the OFF posi-
tion, the chime sounds continuously. Ensure
the parking brake is applied
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
orElectronic parking
brake indicator
light
This light illuminates when the electronic
parking brake system is operating. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the electronic parking brake warn-
ing light illuminates. When the engine is
started and the parking brake is released, the
warning light turns off.
If the parking brake is not released, the elec-
tronic parking brake warning light remains
illuminated. Ensure the electronic parking
brake warning light has turned off before
driving.
If the electronic parking brake warning light
illuminates or flashes while the electronic
parking brake system warning light
or(yellow) illuminates, it may indicate that
the electronic parking brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
For additional information, see “Electronic
parking brake” (P. 5-23).
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engine immediately and call an INFINITI
retailer or other authorized repair shop.
Instruments and controls2-11

Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Door/liftgate Open
This warning appears when a door or the
liftgate has been opened.
Flat Tire — Visit dealer
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates
and one or more flat tires are detected while
driving. For additional information, see “Flat
tire” (P. 6-3) and “Types of tires” (P. 8-33).
Headlight System Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning appears when there is an error
with the system. For additional information,
see “Headlight switch” (P. 2-36).
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector indicators
These indicators show the current drive
mode of the vehicle.
For additional information, see “INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector” (P. 5-28).
Loose Fuel Cap
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap
is not tightened correctly after the vehicle has
been refueled. For additional information,
see “Fuel-filler cap” (P. 3-28).
Low Fuel
This warning appears when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as
it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches 0 (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches 0 (Empty).
Low Washer Fluid
This warning appears when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. For additional in-
formation, see “Windshield-washer fluid”
(P. 8-11).
Power will turn off to save the battery
This warning appears in the message area of
the vehicle information display after a period
of time if the shift lever has not moved from
the P (Park) position.
Power turned off to save the battery
This message appears after the ignition
switch is automatically turned off. For addi-
tional information, see “Push-button ignition
switch positions” (P. 5-14).
Press Brake Pedal
This message may appear in the following
situations:
• The driver tries to release the electronic parking brake manually without depressing
the brake pedal.
• The vehicle is stopped on a steep hill; and there is a possibility of moving backwards,
even if the electronic parking brake is
applied.
• The vehicle moves while the automatic brake hold is activated.
For additional information, see “Electronic
parking brake” (P. 5-23).
Push brake and start switch
to drive
This indicator appears when the shift lever is
in the P (Park) position.
This indicator also appears when the vehicle
has been started using the Remote Engine
Start (if so equipped) function.
2-22Instruments and controls

Stop vehicle and Apply
parking brake
This message may appear when the battery
charge is low.
Please park vehicle as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer.
Transmission Shift Position
indicator
This indicator shows the transmission shift
position.
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates
and low tire pressure is detected. The warn-
ing appears each time the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position as long as the low
tire pressure warning light remains illumi-
nated. If this warning appears, stop the ve-
hicle and adjust the tire pressures of all four
tires to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. For additional information, see
“Low tire pressure warning light” (P. 2-13)
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P. 5-5).
When parked apply parking
brake
This message appears when a malfunction
occurs in the electric shift control system be-
low 6 mph (10 km/h).
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
AWD Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning appears when the all-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly while
the engine is running.
AWD High Temp. Stop vehicle
This warning may appear while trying to free
a stuck vehicle due to increased oil tempera-
ture. The driving mode may change to
2-Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning is dis-
played, stop the vehicle with the engine idling,
as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if the
warning turns off, you can continue driving.
AWD Tire Size Incorrect: See
Owner’s Manual
This warning may appear if there is a large
difference between the diameters of the
front and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a
safe area, with the engine idling. Check that
all the tire sizes are the same, that the tire
pressure is correct and that the tires are not
excessively worn.
CVT (AT) Malfunction Service now
This warning appears when there is a prob-
lem with the CVT system. If this warning
comes on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CVT (AT) hot Power reduced
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to re-
duce the chance of transmission damage.
Vehicle speed can be controlled with the ac-
celerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be reduced.
2-24Instruments and controls

INFINITI VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use
of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
key, it may be due to interference caused by
another registered key, an automated toll
road device or automated payment device on
the key ring. Restart the engine using the
following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the interfer-
ence) separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, INFINITI
recommends placing the registered key on a
separate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices. • Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. For additional information, see
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P. 2-9) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Press the Park button to place the vehicle
in P (Park) or move the shift lever to N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depress-
ing the brake pedal with the ignition
switch in any position.
• If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when re-
starting, depress the accelerator pedal a
little (approximately 1/3 to the floor)
and while holding, crank the engine. Re-
lease the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-16Starting and driving

seconds. Then place the ignition switch back
in the ON position. The vehicle should return
to its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condition,
have the transmission checked and repaired,
if necessary. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs, ve-
hicle speed may be gradually reduced. The
reduced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance of
a collision. Be especially careful when driv-
ing. If necessary, pull to the side of the road
at a safe place and allow the transmission
to return to normal operation, or have it
repaired if necessary.
WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
• Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
• Do not use the shift lever in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure the
parking brake is fully engaged. •
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the ve-
hicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others or pets unattended in
your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm day
can quickly become high enough to cause
a significant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
The electronic parking brake can be applied
or released automatically or by operating the
parking brake switch.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
The electronic parking brake will apply auto-
matically if the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position when the brake force is main-
tained by the automatic brake hold function.
The electronic parking brake is automatically
released as soon as the vehicle starts and the
accelerator pedal is depressed.
The driver’s seat belt needs to be fastened.
LSD2915
ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-23

–When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, see “Tire and Loading In-
formation label” (P. 8-28).
– For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-27).
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the
vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes
electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic
solenoids and a computer. The computer has
a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the
system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then op-
erates normally but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates
at speeds above3-6mph(5-10km/h). The
speed varies according to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
Starting and driving5-153

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-move 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 washer fluid to refill the windshield- washer fluid reservoir.
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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even more
traction. •
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
• 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 steering 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 with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or
lower.
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 en-
gine. Damage to the cord could result in
an electrical shock and can cause serious
injury.
• Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. 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.
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.
5-166Starting and driving