traction control INFINITI Q50 2014 Owner's Manual

onds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint Systems and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function
properly.
For additional information, see “Supple-
mental restraint system” (P.1-42).
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact air bag systems and/or
pretensioner seat belt will not operate in an
accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
retailer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting the driver that the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits. The road surface
may be slippery.
When the VDC warning light illuminates
when the VDC system is turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the
VDC system’s fail-safe mode is operating,
for example the VDC, active trace control
function, Brake Force Distribution or hill
start assist system may not be functioning
properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. If a malfunction occurs in
the system, the VDC system function will
be canceled but the vehicle is still drive-
able. For additional information, see
“Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” (P.5-
108).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
ECO drive indicator light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light will come on and
then turn off.
When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector is
turned to the ECO mode, the ECO drive
indicator light will illuminate, blink or
remain off depending on the accelerator
pedal operation to help assist the driver to drive economically. For more details, see
“ECO mode”
(P.5-22).
Exterior light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the head-
light switch is turned to the AUTO,orposition and the front parking lights,
instrument panel lights, rear combination
lights, license plate lights or headlights are
on. The indicator turns off when these
lights are turned off.
Front fog light indicator light
The front fog light indicator light illumi-
nates when the front fog lights are on. (See
“Fog light switch” (P.2-42).)
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light
() located on the instrument panel will
be lit and the passenger front air bag will
be OFF depending on how the front
passenger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light
operation, see “INFINITI Advanced Air Bag
System (front seats)” (P.1-47).
Instruments and controls2-17

Security indicator light
The light blinks when the ignition switch is
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This
function indicates the security system
equipped on the vehicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning,
this light will remain on while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. For additional
information, see“Security systems” (P.2-
30).
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch is pushed
to OFF. This indicates that the VDC system
and traction control system are not operat-
ing.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed
to the ACC position. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and
take the Intelligent Key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side
door is opened with the light switch in the
orposition and the ignition switch
in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
The parking brake reminder chime will
sound if the vehicle is driven at more than
4 MPH (7 km/h) with the parking brake
applied. Stop the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will first occur
only when the brake pedal is depressed.
After more wear of the brake pad, the
sound will always be heard even if the
brake pedal is not depressed. Have the
brakes checked as soon as possible if the
warning sound is heard.
Instruments and controls2-19

5-72Starting and driving
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the system display may blink when
the radar sensor detects objects on the
side of the vehicle
*Aor on the side of the
road
*A. This may cause the ICC system to
decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. The
radar sensor may detect these objects
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, narrow roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. In these cases
you will have to manually control the
proper distance ahead of your vehicle.
Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected
by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
A chime sounds under the following con-
ditions and the control is automatically
canceled.
.
When the vehicle ahead is not detected
and your vehicle is traveling below the
speed of 15 MPH (24 km/h)
. When the system judges the vehicle is
at standstill
. When the shift lever is not in the D
position or Manual mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When ABS or VDC (including the trac-
tion control system) operates
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips
Warning and display
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) system is auto-
matically canceled. The chime will sound
and the “currently unavailable” warning
message will appear in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
. When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC (including the
traction control system) operates
. When a tire slips
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the ICC system back
on to use the system.
Condition B:
When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed, making it impossible to detect a
vehicle ahead, the ICC system is automa-
tically canceled.
The chime will sound and the “front radar

5-78Starting and driving
.When the parking brake is applied.
. When the VDC operates (including the
traction control system)
. When a tire slips
JVS0306X
Warning
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the color of the
cruise indicator will change to orange.
Action to take:
If the color of the cruise indicator changes
to orange, park the vehicle in a safe place.
Turn the engine off, restart the engine,
resume driving and then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system is
malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the vehicle checked at an INFINITI
retailer.

.The driver assist system forward indi-
cator (orange) blinks.
. When the vehicles are traveling at the
same speed and the distance between
vehicles is not changing
. When the vehicle ahead is traveling
faster and the distance between vehi-
cles is increasing
. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) blinks and the warning chime will
not sound when your vehicle approaches
vehicles that are parked or moving slowly.
SSD0284A
NOTE:
The approach warning chime may sound
and the driver assist system forward
indicator (orange) may blink when the
radar sensor detects objects on the side of
the vehicle
*Aor on the side of the road
*A. This may cause the DCA system to
decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. The
radar sensor may detect these objects
when the vehicle is driven on winding
roads, narrow roads, hilly roads or when
entering or exiting a curve. In these cases
you will have to manually control the
proper distance ahead of your vehicle.
Also, the sensor sensitivity can be affected by vehicle operation (steering maneuver or
driving position in the lane) or traffic or
vehicle condition (for example, if a vehicle
is being driven with some damage).
Automatic cancellation
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the Dis-
tance Control Assist (DCA) system is
automatically canceled. The chime will
sound and the
“currently unavailable”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display. The system will not be
able to be set.
. When the VDC system is turned off
. When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted.
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the DCA system back
on to use the system.
Condition B:
When the radar sensor area of the front
bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
Starting and driving5-87

5-108Starting and driving
tion 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 operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. 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 properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps
to perform the following functions.
.
Controls brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine
output to reduce drive wheel slip based
on vehicle speed (traction control func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes so note the following:
.
The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
. 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.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator light
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,
except for brake force distribution, and the
VDC warning light
will not flash. The
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

5-112Starting and driving
The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following func-
tions:
.Log-in function (See “Log-in function”
(P.3-14).)
. INFINITI Drive Mode Selector (See
“ INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-
21).)
. Active Lane Control (if so equipped)
(See “Active Lane Control” (P.5-24).)
. Active Trace Control (See “Active trace
control” (P.5-110).)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
inserting 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 8F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-8).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, see “Battery”
(P.8-15).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-8).
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.
Consult an INFINITI retailer 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 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.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains”(P.8-37) of this manual.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
CHASSIS CONTROL COLD WEATHER DRIVING

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 (328F, 0 8C 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 in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208 F
(−78C) 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 Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
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.
Starting and driving5-113

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants....... 9-2Fuel information .............................................. 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 9-7
Specifications ...................................................... 9-8
Engine............................................................. 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................................. 9-9
Dimensions ................................................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................................. 9-11
Vehicle identification ......................................... 9-11 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ....... 9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ........................................... 9-11
Engine serial number .................................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .......... 9-12
Emission control information label ................ 9-12
Tire and loading information label ................. 9-13
Air conditioner specification label.................. 9-13 Installing front license plate .............................. 9-14
Removing air deflectors..................................... 9-15
Vehicle loading information............................... 9-16
Terms .......................................................... 9-16
Vehicle load capacity ................................... 9-17
Loading tips................................................. 9-18
Measurement of weights.............................. 9-18
Towing a trailer ................................................. 9-19 Flat towing................................................... 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-19
Treadwear .................................................... 9-19
Traction AA, A, B and C................................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ............................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty ..................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects.................................... 9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)........................................................... 9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................... 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .............................................. 9-23

Do not tow a trailer with your
vehicle.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational
vehicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
.Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
. DO NOT tow any Automatic Transmission
(AT) vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
. DO NOT tow any All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicle with any of the wheels on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious and
expensive damage to the powertrain.
. For emergency towing procedures refer
to“Towing recommended by INFINITI”
(P.6-14).
Automatic Transmission
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models:
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models:
To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dolly MUST be placed under the towed
vehicle’s drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the
dolly manufacturer’ s recommendations
when using their product. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where applic-
able on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Technical and consumer information9-19
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING