four wheel drive INFINITI Q50 2021 Owner's Manual

driving a long distance at high speeds
may damage the tires.— Do not drive at speeds above 50 MPH (80 km/h) and do not drive
more than approximately 93 miles
(150 km) with a punctured run-
flat tire. The actual distance the
vehicle can be driven on a flat tire
depends on outside temperature,
vehicle load, road conditions and
other factors.
— If you detect any unusual sounds or vibrations while driving with a
punctured run-flat tire, pull off
the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. The tire may be seriously
damaged and need to be replaced.
. 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 the 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as pos-
sible. 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.
CAUTION
.
The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
. If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
. Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light may also
come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (11.4 liters)
of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance test.
(See “Readiness for Inspection/Mainte-
nance (I/M) test (US only)” (P.10-23).)
Operation:
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
.
Malfunction indicator light on steady —
An emission control system malfunction
has been detected. Check the fuel-filler
cap if the Loose Fuel Cap warning
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
light should turn off after a few driving
trips. If thelight does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the retailer.
. Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem.
Instruments and controls2-15

5-6Starting and driving
Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illumi-
nated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.Additional information
.Since the spare tire (if so equipped) is not
equipped with the TPMS, the TPMS
does not monitor the tire pressure of
the spare tire.
. The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure
(for example a flat tire while driving).
. The low tire pressure warning light does
not automatically turn off when the tire
pressure is adjusted. After the tire is
inflated to the recommended pressure,
the vehicle must be driven at speeds
above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure
warning light. Use a tire pressure gauge
to check the tire pressure.
. The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air”
warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display when the low tire pressure
warning light is illuminated and low tire
pressure is detected. The “Tire Pressure
Low - Add Air” warning turns off when
the low tire pressure warning light turns
off.
The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air”
warning does not appear if the low tire
pressure warning light illuminates to
indicate a TPMS malfunction. .
The “Flat Tire - Visit dealer” warning (if
so equipped) appears in the vehicle
information display when the low tire
pressure warning light is illuminated and
one or more flat tires are detected.
. Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s opera-
tion and the outside temperature. Do not
reduce the tire pressure after driving
because the tire pressure rises after
driving. Low outside temperature can
lower the temperature of the air inside
the tire which can cause a lower tire
inflation pressure. This may cause the
low tire pressure warning light to illumi-
nate. If the warning light illuminates in
low ambient temperature, check the tire
pressure for all four tires.
. You can also check the pressure of all
tires (except the spare tire) in the vehicle
information display. (See “Vehicle infor-
mation display” (P.2-18).)
. After the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position, it may take a period of time
for the tire pressure to be displayed while
the vehicle is driven. Depending on the
radio wave circumstance, tire pressure
may not correctly be displayed.
For additional information, see “Low tire
pressure warning light” (P.2-13) and “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.6-
3).

WARNING
.Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment man-
ufacturer for the possible influences
before use.
. 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 or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire (if so equipped) as soon as possible. If no
tire is flat and all tires are properly
inflated, it is recommended you con-
sult an INFINITI retailer.
. For models with run-flat tires,
although you can continue driving
with a punctured run-flat tire, re-
member that vehicle handling stabi-
lity is reduced, which could lead to an
accident and personal injury. Also,
driving a long distance at high speeds
may damage the tires.
— Do not drive at speeds above 50 MPH (80 km/h) and do not drive
more than approximately 93 miles
(150 km) with a punctured run-
flat tire. The actual distance the
vehicle can be driven on a flat tire
depends on outside temperature,
vehicle load, road conditions and
other factors.
— If you detect any unusual sounds or vibrations while driving with a
punctured run-flat tire, pull off
the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. The tire may be seriously
damaged and need to be replaced.
. 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
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION
.The TPMS may not function properly
when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried in
snow.
. Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the
windows. This may cause poor recep-
tion of the signals from the tire
pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
Starting and driving5-7

belted or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
. This vehicle is not designed for off-
road (rough road) use. Do not drive
on sandy or muddy roads that tires
may get stuck in.
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any D (Drive) or R (Reverse) position
with the engine running. Doing so
may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels are
raised off the ground. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that
your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
. When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively.WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in
an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead to
a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position.
Starting and driving5-11
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH

faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered roads,
or if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the
vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
“Tire and loading information la-
bel” (P.10-13) of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-25) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (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
ABS will operate to prevent 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 dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The 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 mal-function, 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. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
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 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
properly. However, the pulsation may indi-
cate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-127

5-128Starting and 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 out-
put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
. 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 conditions).
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 automa-
tically 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
VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-16).
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.
VDC operation is reduced when the INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector is used to select the
SPORT+ mode (if so equipped). The VDC
system may not operate in the same circum-
stances when compared to operation in the
standard mode. To help prevent accidents
drive carefully, avoid careless or dangerous
driving techniques and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM

5-134Starting and driving
SONAR INDICATOR
When the corner of the vehicle moves closer
to an object, the corner sensor indicator
appears on the upper display.
When the center of the vehicle moves close
to an object, the center sensor indicator
appears on the upper display.
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.8-3) or
“Intercooler cooling system” (P.8-5).
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.8-3).
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.8-33) of this manual.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

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. If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
in this section.
For models with run-flat tires, you can
continue driving to a safe location even if
they are punctured. (See “Run-flat tires”
(P.6-4) and “Run-flat tires” (P.8-32).)
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-
10) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-5).
WARNING
.
Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment man-
ufacturer for the possible influences
before use.
. 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 (if so
equipped).
. 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
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE

.Always attach safety chains before
towing.
For information about towing your vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see “Flat
towing” (P.10-20) of this manual.
SCE0788
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
. Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear 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 necessary
to tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised, always use towing
dollies under the rear wheels.
. When towing rear wheel drive models
with the front wheels on the ground
or on towing dollies: Push the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON position,
and secure the steering wheel in a
straight-ahead position with a rope
or similar device.
In case of emergency6-9

8-32Do-it-yourself
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. Sum-
mer 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 thesame 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 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.
Run-flat tires (if so equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires.
You can continue driving to a safe location
even if they are punctured. Always use run-
flat tires of the specified size on all four
wheels. Mixing tire sizes or construction may
reduce vehicle handling stability. If neces-
sary, contact an INFINITI retailer for assis-
tance.
Frequently check the tire pressure and adjust
pressure of each tire properly. The tire
pressure can be also checked in the vehicle
information display.
It can be difficult to tell if a run-flat tire is
under-inflated or flat. Check the tire pres-
sures as described earlier in this section. If
the tire becomes under-inflated while driv-
ing, the low tire pressure warning light will
illuminate. If the tire becomes flat while
driving, the low tire pressure warning light
and the “Flat Tire - Visit dealer” warning will
appear.
Low tire pressure:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the low tire pressure warning light
will illuminate.
Flat tire:
If the vehicle is being driven with one or more
flat tires, the low tire pressure warning light
will illuminate continuously and a chime will
sound for 10 seconds. A “Flat Tire - Visit
dealer” warning also appears in the vehicle
information display.
The chime will only sound at the first
indication of a flat tire and the warning light
will illuminate continuously. When the flat
tire warning is activated, have the system
reset and the tire checked, and replaced if
necessary. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for these services. Even if
the tire is inflated to the specified COLD tire
pressure, the warning light will continue to
illuminate until the system is reset by an
INFINITI retailer.
If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates continuously and the “Flat Tire - Visit
dealer” warning appears in the vehicle
information display:
. Do not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h).