traction control INFINITI Q50 2021 Owner's Manual

2-16Instruments and controls
To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
1) Do not drive at speeds above 45MPH (72 km/h).
2) Avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
3) Avoid steep uphill grades.
4) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary could
lead to poor driveability, reduced fuel
economy, and possible damage to the
emission control system.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates when a warning message appears in the vehicle information display.
See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-18).
Power steering warning light
Models with Direct Adaptive Steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light stays on for a
few seconds and turns off. This indicates
that Direct Adaptive Steering is operational.
Drive the vehicle after the power steering
warning light turns off.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while driving, pull off the road to a
safe location and stop the vehicle. If the
power steering warning light turns off, you
can drive again. If the power steering
warning light continues to illuminate, it is
recommended you have Direct Adaptive
Steering checked by an INFINITI retailer.
(See “Direct Adaptive Steering type” (P.5-
123).)
Models with electric power steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering is
operational.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
It is recommended you have the electric
power steering checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist to the steering will cease
operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering
efforts are required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
See “Electric power steering type” (P.5-123).
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light will come on and then turn
off.
The light comes on when the VDC off switch
is pushed to OFF. This indicates that the
VDC system and traction control system are
not operating.

Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light illuminates and then
turns off.
The light will blink when the 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 func-
tion, Brake Force Distribution or hill start
assist system may not be functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. If a malfunction occurs in the
system, the VDC system function will be
canceled but the vehicle is still driveable. For
additional information, see “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” (P.5-128).
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
(other)
See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-18).
ECO drive indicator light
When the ignition switch is placed in 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 headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO,orposition and the front parking lights, instru-
ment 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 illuminates
when the front fog lights are on. (See “Fog
light switch” (P.2-42).)
High beam assist indicator
light (if so equipped)
The indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beam selected. This indicates that the high
beam assist system is operational. (See
“High beam assist” (P.2-37).)
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam
is selected.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Door lock warning chime
When the chime sounds, be sure to check
both the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. (See
“Troubleshooting guide” (P.3-14).)
Instruments and controls2-17

JVS0838X
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the SET/
COAST (-) switch and release it. (The ICC
system set indicator (green), vehicle ahead
detection indicator, set distance indicator
and set vehicle speed indicator come on.)
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle will maintain the set speed.
WAF0280X
When the SET/COAST (-) switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set and the ICC indicators will
blink for approximately 2 seconds:
. When traveling below 20 MPH (32
km/h) and the vehicle ahead is not
detected
. When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive)
or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied
. When the brakes are operated by the
driver
When the SET/COAST (-) switch is pushed
under the following conditions, the system
cannot be set. A warning chime will sound and the “cur-
rently unavailable” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display.
.
When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
ICC system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than
the SNOW mode, push the MAIN switch
to turn off the ICC and reset the ICC
switch by pressing the MAIN switch
again.)
For details about the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector, see “INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
. When the VDC system is off (To use the
ICC system, turn on the VDC system.
Push the MAIN switch to turn off the
ICC system and reset the ICC switch by
pushing the MAIN switch again.)
For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-128).
. When ABS or VDC (including the traction
control system) is operating
. When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no
longer slipping.)
Starting and driving5-77

Approach warning
If your vehicle comes closer to the vehicle
ahead due to rapid deceleration of that
vehicle or if another vehicle cuts in, the
system warns the driver with the chime and
ICC system display. Decelerate by depres-
sing the brake pedal to maintain a safe
vehicle distance if:
.The chime sounds.
. The vehicle ahead detection indicator and
set distance indicator blink.
The warning chime may not sound in some
cases when there is a short distance be-
tween vehicles. Some examples are:
. 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 vehicles
is increasing
. When a vehicle cuts in near your vehicle
The warning chime will not sound when:
. Your vehicle approaches other vehicles
that are parked or moving slowly.
. The accelerator pedal is depressed, over-
riding the system.
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 or on the side of the road. 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 condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed.
.
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 traction
control system) operates
. When distance measurement becomes
impaired due to adhesion of dirt or
obstruction to the sensor
. When a wheel slips
. When the radar signal is temporarily
interrupted
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode limitations
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the ICC system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in serious
injury or death.
. The system is primarily intended for
use on straight, dry, open roads with
light traffic. It is not advisable to use
the system in city traffic or con-
gested areas.
. This system will not adapt automati-
cally to road conditions. This system
should be used in evenly flowing
traffic. Do not use the system on
roads with sharp curves, or on icy
Starting and driving5-81

5-84Starting and driving
SSD0253
When driving on some roads, such as wind-
ing, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads
which are under construction, the radar
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a vehicle
traveling ahead. This may cause the ICC
system to decelerate or accelerate the
vehicle.
The detection of vehicles may also be
affected by vehicle operation (steering man-
euver or traveling position in the lane, etc.) or
vehicle condition.If this occurs, the ICC
system may warn you by blinking the
system indicator and sounding the chime
unexpectedly. You will have to manually
control the proper distance away from the vehicle traveling ahead.
JVS0840X
Vehicle information display
MAIN switch
System temporarily unavailable
Condition A:
Under the following conditions, the ICC
system is automatically canceled. The chime
will sound and the “currently unavailable”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display.
.
When the VDC is turned off
. When the ABS or VDC (including the
traction control system) operates
. When a tire slips

5-90Starting and driving
3. Push, then quickly release the SET/COAST (-) switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the RESUME/ACCELERATE (+)
switch. The vehicle will resume the last set
cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over
25 MPH (40 km/h).
System temporarily unavailable
A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed.
. When the vehicle slows down more than
8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed
. When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive)
or manual shift mode
. When the parking brake is applied.
. When the VDC operates (including the
traction control system)
. When a wheel 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, stop the vehicle in a safe place and
place the shift lever in the P (Park) position.
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. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.

For details about the VDC system, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-128)
. When the VDC or ABS (including the
traction control system) operates
. When the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector
is turned to the SNOW mode (To use the
DCA system, turn the INFINITI Drive
Mode Selector to a mode other than the
SNOW mode, then turn on the dynamic
driver assistance switch
.) For details
about the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector,
see “INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-
21)
. 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
Under the following conditions, making it
impossible to detect a vehicle ahead, the
DCA system is automatically canceled.
The chime will sound, the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) and the
“front radar obstruction” warning message
will appear in the vehicle information display.
. When the radar sensor area of the front bumper is covered with dirt or is ob-
structed
Action to take:
If the driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) and the warning message appear,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position and turn
the engine off. When the radar signal is
temporarily interrupted, clean the sensor
area of the front bumper and restart the
engine. If the warning message continues to
be displayed, have the DCA system checked.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
. When driving on roads with limited road
structures or buildings (for example, long
bridges, deserts, snow fields, driving next
to long walls)
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the DCA system will resume automatically.SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
When the DCA system is not operating
properly, the chime sounds, the driver assist
system forward indicator (orange) and the
system “malfunction” warning message will
appear in the vehicle information display. Action to take:
If the driver assist system forward indicator
(orange) and the warning message appear,
stop the vehicle in a safe place and place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position. Turn the
engine off, restart the engine, and turn on
the DCA system again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal con-
ditions, have the vehicle checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sensor for the DCA system is common
with the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system and is located behind the lower grille
of the front bumper.
For the sensor maintenance, see “Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC)” (P.5-71).
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1.
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
Starting and driving5-101

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

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 (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
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting 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 pave-
ment.
. 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 steer-
ing 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 20°F
(−7°C) 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.
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 and driving5-135

.Increase your following distance to allow
for increased stopping distances.
. Avoid sudden maneuvers, hard cornering
and hard braking.
WARNING
. 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 tire.
. 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.
. Drive safely at reduced speeds. Avoid
hard cornering or braking, which may
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
. If you detect any unusual sounds or
vibrations while driving with a punc-
tured run-flat tire, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. The tire may be
seriously damaged and need to be
replaced.
CAUTION
.
Never install tire chains on a punctu-
red run-flat tire, as this could damage
your vehicle.
. Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between
the vehicle and the ground is smaller
than normal.
. Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire.
. It is recommended you have the
punctured tire inspected by an
INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop. Replace the tire as soon
as possible if the tire is seriously
damaged.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be in-
stalled on 265/35RF19 tires. Doing so
will cause damage to the vehicle. If you
plan to use tire chains/cables, you
should install 245/40RF19 tires on your
vehicle.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are the proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions. Use only SAE Class S chains. Class
“S” chains are used on vehicles with re-
stricted 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
accommodate 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
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
Do-it-yourself8-33