check engine light INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014 Owner's Manual

Hybrid System-8Hybrid System Overview
When the vehicle decelerates while the
vehicle is driven with the shift lever in the
D (Drive) position or in the manual shift
mode, the Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery can
be charged by the electric motor. The
electric motor converts the energy of the
rotating wheels into electric power under
the following circumstances:
.When the accelerator pedal is released.
. When the brake pedal is depressed.
. When there is no malfunction in the
brake system or the INFINITI Direct
Response Hybrid
®System.
The regenerative brake may not work
properly if the vehicle has tires and road
wheels other than the ones specified in
this manual. Drive your vehicle with smooth accelera-
tion and deceleration.
.
While driving, energy is recovered
through the regenerative brake as the
vehicle decelerates. However, for most
efficient use, do not accelerate or
decelerate your vehicle more than
necessary.
. Avoid abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion.
. The power of the Lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery can be checked on the Energy
Flow or Energy monitor. See “Energy
Flow” (P.Hybrid System-5) or “Trip
computer” (P.2-31). Gradual or non-
abrupt acceleration and deceleration
will make more effective use of the
electric using gasoline engine power.
. When parking, be sure to place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position. While
driving, place the shift lever in the D
(Drive) position. The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedes-
trians (VSP) system is a function that uses
sound to help alert pedestrians of the
presence of the vehicle when it is being
driven at a low speed in the electric drive
mode under the following conditions:
.
The sound starts when the vehicle
starts accelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
speed is more than 19 MPH (30 km/h)
while accelerating.
. The sound starts when the vehicle
speed is less than 16 MPH (25 km/h)
while decelerating.
. The sound stops when the vehicle
stops.
. The sound does not stop with the
vehicle in the R (Reverse) position even
if the vehicle stops.
The VSP system is automatically turned on
when the vehicle is in the READY to drive
mode.
If there is a malfunction in the VSP system,
the VSP OFF indicator light in the meter
illuminates. See “Approaching Vehicle
Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indicator
light” (P.2-18).
REGENERATIVE BRAKE EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND FOR
PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM

2-14Instruments and controls
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, havethe warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Brake system malfunction warning:
If the brake warning light (red) and the
following warning light illuminate at the
same time when the parking brake is
released and the brake fluid level is
sufficient, there may be a malfunction in
the brake system.
. Brake system warning light (yellow)
WARNING
If both the brake system warning light
(yellow) and the brake warning light (red)
illuminate when the parking brake is re-
leased and the hybrid system is on, do not
drive the vehicle. More brake pedal effort
than normal will be required and there will
be a significant reduction in brake perfor-
mance, which could result in an accident.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
location and contact an INFINITI retailer.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply. .
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
— Avoid driving at high speed and
sudden braking, and see an INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for an
inspection.
WARNING
. Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake warning light (red)
is on. Driving 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 hybrid
system stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an INFINITI
retailer.
Direct Response Hybrid®Sys-
tem warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Direct Response Hybrid®
System (hybrid system) warning light
illuminates. After starting the hybrid sys-
tem, the hybrid system warning light turns
off.
If the hybrid system warning light illumi-
nates while driving, it may indicate that
there is a malfunction in the electric motor
and/or other hybrid system components.
Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your INFINITI retailer.
If the hybrid system warning light blinks
while driving, it may indicate that the Li-ion
battery charge is low and you cannot
continue to drive.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast when the
Li-ion battery is low or when the hybrid
system warning light blinks while driving.
The engine will not automatically start to
charge the Li-ion battery while the vehicle
is coasting.

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.2-47).)
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.1-42).
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.2-43).)
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
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 ex-
ists.
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/main-
tenance test. (See
“Readiness for Inspec-
tion/Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)” (P.9-
22).)
Operation:
The malfunction indicator light will come
on in one of two ways:
. Malfunction indicator light on steady —
An emission control system malfunc-
tion 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 by an INFINITI retai-
ler. 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 con-
trol system.
To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
Instruments and controls2-19

2-26Instruments and controls
Information label. (See“Low tire pressure
warning light” (P.2-15) and“Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
17. Flat Tire - Visit dealer warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and one or more flat tires are
detected while driving. A chime also
sounds for approximately 10 seconds.
(See“Low tire pressure warning light”
(P.2-15) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
18. Low oil pressure warning
This warning appears if low engine oil
pressure is detected. If the warning
appears 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.
The low oil pressure warning is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil”(P.8-12).)
19. High temperature warning
This warning appears when the engine
coolant temperature is extremely high.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning appears
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position, stop the vehicle safely as soon
as possible.
If the vehicle is overheated, continuing
vehicle operation may seriously damage
the engine. (See “If your vehicle overheats”
(P.6-7) for the immediate action required.)
20. Hybrid system overheat warn-
ing
This warning appears when the tempera-
ture of the hybrid system is extremely high.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible. Avoid quick starting or abrupt
acceleration. When the warning turns off,
the vehicle can be driven.
If the warning appears again soon after it
turns off, have the vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
WARNING
Do not hold the vehicle in a stopped
position on an uphill grade by depressing
the accelerator or by slowly creeping for-
ward. This may cause damage to the
transmission or the vehicle may enter traffic
causing serious injury or death. Always use
the brake pedal when stopping on an uphill
grade.
CAUTION
. If you continue to drive the vehicle while
the warning is displayed, the vehicle
may become undriveable. If this occurs,
place the shift lever in the “P”position
and wait for a short period of time with
the vehicle stopped until the display
goes out. In this case, the warning will
be displayed alternately with the SHIFT
“P” warning. (See “3. SHIFT“P”warn-
ing” (P.2-24).)
. Do not drive the vehicle with the warning
on. Doing so could cause a hybrid
system malfunction.

The outside temperature sensor is located
in front of the radiator. The sensor may be
affected by road or engine heat, wind
directions and other driving conditions.
The display may differ from the actual
outside temperature or the temperature
displayed on various signs or billboards.
SIC2132
Your vehicle has two types of security
systems, as follows:
.Vehicle security system
. INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System
The security condition will be shown by the
security indicator light.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual
and audio alarm signals if someone opens
the doors, hood, or trunk lid when the
system is armed. It is not, however, a
motion detection type system that acti-
vates when a vehicle is moved or when a
vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but
cannot prevent it, nor can it prevent the
theft of interior or exterior vehicle compo-
nents in all situations. Always secure your
vehicle even if parking for a brief period.
Never leave your Intelligent Key(s) in the
vehicle, and always lock it when unat-
tended. Be aware of your surroundings,
and park in secure, well-lit areas whenever
possible.
Many devices offering additional protec-
tion, such as component locks, identifica-
tion markers, and tracking systems, are
available at auto supply stores and speci-
alty shops. Your INFINITI retailer may also
offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be
eligible for discounts for various theft
protection features.
Instruments and controls2-35
SECURITY SYSTEMS

3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
LOG-IN FUNCTION
After setting up the user information, the
system will automatically recognize the
user upon turning on the vehicle.
There will be a personalized welcome
greeting and screen prompt to log-in.
This feature allows 4 drivers to use their
own registration, drive mode, driving posi-
tion, air conditioner, and auto settings and
memorizes these custom settings.
The log-in user can be changed on the
welcome greeting screen or the User List
screen. For more details, see the Infiniti
InTouch Owner’s Manual.
The log-in function is linked to the follow-
ing items:
.Meter
. Audio
. Navigation system display (if so
equipped)
. Navigation settings (if so equipped)
. Air conditioner
. Automatic drive positioner (if so
equipped)
. Engine·Transmission
. Steering .
Active trace control
. Driver assistance (if so equipped)WARNING
The Intelligent Key transmits radio waves
when the buttons are pushed. The FAA
advises that the radio waves may affect
aircraft navigation and communication sys-
tems. Do not operate the Intelligent Key
while on an airplane. Make sure the buttons
are not operated unintentionally when the
unit is stored during a flight.
It is possible to lock/unlock all doors and
fuel-filler door, open the trunk lid, activate
the panic alarm and open the windows by
pushing the buttons on the Intelligent Key
from outside the vehicle.
Before locking the doors, make sure the
Intelligent Key is not left in the vehicle.
The remote keyless entry function can
operate at a distance of approximately 33
ft (10 m) from the vehicle. (The effective
distance depends upon the conditions
around the vehicle.)
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be used
with one vehicle. For information concern-
ing the purchase and use of additional
Intelligent Keys, contact an INFINITI retai-
ler.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM

3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Switching procedure:
To switch the hazard indicator and horn
(chime) operation, push the LOCK
*1
and UNLOCK*2buttons on the In-
telligent Key simultaneously for more than
2 seconds.
. When the hazard indicator mode is set,
the hazard indicator flashes 3 times.
. When the hazard indicator and horn
mode is set, the hazard indicator
flashes once and the horn chirps once.
JVP0234X
1. Pull the hood lock release handle*1
located below the instrument panel;
the hood will then spring up slightly.
2. Pull the lever
*2up at the front of the
hood with your fingertips and raise the
hood.
3. When closing the hood, slowly close the hood down to latch both the right
and left locks. Push the hood down to
lock the hood securely into place.
WARNING
. Make sure the hood is completely closed
and latched before driving. Failure to do
so could cause the hood to fly open and
result in an accident.
. If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
HOOD

5-4Starting and driving
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission
control device installed in the exhaust
system. Exhaust gases in the three-way
catalyst are burned at high temperatures to
help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
.The exhaust gas and the exhaust system
are very hot. Keep people, animals or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
. Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously reduce
the three-way catalyst’s ability to help
reduce exhaust pollutants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunctions
in the ignition, fuel injection, or elec-
trical systems can cause overrich fuel flow into the three-way catalyst, causing
it to overheat. Do not keep driving if the
engine misfires, or if noticeable loss of
performance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected promptly by an INFINITI retai-
ler.
. Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the hybrid system.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
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. The
“Flat Tire - Visit dealer”
warning will also
appear 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 by an INFINITI retai-
ler. Even if the tire is inflated to the
specified COLD tire pressure, the warning

JVS0264X
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions
interfere with the Intelligent Key operation,
start the hybrid system according to the
following procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.) 4. Push the ignition switch while depres-
sing the brake pedal within 10 seconds
after the chime sounds. The hybrid
system will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the
ignition switch is pushed without depres-
sing the brake pedal, the ignition switch
position will change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the hybrid
system is started by the above proce-
dures, the Intelligent Key battery dis-
charge indicator appears in the vehicle
information display even if the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To turn off the
Intelligent Key battery discharge indi-
cator, touch the ignition switch with
the Intelligent Key again.
. If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears, replace the battery
as soon as possible. (See “Intelligent
Key battery replacement” (P.8-25).).
Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
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 appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning/indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
12).)
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE INFINITI DIRECT
RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM

5-108Starting and driving
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 or
motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine or motor 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.2-18).
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 rise-up and build-up, and brake
force distribution, and the VDC warning
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM