engine coolant INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014 Owner's Manual

Hybrid System-4Hybrid System Overview
The emergency shut-off system is activated
and the high-voltage system automatically
turns off in the following conditions:
.Front and side collisions in which the
air bags are deployed.
. Certain rear collisions.
. Certain INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid
®System malfunctions
For the above collisions and the certain
hybrid system malfunctions, the READY to
drive indicator light will turn off. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” (P.2-12).
The emergency shut-off activates for the
above collisions to minimize risk of an
event that could cause injury or an
accident. If the emergency shut-off system
activates, the hybrid system may not
switch to READY to drive position, contact
an INFINITI retailer. Even if the ignition
switch is switched to READY to drive
position, the system may shut-off sud-
denly. Therefore, drive cautiously to the
nearest INFINITI retailer or contact an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible. To start the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System:
1. Depress the brake pedal and place the ignition switch in the ON position when
the transmission is in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position (P is recommended).
(For more details, see “Push-button
ignition switch” (P.5-10).)
2. The READY to drive indicator light
flashes, then turns illuminated. (The
hybrid system switched to the READY to
drive mode when the indicator light
illuminates.)
When the READY to drive indicator light
illuminates, the vehicle can be
driven, even if the gasoline engine is not
running.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops
automatically. It may stop during low
speed driving, deceleration or when the
vehicle is stopped.
The gasoline engine may automatically
run in the following conditions:
. The level of remaining charge in the
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery is low. The
engine runs to charge the Li-ion
battery and to provide power to the drive the vehicle.
. The temperature of the engine coolant
is low.
. Based on driving conditions.
. The shift lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position, the driver’ s seat belt is
released and the driver’s side door is
then opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows
based on driving conditions and the Li-ion
battery charge.
STARTING AND SLOW SPEED DRIV-
ING
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor
depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the
gasoline engine and electric motor in order
to obtain the optimum fuel mileage and
performance, depending on the driving
situation and available Li-ion battery
charge.
When the remaining battery level is low,
the Li-ion battery is charged by the electric
motor that is driven to generate electric
power while the vehicle is driving.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM OPERATION OF THE INFINITI DIRECT
RESPONSE HYBRID®SYSTEM

0-10Illustrated table of contents
JVM0294X
1. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-12)
2. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
3. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-23)
4. Air cleaner (P.8-20)
5. Inverter coolant reservoir (P.8-11)
6. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
7. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-12)
9. Window washer fluid reservoir(P.8-16)
VQ35HR ENGINE
The 12-volt battery is located inside the
trunk.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

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.

4. Current fuel consumption and
average fuel consumption (MPG, l
(liter)/100 km or km/l)
Current fuel consumption:
The current fuel consumption mode shows
the current fuel consumption.
Average fuel consumption:
The average fuel consumption mode shows
the average fuel consumption since the
last reset. Resetting is done by pushing the
orswitch for longer than 1
second.
The average fuel consumption is also reset
on the lower display. See the Infiniti
InTouch Owner’s Manual.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
At about the first 1/3 mile (500 m) after a
reset, the display shows “——”.
5. Average speed (MPH or km/h)
The average speed mode shows the
average vehicle speed since the last reset.
Resetting is done by pushing the
orswitch for longer than 1 second.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The first 30 seconds after a reset, the
display shows “——”.
6. Elapsed time and trip odometer
(mile or km)
Elapsed time:
The elapsed time mode shows the time
since the last reset. Resetting is done by
pushing the
orswitch for longer
than 1 second. (The trip odometer is also
reset at the same time.)
Trip odometer:
The trip odometer mode shows the total
distance the vehicle has been driven since
the last reset. Resetting is done by pushing
the
orswitch for longer than 1
second. (The elapsed time is also reset at
the same time.)
7. Distance to empty (dte —mile or
km)
The distance to empty (dte) mode provides
you with an estimation of the distance that
can be driven before refueling. The dte is
constantly being calculated, based on the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank and the
actual fuel consumption.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature. If the fuel level is low, the warning
is displayed on the screen. When the fuel level drops even lower, the
dte display will change to
“——”.
. If the amount of fuel added is small, the
display just before the ignition switch
is pushed to the OFF position may
continue to be displayed.
. When driving uphill or rounding curves,
the fuel in the tank shifts, which may
momentarily change the display.
8. Engine coolant temperature
gauge
This gauge indicates the temperature of
the engine coolant. If the engine coolant is
overheated, the color of gauge will change
to the red.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
CAUTION
If the engine is overheated, continued
operation of the vehicle may seriously
damage the engine. See “If your vehicle
overheats” (P.6-7) for immediate action
required.
Instruments and controls2-33

Cruise control (if so equipped)........................... 5-56
Precautions on cruise control ........................ 5-56
Cruise control operations .............................. 5-56
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-58 Selecting the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................................. 5-59
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode ....... 5-59
Precautions on vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode ................................................. 5-60
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode operation ............................................. 5-61
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode ................................................. 5-74
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-79 Precautions on DCA system ........................... 5-79
DCA system operation ................................... 5-81
Forward emergency braking system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-89 System operation .......................................... 5-90
Predictive forward collision warning system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-94 System operation .......................................... 5-95
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-99
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips................................... 5-99
Increasing fuel economy .................................. 5-100
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if
so equipped) ................................................... 5-101 Parking/parking on hills.................................. 5-103
Power steering ................................................ 5-104
Direct adaptive steering type ..................... 5-104
Brake system .................................................. 5-106
Braking precautions ................................... 5-106
Parking brake break-in............................... 5-106
Brake assist .................................................... 5-107 Brake assist............................................... 5-107
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................. 5-107
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ............ 5-108 Rise-up and build-up ................................. 5-109
Brake force distribution ............................. 5-109
Active trace control ......................................... 5-110
Hill Start Assist system ................................... 5-112
Chassis control ............................................... 5-112
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-113 Freeing a frozen door lock ......................... 5-113
Antifreeze .................................................. 5-113
12-volt Battery ........................................... 5-113
Draining of coolant water........................... 5-113
Tire equipment .......................................... 5-113
Special winter equipment .......................... 5-113
Driving on snow or ice ............................... 5-113
Engine block heater (if so equipped).......... 5-114
Active noise control/Active sound control ........ 5-115 Active noise control ................................... 5-115
Active sound control .................................. 5-115

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

5-56Starting and driving
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL
.If the cruise control system malfunc-
tions, it will cancel automatically. The
cruise indicator (green) in the vehicle
information display will then blink to
warn the driver.
. If the engine coolant temperature be-
comes excessively high, the cruise
control system will be canceled auto-
matically.
. If the cruise indicator (green) blinks,
turn the cruise control MAIN switch off
and have the system checked by your
INFINITI retailer.
. The cruise indicator (green) may some-
times blink when the cruise control
MAIN switch is turned ON while push-
ing the SET/COAST (-), RESUME/ACCEL-
ERATE (+) or CANCEL switch. To properly
set the cruise control system, perform
the steps below in the order indicated.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:
. when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed .
in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed
. on winding or hilly roads
. on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
. in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
JVS0190X
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE (+) switch
2. SET/COAST (-) switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

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 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the battery fluid may freeze and damage
the 12-volt battery. To maintain maximum
efficiency, the 12-volt battery should be
checked regularly. For additional informa-
tion, see“12-volt battery” (P.8-17).
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.8-9) and“In-
verter cooling system” (P.8-11).
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 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
Starting and driving5-113
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-114Starting and driving
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 INFINITI Direct Response Hy- brid®System 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 hybrid system, 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 en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the hybrid system. Damage to the cord
could result in an electrical shock and
can cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the proper
extension cord or a grounded outlet can
result in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.

6-8In case of emergency
maximum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the hybrid system.) Do not open the
hood further until no steam or coolant
can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should
not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
hybrid system.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, the engine cooling
fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
INFINITI retailer. Local service operators are
familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions.
WARNING
.
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE