brake fluid INFINITI Q50-HYBRID 2014 Owners Manual

WARNING
In case of a collision:
.If your vehicle is drivable, pull your
vehicle off the road, put the transmis-
sion in the P (Park) position, apply the
parking brake and turn the INFINITI
Direct Response Hybrid
®System off.
. Check to see if there are exposed high
voltage parts and cables. Never touch
the parts and cables. For their locations,
see “High voltage components” (P.Hy-
brid System-9). To avoid personal injury,
never touch high-voltage wiring, con-
nectors, and other high-voltage parts,
such as electric motor inverter and
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. An electric
shock may occur if exposed electric
wires are visible when viewed from
inside or outside of your vehicle. There-
fore, never touch exposed electric wires.
. If the vehicle receives a strong impact to
the floor while driving, stop the vehicle
in a safe location and check the floor.
. Inspect the ground under the vehicle. If
liquid has leaked onto the ground, the
fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
. Leaks or damage to the Li-ion battery
may result in a fire. If you discover them,
contact emergency services immedi-
ately. Since the fluid leak may be lithium
organic electrolyte from the Li-ion bat-
tery, never touch the fluid leak inside or
outside the vehicle. If the fluid contacts
your skin or eyes, wash it off immedi-
ately with a large amount of water and
receive immediate medical attention to
help avoid serious injury.
. If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle,
leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Only use a type ABC, BC or C fire
extinguisher that is meant for use on
electrical fires. Using water or the
incorrect fire extinguisher can result in
serious injury or death from electrical
shock.
. If you are not able to safely assess the
vehicle due to vehicle damage, do not
touch the vehicle. Leave the vehicle and
contact emergency services. Advise 1st
responders that this is a hybrid vehicle.
. In the event of an accident that requires
body repair and painting, the vehicle
should be delivered to an INFINITI retailer to have the Li-ion battery pack
and high voltage parts such as the
inverter, including the wiring harness,
removed prior to painting. Li-ion battery
packs exposed to heat in the paint booth
will experience capacity loss. Damaged
Li-ion battery packs may also pose
safety risks to untrained mechanics
and repair personnel.
Hybrid System OverviewHybrid System-3
ROAD ACCIDENT CAUTIONS

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

the charging system is not functioning
properly. See an INFINITI retailer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be functioning
properly if the 12-volt battery charge warn-
ing light comes on while the hybrid system
is running. The hybrid system will stop
operating when the 12-volt battery becomes
discharged. Immediately stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact an INFINITI retailer.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the hybrid system is running, or while
driving, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See
“Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS)” (P.5-107).)
Brake system warning light
(yellow)
This light will illuminate after the hybrid
system is started and then turns off after a
few seconds.
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.
If the brake system warning light (yellow)
illuminates when the ignition switch is in
the ON position, it may indicate a malfunc-
tion in the brake system or one of the
following other functions. .
Regenerative brake system
. Hill start assist system
. Rise-up and build-up function
See an INFINITI retailer for an inspection as
soon as possible.
A chime sounds if a malfunction occurs in
the brake system power supply.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake
fluid is low, add fluid and have the
system checked by your INFINITI retai-
ler. (See “Brake fluid” (P.8-15).)
Instruments and controls2-13

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.

position is turned to ON)?PUSH
warning ?(Push the ignition switch ?
ignition switch position is turned to
OFF)
7. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent
Key battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the
battery with a new one. (See “Intelligent
Key battery replacement” (P.8-25).)
8. Hybrid system start operation for
Intelligent Key system indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent
Key battery is running out of power and
when the Intelligent Key System and
vehicle are not communicating normally.
If this indicator appears, touch the ignition
switch with the Intelligent Key while
depressing the brake pedal. (See “Intelli-
gent Key battery discharge” (P.5-13).)
9. Key ID Incorrect warning
The warning appears when the ignition
switch is pushed from the LOCK position
and the Intelligent Key cannot be recog-
nized by the system. You cannot start the hybrid system with an unregistered key.
Use the registered Intelligent Key.
See
“Intelligent Key” (P.3-2).
10. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle
speed is above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the
parking brake is applied.
11. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches the empty (0) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining
in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
the empty (0) position.
12. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer
tank fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid
as necessary. (See “Window washer fluid”
(P.8-16).)
13. Door/trunk open warning
This warning appears if any of the doors
and/or the trunk lid are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which
door or the trunk lid is open on the display.
14. Intelligent Key system warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Intelligent Key system.
If this warning appears while the hybrid
system is stopped, the hybrid system
cannot be started. If this warning appears
while the hybrid system is running, the
vehicle can be driven. However, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair as soon as
possible.
15. Loose Fuel Cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly after the
vehicle has been refueled. (See “Fuel-filler
cap ”(P.3-22).)
16. Tire Pressure Low - Add Air
warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and low tire pressure is detected.
The warning appears each time the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position as long
as the low tire pressure warning light
remains illuminated. If this warning ap-
pears, stop the vehicle and adjust the
pressure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Instruments and controls2-25

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

BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at all
times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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.
—For detailed information, see“Wheels and tires” (P.8-30) of this
manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 pre-
venting 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 distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the hybrid system 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 malfunction, it switches
the ABS off and illuminates the ABS
warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally,
Starting and driving5-107
BRAKE ASSIST

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-10
Inverter cooling system...................................... 8-11
Checking inverter coolant level ...................... 8-12
Changing inverter coolant.............................. 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-16
12-volt battery ................................................... 8-17 Checking battery fluid level ........................... 8-18
Jump starting ................................................ 8-18 Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-21
Brakes .............................................................. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-22
Fuses ................................................................ 8-23
Engine compartment and trunk .................... 8-23
Passenger compartment............................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-25
Lights................................................................ 8-27 Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-30
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-33
Types of tires............................................... 8-35
Tire chains ................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-38
Jacking up the vehicle and replacing tires .... 8-40

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).
12-volt battery*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. It should be between the MAX
and MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe condition
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
battery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the
brake fluid level is between the MAX and
MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt
is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Inverter coolant lebel: Check the coolant
level when the inverter is cold.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as

those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see“Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
.
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC
systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC
and AC high voltage is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in serious injury or
death.
. Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high voltage parts, har-
nesses and their connectors. High vol-
tage cables are orange. Touching,
disassembling, removing or replacing
those parts and harnesses can cause
severe burns or electric shock that may
result in serious injury or death.
. Never try to remove the service plug
located in the trunk room. The service
plug is used only when the vehicle is
serviced by trained technicians wearing
personal protection equipment and is
part of the high voltage system. Touch- ing the service plug can cause severe
burns or electric shock that may result in
serious injury or death.
. The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System uses high voltage up to 408
volts. The system can be hot while and
after starting. Be careful of both the high
voltage and the high temperature. Obey
the caution labels attached to the
vehicle.
. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
. The engine can start at any time without
warning when the hybrid system is in
the READY to drive mode. If you must
work with the hybrid system in the
READY to drive mode, keep your hands,
clothing, hair and tools away from fans,
belts and any other parts that can move.
. It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS