INFINITI QX30 2018 Owner's Manual

CAUTION
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the differential. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the warranty.
All wheels must be fully raised (see "Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD) models")
4WD, together with VDC, improves the trac-
tion of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4WD
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4WD cannot
take account of road, weather, and traffic
conditions. 4WD is only an aid. You are re-
sponsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time, and for staying in lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip
•When pulling away, only depress the ac-
celerator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Accelerate less when driving.
NOTE
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effectiveness of 4WD can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
WARNING
•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.
•Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the P (Park) position engaged. Failure to
do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
•When parking the vehicle, make sure the
P (Park) position is engaged. The shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position without depressing the
brake pedal.
•Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
•Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls or move the
vehicle. Unattended children could be-
come involved in serious accidents.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others, or pets unattended in
your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high enough to
cause a significant risk of injury or death
to people and pets.
CAUTION
Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its
drive train could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
•The electric parking brake must be applied.
•The transmission must be in position P
(Park) and the transmission position dis-
play must show P in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
•The key must be removed from the ignition
switch.
•On uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
PARKING
Starting and driving5-87

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Press the P (Park) button.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from moving
into traffic when parked on an incline, it is
a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB
1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb. Then apply
the parking brake.
HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
allow the vehicle to move back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the curb.
Then apply the parking brake.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,
WITHOUT CURB
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if the vehicle moves.
Then apply the parking brake.
4.
Put the ignition switch in the OFF position.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
position N (Neutral) when you switch off
the engine. The vehicle may roll away.
There is a risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always
switch to position P (Park). Prevent the
parked vehicle from rolling away by apply-
ing the parking brake.
Procedure
1. Apply the electric parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to position P (Park).
3.With the key:turn the key to the position
OFF in the ignition switch and remove it
The immobilizer is activated.
If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position R (Reverse) or D (Drive),
the automatic transmission shifts to N (Neu-
tral) automatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's
door or the front-passenger door or remove
the key from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P (Park) automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N (Neutral), e.g. when hav-
ing the vehicle cleaned in an automatic car
wash with a towing system:
With the key:
1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Depress the brake pedal and keep it de-
pressed.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
SSD0488Z
5-88Starting and driving

4. Release the brake pedal.
5. Release the electric parking brake.
6. Switch off the ignition and leave the key in
the ignition switch.
EXTENDED PARKING
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be dam-
aged by exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.
Visit an INFINITI retailer and seek advice
NOTE
You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from an INFINITI retailer.The electric power steering system is de-
signed to reduce the driver effort required to
steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If during operation a fault is detected the
following message will be displayed in the
vehicle information display along with an
audible warning tone.
[Power Steering Malfunction See Opera-
tors Manual]
In conjunction with this warning, steering
assistance will no longer be provided by the
system.
The effort required to steer the vehicle will
increase. This will be most noticeable at
low speed and when performing a tight
turning maneuver.
Check whether you are able to provide the
extra effort required.
If you are able to steer safely: Carefully
drive on to an INFINITI retailer.
If
you are unable to steer safely: Do NOT
drive on. It is recommended you contact the
nearest INFINITI retailer for assistance.
CAUTION
•If wheels or tires other than INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the power
steering system may not operate prop-
erly and the [Power Steering Malfunc-
tion See Operators Manual] warning
may appear in the vehicle information
display.
•Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
•Do not modify the vehicle's steering. If
steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the power steer-
ing system may not operate properly
and the [Power Steering Malfunction
See Operators Manual] warning may
appear in the vehicle information dis-
play.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-89

•Do not place the ignition switch in the on
position while the steering wheel or a
tire is removed.
•Do not turn the steering wheel as much
as possible while the ignition switch is in
any position other than the ON position.
•Installing an accessory on the steering
wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
NOTE
When the steering wheel is operated repeat-
edly or continuously while parking or driving
at a very low speed, the power assistance for
the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to
prevent overheating of the electric power
steering system and protect it from becom-
ing damaged. While the power assistance is
reduced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
electric power steering system decreases,
the power assistance level will return to nor-
mal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel
operations that could cause the electric
power steering system to overheat.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will
still have braking ability at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the
brake pedal will be required to stop the ve-
hicle. The stopping distance will be longer.
WARNING
•If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
•Do not coast with the engine stopped.When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and
feel a slight pulsation. This is normal and
indicates that the Brake Assist System is op-
erating (if equipped).
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings/pads faster, and
increase fuel consumption.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause
the wheels to skid and result in an accident.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly depressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-90Starting and driving

brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the driver
is responsible for safety.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
–When replacing tires, install the specified
size of tires on all four wheels.–When installing a replacement tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire and loading informa-
tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires".)
–For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires".
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure to prevent each wheel from locking and
sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, 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.
Starting and driving5-91

Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the
ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies ac-
cording to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating prop-
erly. However, 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 output
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 main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving situ-
ations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-92Starting and driving

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) warning
light".
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off.
WARNING
•The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
•If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
•When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
•If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
•If VDC is malfunctioning, VDC is unable
to stabilize the vehicle. In addition,
other driving safety systems are
switched off. This increases the risk of
skidding and an accident. Drive on care-
fully. Have VDC checked. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
Starting and driving5-93

CAUTION
•When VDC is deactivated, the
VDC OFF warning light lights up con-
tinuously.
•If both thewarning light and
warning light are lit continuously, VDC
is not available due to a malfunction.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of
VDC.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate VDC.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VDC
If theVDC warning light goes out before
beginning the journey, VDC is automatically
active.If VDC intervenes, the
VDC warning
light flashes in the combination meter.
If VDC intervenes:
•Do not deactivate VDC under any circum-
stances.
•When pulling away, only depress the ac-
celerator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
Deactivating/activating VDC
WARNING
If you deactivate VDC, VDC no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate VDC in the situations
described in the following section.
You can select between the following sta-
tuses of VDC:
•VDC is activated.
•VDC is deactivated.
It may be best to deactivate VDC in the fol-
lowing situations:
•When using snow chains.
•In deep snow.
•On sand or gravel.NOTE
Activate VDC as soon as the situations de-
scribed above no longer apply. VDC will oth-
erwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if
the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
You can activate/deactivate VDC using the
vehicle information display. To activate/
deactivate VDC:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the
orbutton on the
steering wheel to select the [DriveAssist]
menu in the vehicle information display.
3. Press the
orbutton to select
VDC.
4. Press thebutton on the steering
wheel. The current selection is displayed.
5. To activate/deactivate: press the
button again.
VDC is deactivated if the
warning
light in the combination meter lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
Characteristics when VDC is deactivated:
If VDC is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the
VDC warning light
flashes in the combination meter. In such
situations, VDC will not stabilize the vehicle.
5-94Starting and driving

If you deactivate VDC:
•VDC no longer intervenes in understeer or
oversteer situations.
•Engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action, so the tires cut through the
loose surface until the hit solid ground,
giving better traction.
•Traction control is still activated.
•VDC still provides support when you brake.
EBD (ELECTRONIC BRAKE
FORCE DISTRIBUTION)
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to help improve han-
dling during braking.
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the EBD [Inop-
erative See Operator's Manual] warning is
displayed in the vehicle information dis-
play. The
VDC warning light may also
light up.
If EBD is malfunctioning as a result of a
VDC malfunction, the rear wheels can lock,
e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.You should therefore adapt your driving
style to the different handling characteris-
tics. Have the brake system checked. It is
recommended you see an INFINITI retailer.
STEER CONTROL
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting
a noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular
if:
•Both right wheels or both left wheels are
on a wet or slippery road surface when
you brake.
•The vehicle starts to skid.
WARNING
No steering support is provided from
STEER CONTROL, if:
•VDC is malfunctioning.•The steering is faulty.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. Depress
the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
•The Hill Start Assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll backwards and may result in a colli-
sion or serious personal injury.
•The Hill Start Assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to de-
press the brake pedal to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards. Failure
to do so may result in a collision or seri-
ous personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
Starting and driving5-95

•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could
roll away There is a risk of an accident
and injury. Therefore, quickly move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal. Never leave the vehicle
when it is held by hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake
pedal. This gives you enough time to move
your foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal and depress it before the vehicle
begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting it
into the key hole, or use the INFINITI Intelli-
gent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
"Engine cooling system".
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
"Battery" of this manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see "Changing engine
coolant" of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
INFINITI recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four
wheels. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-96Starting and driving