traction control INFINITI QX50 2019 Owner's Manual

Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light
illuminates when the side light or headlights
are on (not including daytime running or sig-
nature lights). If the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position, the side light and headlight
indicator light will illuminate when the head-
lights turn on. For additional information, re-
fer to “Headlight switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system
is operating, thus alerting the driver to the
fact that the road surface is slippery and the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this
is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion. The light will turn off after a period of
time if the system is operational. If the light
does not come on have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC
OFF switch is pushed to off. This indicates
the VDC has been turned off.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will be reactivated.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position. The
light will turn off after a period of time if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the VDC system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
VDC should remain on unless freeing a ve-
hicle from mud or snow.
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel a slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a disc brake pad requires replace-
ment, it makes a high pitched scraping sound
when the vehicle is in motion, whether or not
the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position or placed in the OFF or LOCK posi-
tion with the key left in the vehicle. Make sure
the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK
position, and take the key with you when
leaving the vehicle.
2-18Instruments and controls

INFINITI is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people dif-
ferently and most people underestimate the
effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t
drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is
impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other
physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your INFINITI is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your INFINITI is mainly
designed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that 2-wheel drive models are
less capable than All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models for rough road driving and extrication
when stuck in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
∙ Spinning the front wheels on slipperysurfaces may cause the AWD warning
message to display and the AWD system
to automatically switch from the AWD to
the 2WD mode. This could reduce the
traction. Be especially careful when tow-
ing a trailer (AWD models).
∙ Drive carefully when off the road and avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle should
be seated with their seat belt fastened.
This will keep you and your passengers in
position when driving over rough terrain.
∙ Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead drive either straight up or straight down
the slopes. Off-road vehicles can tip over
sideways much more easily than they can
forward or backward.
∙ Many hills are too steep for any vehicle. If you drive up them, you may stall. If you
drive down them, you may not be able to
control your speed. If you drive across
them, you may roll over.
∙ Do not shift gears while driving on down- hill grades as this could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle. ∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot make it to the top of a steep hill, never attempt to
turn around. Your vehicle could tip or roll
over. Always back straight down in R
(Reverse) gear and apply brakes to con-
trol your speed.
∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
∙ Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. Do not
equip the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could cause
your vehicle to roll over.
Starting and driving5-11

∙ When the headlights are not bright dueto dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
∙ When strong light enters the lane camera unit. (For example, the light directly
shines on the front of the vehicle at sun-
rise or sunset.)
∙ When a sudden change in brightness oc- curs. (For example, when the vehicle en-
ters or exits a tunnel or under a bridge.)
While the LDP system is operating, you may
hear a sound of brake operation. This is nor-
mal and indicates that the LDP system is
operating properly.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
Condition A:
The warning and assist functions of the LDP
system are not designed to work under the
following conditions: ∙ When you operate the lane change signal and change the traveling lanes in the di-
rection of the signal. (The LDP system will
be deactivated for approximately 2 sec-
onds after the lane change signal is
turned off.) ∙ When the vehicle speed lowers to less
than approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
After the above conditions have finished and
the necessary operating conditions are satis-
fied, the warning and assist functions will
resume.
Condition B:
The assist function of the LDP system is not
designed to work under the following condi-
tions (warning is still functional): ∙ When the brake pedal is depressed.
∙ When the steering wheel is turned as far as necessary for the vehicle to change
lanes.
∙ When the vehicle is accelerated during LDP system operation.
∙ When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) approach warning occurs.
∙ When the hazard warning flashers are operated.
∙ When driving on a curve at high speed.
After the above conditions have finished and
the necessary operating conditions are satis-
fied, the LDP system application of the
brakes will resume. Condition C:
If the following messages appear in the ve-
hicle information display the LDP system will
be turned off automatically:
∙ “Not Available Poor Road Conditions”: When the VDC system (except Traction
Control System [TCS] function) or ABS
operates.
∙ “Currently not available”: When the VDC system is turned off.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the LDP system. Push the dynamic
driver assistance switch (for vehicles without
ProPILOT Assist) or the ProPILOT Assist
switch (for vehicles with ProPILOT Assist) on
the steering wheel again to turn the LDP
system back on.
Temporary disabled status at high temperature:
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight under
high temperature conditions (over approxi-
mately 104°F [40°C]) and then the LDP sys-
tem is turned on, the LDP system may be de-
activated automatically and the following
message will appear on the vehicle information
display: “Not available: High Camera Temp.”
5-42Starting and driving

–When steering quickly.
– When the ICC, DCA, PFCW or FEB
with Pedestrian Detection warnings
sound.
– When the hazard warning flashers
are operated.
– When driving on a curve at a high
speed.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When any of the following messages appear
on the vehicle information display, a chime
will sound and the BSI system will be turned
off automatically.
∙ “Not Available Poor Road Conditions”: When the VDC system (except traction
control system function) or ABS oper-
ates.
∙ “Currently Not Available”: When the VDC system is turned off.
∙ “Not Available: High Camera Temp”: When the camera detects that the inte-
rior temperature is high (over approxi-
mately 104°F [40°C]). ∙ “Unavailable: Side Radar Obstruction”:
When side radar blockage is detected.
Turn off the BSI system and turn it on again
when the above conditions no longer exist.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
When the BSI system malfunctions, it will be
turned off automatically, a chime will sound
and the BSI system warning light (orange) will
illuminate.
Action to take:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position, turn the en-
gine off and restart the engine. If the warning
light (orange) continues to illuminate, have
the system checked. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The lane camera unit1for the BSI system is
located above the inside mirror. The two ra-
dar sensors
2for the BSI system are located
near the rear bumper. To keep the proper
operation of the BSI system and prevent a
system malfunction, be sure to observe the
following:
∙ Always keep the windshield and the area near the radar sensors clean.
LSD2924
5-64Starting and driving

System temporarily unavailable
A chime sounds under the following conditions
and the control is automatically canceled:
∙ When the vehicle slows down more than8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed
∙ When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive) or manual shift mode
∙
When the electronic parking brake is applied
∙ When the VDC operates (including the traction control system)
∙ When a wheel slips
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the color of the cruise
indicator will change to orange.
Action to take
If the color of the cruise indicator changes to
orange, stop the vehicle in a safe place and
press the Park button to place the vehicle in
the P (Park) position. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, resume driving, and then
perform the setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system is
malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is still
drivable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
LSD2942
Starting and driving5-107

∙ When the VDC system is off. For addi-tional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in this sec-
tion.
∙ When the VDC system (including the traction control system) is operating
∙ When a wheel is slipping
∙ When any door is open
∙ When the driver’s seat belt is not fas- tened
How to change the set vehicle
speed
The set vehicle speed can be adjusted.
To change to a faster cruising speed:
∙ Push and hold the RES+ switch. The set vehicle speed increases by approximately
5 mph (5 km/h).
∙ Push, then quickly release, the RES+ switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by approximately 1 mph
(1 km/h). To change to a slower cruising speed:
∙ Push and hold the SET- switch. The set vehicle speed decreases by approxi-
mately 5 mph (5 km/h).
∙ Push, then quickly release, the SET- switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by approximately 1 mph
(1 km/h).
How to momentarily accelerate or
decelerate
∙ Depress the accelerator pedal when ac-celeration is required. Release the accel-
erator pedal to resume the previously set
vehicle speed.
∙ Depress the brake pedal when decelera- tion is required. Control by the ProPILOT
Assist system is canceled. Push the RES+
switch to resume the previously set ve-
hicle speed.
LSD2948
5-114Starting and driving

When driving on some roads, such as wind-
ing, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads
which are under construction, the radar sen-
sor may detect vehicles in a different lane, or
may temporarily not detect a vehicle traveling
ahead. This may cause the radar system to
decelerate or accelerate the vehicle.
The detection of vehicles may also be af-
fected by vehicle operation (steering maneu-
ver or traveling position in the lane, etc.) or
vehicle condition.If this occurs, the ICC system may warn you
by blinking the system indicator and sounding
the chime unexpectedly. You will have to
manually control the proper distance away
from the vehicle traveling ahead.
Automatic cancellation
The following are conditions in which the ICC
system may be temporarily unavailable. In
these instances, the ICC system may not can-
cel and may not be able to maintain the se-
lected following distance from the vehicle
ahead.Condition A
Under the following conditions, the ICC sys-
tem is automatically canceled. A chime will
sound and the system will not be able to be
set:
∙ Any door is open.
∙ The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
∙ The vehicle ahead is not detected and your vehicle is traveling below the speed
of 15 mph (24 km/h).
∙ Your vehicle has been stopped by the ICC system for approximately 3 minutes or
longer.
∙ The shift lever is not in the D (Drive) po- sition or manual shift mode.
∙ The electronic parking brake is applied.
∙ The VDC system is turned off.
∙ The Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection applies harder
braking.
∙ VDC (including the traction control sys- tem) operates.
∙ A wheel slips.
SSD0253
5-126Starting and driving

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.
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 driv-
er’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Un-
der certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following functions:
∙ Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non-slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
∙ Controls brake pressure and engine out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
∙ Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased 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. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator in the instrument panel flashes to
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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indi-
cator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come on
in the instrument panel. The VDC system au-
tomatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
The lower display is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to in-
dicate the VDC system is off.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-181

Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.3. Tire chains may be used. For additional information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move 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 snow- drifts.
∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),very cold snow or ice can be slick and very
hard to drive on. The vehicle will have
much less traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet
ice until the road is salted or sanded.
∙ Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even more
traction.
∙ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry 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 with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or
lower.
WARNING
∙ Do not use your engine block heater withan ungrounded electrical system or a
2-pronged adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
∙ Disconnect and properly store the engine block heater cord before starting the en-
gine. Damage to the cord could result in
an electrical shock and can cause serious
injury.
5-192Starting and driving

∙ Always use tires of the same type, size,brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the trans-
mission, transfer case and differential
gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
∙ ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than All Season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is sub-
stantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer
tires do not have the tire traction rating
“M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use
of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle. Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of
the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction ca-
pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Run–Flat Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires
and is not equipped with a spare tire, or a jack
and tool kit. The jack and tool kit may be
purchased at the dealer. Please consult an
INFINITI retailer for additional information.
You can continue driving to a safe location
even if the run-flat tires are punctured. Al-
ways use run-flat tires of the specified size on
all four wheels. Mixing tire sizes or construc-
tion may reduce vehicle handling stability. If
necessary, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Do-it-yourself8-33