traction control INFINITI QX50 2020 Owner's Manual

The MIL may stop blinking and come on
steady. Have the vehicle inspected. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the retailer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF or LOCK position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates
that the security systems equipped on the
vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
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 light 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 is
turned off in the lower display. This indicates
the VDC has been turned off.
Turn the VDC on again by reactivating it in
the lower display, or restarting the engine.
The system will be reactivated. For additional
information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” 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.
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 (2WD) mod-
els 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 slippery
surfaces 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 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.
5-44Starting 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 warning message will appear in the
vehicle information display.
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
5-66Starting and driving

System temporarily unavailable
A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed:∙ When the vehicle slows down more than 8 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 ap- plied
∙ 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.
LSD2942
5-100Starting and driving

∙ 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
5-108Starting 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 (25 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
Starting and driving5-121

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 light 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 indicates 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. When the VDC system is turned off,
the
indicator light, the RAB system
warning light, and the FEB with Pedestrian
Detection system warning light illuminate to
indicate the VDC, FEB with Pedestrian De-
tection, and RAB systems are off. When the lower display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to pre-
vent one drive wheel from slipping by trans-
ferring power to a non-slipping drive wheel.
The
indicator light flashes if this occurs.
All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in re-
verse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-182Starting and driving

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For additional information, refer to
“Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate 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 infor-
mation.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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.
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.
5-192Starting and driving

7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, In-
tended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that must
always face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
∙When changing or replacing tires, be sure
all four tires are of the same type (i.e.,
Summer, All Season or Snow) and con-
struction. An INFINITI retailer may be able
to help you with information about tire
type, size, speed rating and availability.
∙ Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not originally specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pressure
warning system.
∙
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may result
in a circumference difference between
tires on the front and rear axles which can
cause the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system to malfunction resulting in per-
sonal injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission, trans-
fer 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 necessary. 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.
Do-it-yourself8-31