engine INFINITI QX50 2020 User Guide

VARIABLE COMPRESSION
TURBO
Your engine is equipped with a variable com-
pression ratio system called “Variable Com-
pression Turbo”. This system can vary the
engine compression ratio continuously.
According to driving conditions, the system
applies optimum compression ratio auto-
matically to achieve both high output and
high fuel economy efficiency.This is not a physical gauge. It is a display
option in the vehicle information display that
can be selected. For additional information,
refer to “Vehicle information display” in this
section.
1Compression ratio status display
Displays the status of compression ratio
controlled by Variable Compression
Turbo. The lowest compression ratio
(8:1) and the highest (14:1) are displayed
as “Power” and ”Eco” respectively.
2Turbo charger boost pressure gauge
Displays the turbo charger boost pres-
sure.
NOTE:
Under some conditions, the compression ra-
tio may not change. This is not a malfunction
of the system.
CAUTION
If the Variable Compression Turbo becomes
faulty, the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may come on. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” in this section.
LIC3924
2-8Instruments and controls

orAnti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning lightPower steering warning lightHigh Beam Assist indicator light (green)
orBrake warning light (red)Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electric shift control system warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSecurity indicator light
orElectronic parking brake
warning light (yellow)Automatic brake hold indicator lightSide light and headlight indicator light
(green)
Engine oil pressure warning lightEco drive indicator light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with
Pedestrian Detection system warning lightorElectronic parking brake
indicator light (red)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning lightFront fog light indicator light (green)
(if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light
Master warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-9

CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten the seat belts and place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. The following lights (if so
equipped) will come on:
,,,,or,
The following lights (if so equipped) come on
briefly and then go off:
or,,,,,
or,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a
way other than described, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb and/or a system malfunc-
tion. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played in the vehicle information display be-
tween the speedometer and tachometer. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle in-
formation display” in this section.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
information display” in this section.
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates
and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is
operational.
If the ABS light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock braking
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock as-
sistance. For additional information, refer to
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
orBrake warning
light (red)
This light functions for the foot brake system.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine is
running, with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Brake fluid” in the “Do-
it-yourself” section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
WARNING
∙ Your brake system may not be workingproperly if the warning light is on. Driving
could be dangerous. If you judge it to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest ser-
vice station for repairs. Otherwise, have
your vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
2-10Instruments and controls

∙ Pressing the brake pedal with the enginestopped and/or a low brake fluid level
may increase your stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
∙ If the brake fluid level is below the MINI- MUM or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, or missing or if the light re-
mains on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates when a malfunction oc-
curs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning light illuminates, the
chime sounds and the following message is
displayed in the vehicle information display:
“When parked apply parking brake”.
When the ignition is placed in the OFF posi-
tion, the chime sounds continuously. Ensure
the parking brake is applied
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
orElectronic parking
brake warning light
(yellow)
The electronic parking brake system warning
light functions for the electronic parking
brake system. If the warning light illuminates,
it may indicate the electronic parking brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service. For additional information, refer to “Elec-
tronic parking brake” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engine immediately and call an INFINITI
retailer or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. For additional
information, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Do-
it-yourself” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Such damage is not covered by war-
ranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Instruments and controls2-11

Forward EmergencyBraking (FEB) with
Pedestrian Detection
system warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is placed in the ON position. It turns off after
the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the FEB with Pe-
destrian Detection system is set to OFF in the
lower display.
If the light illuminates when the FEB with
Pedestrian Detection system is on, it may
indicate that the system is unavailable. For
additional information, refer to “Forward
Emergency Braking (FEB) with Pedestrian
Detection” and “Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Low tire pressure warninglight
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of
low tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS
is not functioning properly. After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 sec-
ond and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate. A
“Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning also
appears in the vehicle information display.
When the low tire pressure warning light il-
luminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all four tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located in
the driver’s door opening. The low tire pres-
sure warning light does not automatically
turn off when the tire pressure is adjusted.
After the tire is inflated to the recommended
pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) to activate
the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure
warning light. Use a tire pressure gauge to
check the tire pressure.
The “Tire Pressure Low - Add Air” warning
appears each time the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position as long as the low
tire pressure warning light remains illumi-
nated.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
information display” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
TPMS malfunction
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. The light
will remain on after 1 minute. Have the sys-
tem checked. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service. The "Tire
Pressure Low — Add Air" warning does not
appear if the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.
For additional information, refer to “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section and “Tire pres-
sure” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2-12Instruments and controls

Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the master warning light illuminates if
any of the following (if so equipped) are dis-
played on the vehicle information display:∙ No key warning
∙ I-Key system warning
∙ Low fuel warning
∙ Low washer fluid warning
∙ Parking brake warning
∙ Door/ liftgate open warning
∙ Loose fuel cap warning
∙ Low tire pressure warning
∙ Flat tire warning
∙ Transmission system warning
∙ Headlight warning
∙ Driver Attention Support system warning
∙ Shift position warning
∙ Low battery warning
∙ Shipping mode warning
∙ Low oil pressure warning ∙ All Wheel Drive (AWD) system warning
∙ Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
warning
∙ Handle Release warning
∙ Driving Aids malfunction warning
∙ Chassis Control system warning
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
information display” in this section.
Power steering warning light
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of the
vehicle, but the steering will be harder to
operate. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service. Models with Direct Adaptive Steering®:
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the power
steering warning light stays on for a few
seconds and turns off. This indicates that
Direct Adaptive Steering is operational. Drive
the vehicle after the power steering warning
light turns off.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while driving, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop the vehicle. If the power
steering warning light turns off, you can drive
again. If the power steering warning light
continues to illuminate, have the Direct
Adaptive Steering checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service. For additional information, refer
to “Power Steering” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Models with electric power steering:
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the power
steering warning light turns off. This indicates
the electric power steering is operational.
2-14Instruments and controls

If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate the electric power steering is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. It is
recommended that you have the electric
power steering checked by an INFINITI re-
tailer.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, the power
assist to the steering will cease operation but
you will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering efforts are required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds. For additional
information, refer to “Power Steering” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Rear Automatic Braking(RAB) warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is placed in the ON position. It turns off after
the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the RAB system is
turned off in the vehicle information display.
If the light illuminates when the RAB system
is on, it may indicate that the system is un-
available. For additional information, refer to
“Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
Seat belt warning light andchime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON or START
position and remains illuminated until the
driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the same
time, the chime sounds for about 6 seconds
unless the driver’s seat belt is securely fas-
tened.
The seat belt warning light may also illumi-
nate if the front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened when the front passenger’s seat is
occupied. For 7 seconds after the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position, the sys-
tem does not activate the warning light for
the front passenger.
The 2nd row seats may be also equipped with
a seat belt warning light.
For additional information, refer to “Seat
belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
or START position, the supplemental air bag
warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds
and then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and
pretensioner seat belt systems need servicing:
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
∙ The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal restraint system (air bag system) and/or
the pretensioners may not function properly.
For additional information, refer to “Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS)” in the
“Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
Instruments and controls2-15

WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the front air bag, side
air bag, curtain air bag and/or pretensioner
systems will not operate in an accident. To
help avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle
information display” in this section.
Automatic brake holdindicator light
This light illuminates to show the status of
the automatic brake hold system.
When the automatic brake hold system is on
standby, the indicator will illuminate white.
When the automatic brake hold system is
operating, the indicator will illuminate green.
For additional information, refer to “Auto-
matic brake hold” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
ECO drive indicator light (ifso equipped)
When the ECO mode has been selected, the
ECO drive indicator light will illuminate, blink,
or remain off depending on the accelerator
pedal operation. This is to help the driver drive
economically. For additional information, re-
fer to “ECO mode” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
orElectronic parking
brake indicator light
(red)
This light illuminates when the electronic
parking brake system is operating.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the electronic parking brake warn-
ing light illuminates. When the engine is
started and the parking brake is released, the
warning light turns off.
If the parking brake is not released, the elec-
tronic parking brake warning light remains
illuminated. Ensure the electronic parking
brake warning light has turned off before
driving.
If the electronic parking brake warning light
illuminates or flashes while the electronic parking brake system warning light
(yellow) illuminates, it may indicate that the
electronic parking brake system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
For additional information, refer to “Elec-
tronic parking brake” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
Front fog light indicator
light (green) (if so equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illuminates
when the front fog lights are on. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Fog light switch”
in this section.
Front passenger air bagstatus light
The front passenger air bag status light will
be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
off depending on how the front passenger
seat is being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front
passenger air bag and status light” in the
“Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
2-16Instruments and controls

High Beam Assist indicatorlight (green)
This indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beams selected. This indicates that the high
beam assist is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Head-
light switch” in this section.
High beam indicator light(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate a potential emission control malfunc-
tion. The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gal-
lons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for
20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance test.
For additional information, refer to “Readi-
ness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test”
in the “Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual. Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
∙ MIL on steady — An emission control sys- tem malfunction has been detected.
Check the fuel-filler cap if the Loose Fuel
Cap warning appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display. If the fuel-filler cap is
loose or missing, tighten or install the cap
and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have
the vehicle inspected. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the retailer.
∙ MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emis-
sion control system. To reduce or avoid
emission control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
– avoid hard acceleration or decelera- tion.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
Instruments and controls2-17

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