power steering INFINITI QX50 2020 User Guide

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
(if so equipped)................................ 5-173
Parking/parking on hills .......................5-176
Power steering ................................ 5-177
Electric power steering type ................5-177
Direct Adaptive Steering® type .............5-178
Brake system ................................. 5-180
Brake precautions .......................... 5-180
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............5-180
Brake Assist ............................... 5-181
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-182
Brake force distribution .....................5-183
Chassis Control ............................... 5-184
Active Trace Control ....................... 5-184
Active Engine Brake ........................ 5-185
Active Ride Control ......................... 5-186
Hill start assist system ......................... 5-186
Front and rear sonar system (if so equipped) ....5-187 System operation
.......................... 5-187
How to enable/disable the sonar system ....5-190
Sonar limitations ........................... 5-190
System temporarily unavailable .............5-190
System maintenance ....................... 5-191
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-191
Freeing a frozen door lock ..................5-191
Antifreeze ................................. 5-191
Battery .................................... 5-191
Draining of coolant water ..................5-192
Tire equipment ............................. 5-192
Special winter equipment ...................5-192
Driving on snow or ice ...................... 5-192
Engine block heater (if so equipped) .........5-193
Active noise cancellation/Active sound
enhancement ................................. 5-193
Active noise cancellation ....................5-194
Active sound enhancement .................5-194

WARNING
∙ Do not drive beyond the performance ca-pability of the tires. Accelerating quickly,
sharp steering maneuvers or sudden
braking may cause loss of control, even
with Intelligent AWD engaged.
∙ For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at- tempt to raise two wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any drive or
reverse position with the engine running.
Doing so may result in drivetrain damage
or unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious personal injury or
vehicle damage.
∙ Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with AWD
before it is placed on a dynamometer. Us-
ing the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in se-
rious personal injury or vehicle damage.
CAUTION
∙ Do not operate the engine on a free rollerwhen any of the wheels are raised.
∙ If you use the free roller, rotate four wheels with the same speed without rais-
ing any wheels.
∙ If an AWD warning message is displayed while driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed immediately and have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
∙ The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving when the AWD tem-
perature or tire size incorrect messages
are displayed.
∙ If the AWD high temperature message is displayed while you are driving, pull off
the road in a safe area, and idle the en-
gine. The driving mode will change to
2WD to prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning message
turns off, you can drive again. ∙ If the tire size incorrect message is dis-
played while you are driving, pull off the
road in a safe area with the engine idling.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, that
the tire pressure is correct and that the
tires are not excessively worn.
∙ If a warning message continues to be dis- played after the above operations, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Starting and driving5-175

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,NO CURB
C:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
TYPE
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or is turned offwhile 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.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to operate
the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeat-
edly or continuously while parking or driving
at a very low speed, the power assist for the
steering wheel will be reduced. This is to pre-
vent overheating of the power steering sys-
tem and protect it from getting damaged.
While the power assist is reduced, steering
wheel operation will become heavy. When
the temperature of the power steering sys-
tem goes down, the power assist level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steer-
ing wheel operations that could cause the
power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a sound when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering, but you will
still have control of the vehicle. At this time,
greater steering effort is required to operate
the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
POWER STEERING
Starting and driving5-177

DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING®
TYPE
WARNING
∙ When the power steering warning lightilluminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of
the vehicle, but the steering will be
harder to operate.
∙ If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI recommended ones are used, Direct
Adaptive Steering® may not operate
properly and the power steering warning
light may illuminate.
∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, Direct Adaptive Steering may not
operate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate.
∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s steering. If steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, Direct Adaptive Steering
may not operate properly and the power
steering warning light may illuminate. ∙ If the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light illuminates, the
power steering warning light may also il-
luminate at the same time. Stop the ve-
hicle in a safe location, turn the engine off
and restart the engine. If the power
steering warning light continues to illu-
minate, have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in this section.
CAUTION
∙ Do not place the ignition switch in the ONposition while the steering wheel or a tire
is removed.
∙ Do not turn the steering wheel as much as possible while the ignition switch is any
position other than the ON position.
∙ Installing an accessory on the steering wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
Direct Adaptive Steering is designed to con-
trol the steering force and steering angle ac-
cording to the vehicle speed and amount of
turning of the steering wheel. The steering characteristic can be selected
using the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. For
additional information, refer to “INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector” in this section.
If the VDC system is turned off, the setting of
steering becomes Standard mode.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate that Direct Adaptive Steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For additional information, refer to
“Power steering warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and Controls” section of the manual.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, greater steering effort will be needed,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
If Direct Adaptive Steering is malfunctioning,
the steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road.
5-178Starting and driving

Under the following conditions, the steering
wheel may turn slightly even when driving on
a straight road. This is due to a protection
mechanism for Direct Adaptive Steering. The
steering wheel will return to the normal posi-
tion after the protection mechanism is deac-
tivated.
Condition A:∙ When the engine is stalled or likely to be stalled
∙ When the steering wheel is held in the full lock position or when the front tire
touches an obstruction
∙ When the battery is discharged
To return the steering wheel to the normal
position, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop operating the steering wheel. Then
drive the vehicle for a short period of time.
Condition B: ∙ When the steering wheel is operated re- peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed. In this case,
the power assist for the steering wheel
will be reduced.
To return the steering wheel to the normal
position, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and wait for a period of time, without oper- ating the steering wheel, until the tempera-
ture of Direct Adaptive Steering cools down.
Avoid repeated steering wheel operations
that could cause Direct Adaptive Steering to
overheat.
When the vehicle is tested on the 2–wheel
dynamometer, the power steering warning
light may illuminate. To turn off the power
steering warning light, stop the vehicle in a
safe location, turn the engine off, restart the
engine, and then drive the vehicle for a period
of time.
The following conditions do not indicate a
malfunction of Direct Adaptive Steering:
∙ You may notice wider steering play when the ignition switch is in the OFF or AUTO
ACC position compared to when it is in
the ON position.
∙ After the engine is started, the steering wheel may turn slightly even when driving
a straight road. To return to the normal
position, drive the vehicle on a straight
road for a period of time.
∙ After the engine is started, the steering wheel may move if the steering wheel
was turned to the fully locked position
while the ignition switch was in the OFF
position. ∙ After the vehicle is tested on the 4–wheel
dynamometer, the steering wheel may
turn slightly even when driving on a
straight road. To return the steering
wheel to the normal position, drive the
vehicle on a straight road for a period of
time.
You may hear a noise under the following
conditions. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion. ∙ When the engine is started or stopped.
∙ When the steering wheel is turned in the full lock position.
Starting and driving5-179

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

Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to en-
sure they operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery (for maintenance free batteries)*:
This vehicle is equipped with a sealed main-
tenance free battery. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belt*:
Make sure the drive belt is
not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have the
exhaust system inspected. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For additional information, refer to
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if fuel fumes
are evident, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Odometer.....................2-5
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine oil .............8-6
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-6
Checking engine oil level ..........8-6
Engine oil ...................8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............10-6
Outside mirrors ................3-36
Overhead sunglasses holder .........2-58
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ..........6-7
Owner's manual order form ........10-33
Owner's manual/service manual order
information..................10-33
P
Parking Parking/parking on hills .........5-177
Parkingbrake..............2-11,2-16
Personal lights .................2-75
Power Power door locks ...........3-5,3-6
Power outlet ................2-54
Power rear windows ...........2-70
Power steering system .....5-177, 5-178
Power windows ..............2-68
Rear power windows ...........2-70
Power outlet ..................2-54
Power steering............5- 177, 5-178Precautions
Maintenance precautions .........8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-9
Precautions on booster
seats..........1-23,1-29,1-35,1-40
Precautions on child
restraints .......1-23,1-29,1-35,1-40
Precautionsonseatbeltusage .....1-11
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-43
Precautions when starting and
driving .................5-4,5-11
Predictive Forward Collision Warning
(PFCW)....................5-160
ProPILOT Assist ...............5-101
Push starting ...................6-7
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ..........4-44
Rainsensor...................2-37
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test.......................10-31
Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) . . .2-15, 5-145
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) .......5-67
Rear power sunshade .............2-71
Rear power windows .............2-70
Rearview mirror ................3-35
RearView Monitor ...............4-3
Rear window defroster, outside mirror
defroster,andwiperdeicerswitch.....2-39
Rear window wiper and washer
switches .....................2-38 Recommended Fluids
.............10-2
Recorders EventData................ 10-32
Refrigerant recommendation ........10-7
Registering a vehicle in another
country .................... 10-10
Remote Engine Start .........3-20, 5-18
Reporting safety defects (US only) . . . .10-30
Roadside assistance program .........6-2
Roof rack ................2-62,2-63
S
Safety Child safety

rear door lock .........3-6
Child seat belts . . .1-23, 1-29, 1-35, 1-40
Reporting safety defects (US only) . .10-30
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .......1-3
Second row bench seats ..........1-4
Seatback pockets ............... 2-56
Seat belt Childsafety.................1-20
Infantsandsmallchildren ........1-20
Injured Person ...............1-15
Largerchildren...............1-21
Precautionsonseatbeltusage .....1-11
Pregnant women .............1-14
Seat belt extenders ............1-19
Seat belt maintenance ..........1-19
Seat belts ...............1-11,7-7
Three-point type with retractor .....1-15
Seat belt extenders ..............1-19
Seat belt warning light .........1-14,2-15
11-5

Seats2nd row bench seat adjustment .....1-4
Adjustment ..................1-2
Armrests ...................1-5
Automatic drive positioner ....3-38,3-40
Frontseats..................1-2
Heated seats ................2-48
Seats/floor mats ................7-6
Security indicator light ............2-18
Security system (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start ..........2-34,3-4,5-17
Security systems Vehicle security system ..........2-33
Self-adjusting brakes .............8-18
Service manual order form .........10-33
Servicing air conditioner ...........4-43
Spark plug replacement ............8-14
Spark plugs ...................8-14
Specifications .................10-8
Speedometer ................2-4,2-5
Speedometer and odometer ..........2-4
SRS warning label ...............1-63
Stability control ................5-182
Standard maintenance .............9-9
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-17
Jump starting .............6-5,8-12
Precautions when starting and
driving .................5-4,5-11
Push starting .................6-7
Starting the engine ............5-17
Starting the engine ..............5-17
Steering Power steering system .....5-177, 5-178 Steering Assist switch
(for vehicles with ProPILOT Assist)
....2-50
Steering wheel .................3-33
Stoplight....................8-23
Storage.....................2-56
Storagebin...................2-61
Storagetray ..................2-57
Sunglasses case ................2-58
Sunglasses holder ...............2-58
Sunroof ..................2-71,7-5
Sunroof (see Moonroof) ...........2-71
Sun visors ....................3-34
Supplemental air bag warning labels ....1-63
Supplemental air bag warning
light....................1-63,2-15
Supplemental front impact air bag
system......................1-51
Supplemental restraint system Informationandwarninglabels.....1-63
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-43
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ........1-43
Switch Autolight switch ..............2-40
Automatic power window switch ....2-70
Fog light switch ..............2-46
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight aiming control .........2-44
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-40
Instrument brightness control ......2-45
Power door lock switch .......3-5,3-6
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-38
Turn signal switch ............. 2
-45T
Tachometer ...................2-6
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
Theft (INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start ..........2-34, 3-4, 5-17
Three-way catalyst ...............5-4
Tire Flat tire ....................6-3
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains ................. 8-34
Tirepressure................8-25
Tirerotation................ 8-34
Types of tires ................8-31
Uniform tire quality grading ......10-29
Wheels and tires ..............8-25
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . .5-5
Top tether strap child restraint .......1-27
Towing 4-wheel drive models ...........6-10
Flattowing................10-28
Towing load/specification .......10-22
Towtrucktowing..............6-8
Trailertowing...............10-18
Towing a trailer ...............10-18
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) ........5-32
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver..........2-76,2-78,2-79
11-6