Vehicle dynamic control INFINITI QX50 2020 Owner's Guide

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

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

∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads,rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and
the
indicator lights may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp,
the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto a
stable surface. ∙ If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road. The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
∙ Active Trace Control
∙ Active Engine Brake
∙ Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system, the Active
Trace Control system is also turned off.
If the Active Trace Control is not functioning
properly, the FEB with Pedestrian Detection
system warning indicator light illuminates in
the instrument panel.
The Active Trace Control can be set to on
(enabled) or off (disabled) through the lower
display “Infiniti Drive Mode Selector” menu
option.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-184Starting and driving

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and con-
trols engine torque and four wheel brake
pressure. This will enhance ride comfort in an
effort to restrain uncomfortable upper body
movement when passing over undulated
road surfaces. This system comes into effect
above 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module
warning message appears in the vehicle in-
formation display, it may indicate that the
Active Ride Control is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may hear noise and sense slight decel-
eration. This is normal and indicates that the
Active Ride Control is operating properly.
WARNING
∙ Never rely solely on the hill start assistsystem to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive care-
fully and attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful when
stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy
roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possible serious
injury or death.
∙ The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
∙ The hill start assist system may not pre- vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in
a collision or serious personal injury. When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply
the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
∙ The transmission is shifted to a forward or reverse gear.
∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum
holding time is 2 seconds. After 2 sec-
onds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
the hill start assist system will stop oper-
ating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the shift lever is placed in the N (Neu-
tral), the Park button is pressed to place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-186Starting and driving

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal
injury or death when recovering a stuck
vehicle:
∙ Contact a professional towing service torecover the vehicle if you have any ques-
tions regarding the recovery procedure.
∙ Tow chains or cables must be attached only to main structural members of the
vehicle.
∙ Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
∙ Only use devices specifically designed for vehicle recovery and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions.
∙ Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle.
∙ Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device designed
specifically for vehicle recovery. Always fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions for the
recovery device.Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
∙ Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
∙ Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
∙ Shift back and forth between R (Re- verse) and D (Drive). ∙ Apply the accelerator as little as pos-
sible to maintain the rocking motion.
∙ Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive).
∙ Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-11

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

Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-27
Child restraint with top tether strap ....1-27
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ..........2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2,7-4
Climate control seat switch .........2-47
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-11
Cold weather driving .............5-191
Console box ..................2-58
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .......................5-19
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-19
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls . . .4-36
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-5
Checking engine coolant level .......8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
Corrosion protection ..............7-7
Cruisecontrol..............5-75,5-76
Cupholders...................2-59
D
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) ........2-32
Dimensionsandweights...........10-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ....2-45
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . .5-133
Door locks .................3-4,3-5 Drivebelt....................8-13
Drive positioner, Automatic
.....3-38,3-40
Driving Cold weather driving ...........5-191
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-19
Precautions when starting and
driving .................5-4,5-11
Driving the vehicle ...............5-19
Dual panel moonroof .............2-71
Dual power moonroof .........2-71,2-71
Dynamic driver assistance switch
(for vehicles without ProPILOT Assist) . .2-49
E
E-call (SOS) Button ..............2-53
Economy - fuel ................5-173
Electronic parking brake ...........5-24
Emergency engine shutoff .......5-16,6-3
Emission control information label ....10-11
Emission control system warranty ....10-30
Engine Before starting the engine ........5-17
Block heater ................5-193
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-5
Changing engine oil .............8-6
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-6
Checking engine coolant level .......8-5
Checking engine oil level ..........8-6
Engine compartment check locations . .8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
Engine cooling system ...........8-4 Engine oil
...................8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ....2-11
Engine oil viscosity ............10-6
Engine serial number ..........10-11
Engine specifications ...........10-8
Starting the

engine ............5-17
Engine coolant temperature gauge ......2-6
Event Data recorders ............10-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......5-4
Explanation of maintenance items ......9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items........................9-5
Extended storage switch ...........2-55
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....6-2
Flat tire ......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid ............7-6
Fluid Brakefluid .................8-10
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants............... 10-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10
Engine coolant ................8-4
Engine oil ...................8-6
Windshield-washerfluid.........8-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-11
Fog light switch ................2-46
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with
Pedestrian Detection system ....2-12,5-150
11-2

TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-19
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country) ....................10-10
Trip odometer ...............2-4,2-5
Trunklight....................2-75
Turn signal switch ...............2-45
U
Uniform tire quality grading ........10-29
USB/iPod® Charging Ports .........4-43
V
Vanity mirror ..................3-34
Variable voltage control system .......8-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights ......10-9
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.....................5-182
Vehicle identification ............10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) ....10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number) ...............10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate......................10-10
Vehicle immobilizer system ..........5-17
Vehicle information display ..........2-19
Vehicle loading information ........10-14
Vehicle recovery ................6-11 Vehicle security system
............2-33
(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start ..........2-34,3-4,5-17
Vents ......................4-34
Visors......................3-34
W
Warning Airbagwarninglight........1-63,2-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ......2-10
Batterychargewarninglight.......2-11
Brakewarninglight............2-10
Distance Control Assist (DCA) .....5-133
Engine oil pressure warning light ....2-11
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-26
Lowfuelwarninglight ......2-14,2-26
Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light .....................2-26
Passenger air bag and status light . . .1-54
Seat belt warning light .......1-14,2-15
Supplemental air bag warning
light..................1-63,2-15
TPMS .....................2-4
Vehicle security system ..........2-33
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...........2-9,2-10,2-16
Warning labels (for SRS) .........1-63
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............2-9,2-10,2-16
Audible reminders ......2-9,2-10,2-16 Indicatorlights........2-9,2-10,2-16
Warninglights ........2-9,2-10,2-16
Warninglights ..........2-9,2-10,2-16
Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders.....................2-9
Warning systems switch .......2-49,2-50
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer
switches................... 2-38
Weights (See dimensions and weights) . .10-9
Wheels and tires ................8-25
Wheel/tire size .................10-9
When traveling or registering in another
country .................... 10-10
Windows ....................2-68
Locking passengers' windows ......2-69
Power rear windows ...........2-70
Power windows .............. 2-68
Rear power windows ...........2-70
Windshield-washerfluid...........8-11
Windshieldwiperblades...........8-16
Wiper Rear window wiper and washer
switches................... 2-38
Wiperblades................8-16
Wiper and washer switch ..........2-36
11-7