brakes INFINITI QX50 2020 Owner's Guide

– When installing a spare tire, make surethat it is the proper size and type as
specified on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Tire and Loading In-
formation label” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this
manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each
wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the
vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes
electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic
solenoids and a computer. The computer has
a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the
system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then op-
erates normally but without anti-lock assis-
tance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates
at speeds above3-6mph(5-10km/h). The
speed varies according to road conditions. When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the driv-
er’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
Starting and driving5-181

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

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated when
the ignition is in the ON position and the shift
lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or dis-
able the sonar system:
Type A (if so equipped):1. Press the MENU button below the lower display screen.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Select “Parking Sonar”
4. Select “Front” to turn the front sonar sensors on or off.
∙ Select “Rear” to turn the rear sonar sen- sors on or off.
Type B (if so equipped): 1. Press the MENU button below the lower display screen.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Select “Parking Sonar”
4. Select “Rear” to turn the Rear Sonar Sys- tem on or off.
SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for
the sonar system. Failure to operate the
vehicle in accordance with these system
limitations could result in serious injury or
death.
∙ Read and understand the limitations ofthe sonar system as contained in this sec-
tion. Inclement weather may affect the
function of the sonar system; this may
include reduced performance or a false
activation.
∙ The system is deactivated at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated
at lower speeds.
∙ Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, a truck’s
compressed-air brakes or a pneumatic
drill may affect the function of the sys-
tem; this may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation.
∙ The system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects. Al-
ways move slowly. The system will not
detect small objects below the bumper or
on the ground. ∙ The system may not detect the following
objects: fluffy objects such as snow,
cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.; thin ob-
jects such as rope, wire and chain, etc.; or
wedge-shaped objects.
∙ The system may not detect objects at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the system
will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the condi-
tions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tempo-
rary ambient conditions such as splashing
water, mist or fog. The blocked condition
may also be caused by objects such as ice,
frost or dirt obstructing the sonar sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
5-190Starting and driving

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.........................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ..............8-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-5
Changing engine coolant ......................8-5
Engine oil ........................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .......................8-6
Changing engine oil and oil filter ...............8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid . . 8-10
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-10
Windshield-washer fluid ......................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir .............8-11
Battery ......................................... 8-11
Jump starting ............................... 8-12
Variable voltage control system .................8-13
Drive belt ...................................... 8-13
Spark plugs .................................... 8-14
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-14
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-15
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-15Windshield wiper blades
........................ 8-16
Cleaning .................................... 8-16
Replacing ................................... 8-16
Brakes ......................................... 8-18
Fuses .......................................... 8-18
Engine compartment ........................ 8-19
Passenger compartment .....................8-20
Battery replacement ............................ 8-21
INFINITI Intelligent Key ......................8-21
Lights ......................................... 8-23
Headlights .................................. 8-23
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-23
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-23
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-25
Tire pressure ................................ 8-25
Tire labeling ................................. 8-28
Types of tires ............................... 8-31
Tire chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels

and tires ................... 8-34

If the brakes do not operate properly, it is
recommended that you have the brakes
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to nor-
mal. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, a high pitched scraping
or screeching sound will be heard when the
vehicle is in motion. The noise will be heard
whether or not the brake pedal is depressed.
Have the brakes checked as soon as possible
if the wear indicator sound is heard.Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does
not affect the function or performance of the
brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should be
followed.
For additional information regard-
ing brake inspections, refer to the appropri-
ate maintenance schedule information in the
"Maintenance and schedules" section of this
manual.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
Fuses are used in the passenger and engine
compartment. Spare fuses are provided and
can be found in the passenger compartment
fuse box.
When installing a fuse make sure the fuse is
installed in the fuse box securely.
LDI2997
BRAKES FUSES
8-18Do-it-yourself

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are miss-
ing, and check for any loose wheel nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your vehicle is
equipped with different sized tires in the front
and rear, tires cannot be rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge of-
ten and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires, in-
cluding the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive
wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or
age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect un-
even or abnormal tire wear, there may be a
need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at nor-
mal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, re-
fer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility. It is recommended that you have
a damaged windshield repaired by an INFINITI
retailer, or a INFINITI Certified Collision Cen-
ter. To locate a collision center in your area,
refer to http://collision.infinitiusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth op-
eration. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, have your vehicle checked immediately.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P
(Park) position mechanism: On a fairly steep
hill check that the vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be se-
curely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
does not securely hold the vehicle, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the surge
brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer to de-
termine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for
several minutes so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea- sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher
than the measured reference height when
the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is
higher than the measured reference height
when loaded, the vehicle may handle unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of vehicle
control and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used
to help control these affects. If you choose to
use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch sup-
plier to make sure the sway control device will
work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer’s brake system. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer for installing
and using the sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg).
Tire pressures
∙ When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat- ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
10-24
Technical and consumer information

Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
The safety chains can be attached to the
bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to the
bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stop light and turn
signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more than
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that ex-
ceeds these power requirements may dam-
age the vehicle’s electrical system. See a
reputable trailer retailer to obtain the
proper equipment and to have it installed.Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an INFINITI
retailer or reputable trailer retailer. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
Most states require a separate braking sys-
tem on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount, make sure the trailer meets
the local regulations and the regulations
where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able.
Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge
brakes are activated by the trailer pushing
against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is
braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common
on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In
this type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer. Electric Trailer Brakes -
Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special
brake-sensing module).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
∙ Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shift while driving.
∙ Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low.
Technical and consumer information10-25

∙ While going downhill, the weight of thetrailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheat-
ing. Shifting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.
∙ If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, refer to “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
∙ Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal circumstances.
∙ Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first 500 miles (805 km).
∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do tow, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h).
∙ Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended maintenance schedule in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual. ∙ When making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
∙ Crosswinds and rough roads will ad- versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently ap- ply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described in this section. ∙ Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
∙ Downshift the transmission to a lower gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.
∙ Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
∙ Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while
towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
∙ INFINITI recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer.
∙ Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
Technical and consumer information10-27

11 Index
2nd row bench seat adjustment.......1-4
A
Active Engine Brake ............5-185
Active noise cancellation Active sound enhancement. .5-193, 5-194
Active Trace Control ............5-184
Aiming control, headlights .........2-44
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-43
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system) ................1-51
Air bag warning labels ............1-63
Airbagwarninglight.........1-63,2-15
Air bag warning light,
supplemental ..............1-63,2-15
Air cleaner ...................8-15
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-15
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ........4-36
Air conditioner specification label . .10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ............10-7
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ..............4-35
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-36
Servicing air conditioner .........4-43
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) ........2-33
Anchor point locations ............1-27 Antenna
....................4-44
Antifreeze ..................5-191
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .....5-180
Armrests.....................1-5
Around View® Monitor ...........4-11
Audible reminders ...............2-19
Autolight switch ...............2-40
Automatic Automatic drive positioner . . .3-38, 3-40
Automatic power window switch . . .2-70
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .....3-35
Automaticbrakehold ............5-26
Automatic door locks .............3-6
Automatic drive positioner .....3-38,3-40
B
Battery.................5- 191, 8-11
Charge warning light ...........2-11
Battery replacement .............8-21
INFINITI Intelligent Key .........8-21
Keyfob...................8-21
Before starting the engine ..........5-17
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-13
Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) .......5-54
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) .........5-46
Boosterseats.................1-40
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . . .5-180
Brakefluid.................8-10
Brakelight(Seestoplight) .......8-23 Brake system
.............. 5-180
Brakewarninglight ...........2-10
Brake wear indicators ......2-19,8-18
Self-adjusting brakes ..........8-18
Brake Assist .................5-181
Brakefluid...................8-10
Brakes.....................8-18
Brake system ................5-180
Break-in schedule ..............5-171
Brightness control Instrument panel .............2-45
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-10
Bulb replacement ...............8-23
C
Camera Aiding Sonar (parking sensor) . .4-24
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................10-2
Cargoareastoragebin ...........2-61
Cargocover.................. 2-67
Cargo
(See vehicle

loading information) .....10-14
Car phone or CB radio ............4-44
Chassis control ...............5-184
Check tire pressure .............. 2-26
Child restraints .....1-20,1-20, 1-22, 1-24
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System .............1-24
Precautions on child
restraints ......1-23, 1-29, 1-35, 1-40