heating INFINITI QX50 2020 User Guide

∙ 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

The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will
still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the
brake pedal will be required to stop the ve-
hicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
∙ While driving on a slippery surface, becareful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
∙ If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function cor-
rectly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best brake performance. This procedure is described in the INFINITI
Service Manual. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
careless or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
∙ Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the speci- fied size of tires on all four wheels.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-180Starting and driving

CAUTION
∙ Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT) models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
∙ Do not push start this vehicle. The three- way catalyst may be damaged.
WARNING
∙ Do not continue to drive if your vehicleoverheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
∙ To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is still hot. When the
coolant reservoir cap is removed, pres-
surized hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.
∙ Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading),
or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc. take the following steps. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and engage the
P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed. 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off the
engine.) Do not open the hood further
until no steam or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-7

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
B, add coolant to the MAX
level
A.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years.
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water will reduce the life expec-
tancy of the factory-fill coolant. For addi- tional information, refer to the "Maintenance
and schedules" section of this manual.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
For additional information on the location of
the engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Engine
compartment check locations” in this section.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An INFINITI retailer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be found
in the INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
∙ To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
∙ Never remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the radiator. ∙ Avoid direct skin contact with used cool-
ant. If skin contact is made, wash thor-
oughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon
as possible.
∙ Keep coolant out of the reach of children and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
LDI3157
Do-it-yourself8-5

E–15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately 15%
fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline.
E-15 can only be used in vehicles designed to
run on E-15 fuel. U.S. government regula-
tions require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps
to be identified with small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
E-85 can only be used in a Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 in your vehicle.
U.S. government regulations require fuel
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified by
a small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting additive.
INFINITI does not recommend the use of fuel
containing MMT. Such fuel may adversely
affect vehicle performance, including the
emissions control system. Note that while
some fuel pumps label MMT content, not alldo, so you may have to consult your gasoline
retailer for more details.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold com-
mercially. Many of these additives intended
for gum, varnish or deposit removal may con-
tain active solvents or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing lower than recommended can cause per-
sistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark knock”
is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe, this can
lead to engine damage. If you detect a per-
sistent heavy spark knock even when using
gasoline of the stated octane rating, or if you
hear steady spark knock while holding a
steady speed on level roads, it is recom-
mended that you have an INFINITI retailer
correct the condition. Failure to correct the
condition is misuse of the vehicle, for which
INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or en-
gine damage. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerat-
ing or driving up hills. This is not a cause for
concern, because you get the greatest fuel
benefit when there is light spark knock for a
short time under heavy engine load.
Technical and consumer information10-5

CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Lifestyle
Receiver to avoid damage to your vehicle
do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle with the
Lifestyle Receiver (if so equipped). The Life-
style Receiver should be used for receiver-
mounted accessories only. The Lifestyle Re-
ceiver is designed for carrying bikes, snow
boards/skis, camping gear and various other
bulky items.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer loads,
but also the places you plan to tow. Tow
weights appropriate for level highway driving
may have to be reduced for low traction situ-
ations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).Temperature conditions can also affect tow-
ing. For example, towing a heavy trailer in
high outside temperatures on graded roads
can affect engine performance and cause
overheating. The engine protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of engine
damage, could activate and automatically
decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip care-
fully to account for trailer and vehicle load,
weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be espe-
cially careful when driving. If the vehicle can-
not maintain a safe driving speed, pull to the
side of the road in a safe area. Allow the en-
gine to cool and return to normal operation.
For additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
LTI2030
Technical and consumer information10-19