towing INFINITI QX50 2020 Owners Manual

Shipping Mode On Push Storage Fuse
This warning may appear if the extended
storage switch is not pushed in. When this
warning appears, push in the extended stor-
age switch to turn off the warning. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Extended stor-
age switch” in this section.
CVT (AT) Malfunction Service now
This warning illuminates when there is a
problem with the CVT system. If this warning
comes on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
Service CVT (AT) Power reduced
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to re-
duce the chance of transmission damage.
Vehicle speed can be controlled with the ac-
celerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be reduced.WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode operation occurs, vehicle speed
may be gradually reduced. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a colli-
sion. Be especially careful when driving. If
necessary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the transmission to re-
turn to normal operation; or have it re-
paired if necessary.
Headlight System Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning illuminates when there is an
error with the system. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Headlight switch” in this
section.
Distance Control Assist (DCA) ON indicator
(if so equipped)
This indicator shows when the DCA system is
engaged.
For additional information, refer to "Dynamic
driver assistance switch” in this section and
“Distance Control Assist (DCA)” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual. Not Available Seat Belt Not Fastened (if so
equipped)
This message may appear when the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) (with ProPILOT
Assist) system is engaged.
Under the following condition, the ICC (with
ProPILOT Assist) system is automatically
canceled:
∙ When the driver’s seat belt is not fas- tened
The above system cannot be used when the
driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
Not Available Poor Road Conditions (if so
equipped)
This message may appear when the Intelli-
gent Cruise Control (ICC) (with ProPILOT
Assist) system, the Blind Spot Intervention®
(BSI) system, the Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP) system, the Distance Control Assist
(DCA) system, or the ICC (without ProPILOT
Assist) system is engaged.
Under the following conditions, the ICC (with
ProPILOT Assist) system, the Blind Spot In-
tervention® (BSI) system, the Lane Depar-
ture Prevention (LDP) system, the Distance
2-30Instruments and controls

Control Assist (DCA)” and “Lane Departure
Prevention (LDP)” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) indicator
This indicator illuminates to indicate the sta-
tus of the Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) sys-
tem. For additional information, refer to
“Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
Speed Limit Sign indicator (if so equipped)
This message may appear when the Traffic
Sign Recognition system is engaged.
For additional information, refer to “Traffic
Sign Recognition (TSR)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
System fault See Owner’s Manual
This warning appears if there is a malfunction
in the Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) system.
For additional information, refer to “Rear Au-
tomatic Braking (RAB)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Engine Stalled: Stop safely
This message appears 30 seconds before the
vehicle is shut down due to an above normal
operating exhaust temperature. The Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) and malfunc-tion warning (red) will illuminate. Have the
system checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer immediately for this
service.
Engine Malfunction: Power Reduced Ser-
vice now
This warning appears when the engine is not
operating under normal conditions. If this
warning comes on, have the system checked.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
Engine Malfunction Service now
This warning illuminates when there is a
problem with the engine. If this warning
comes on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
Engine hot Power reduced
This engine has a high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, climbing steep
grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to re-
duce the chance of engine damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may
be reduced.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode operation occurs, vehicle speed
may be gradually reduced. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a colli-
sion. Be especially careful when driving. If
necessary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the engine to return to
normal operation; or have it repaired if
necessary.
CVT (AT) hot Power reduced
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to re-
duce the chance of transmission damage.
Vehicle speed can be controlled with the ac-
celerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be reduced.
2-32Instruments and controls

A pinch strip is mounted on each side of the
liftgate. If an obstacle is detected by a pinch
strip during power close, the liftgate will re-
verse direction and return to the full open
position.
NOTE:
If the pinch strip is damaged or removed, the
power close function will not operate.
WARNING
There are some small distances immedi-
ately before the closed position which can-
not be detected. Make sure that all passen-
gers have their hands, etc., inside the
vehicle before closing the liftgate.Manual Mode:
If power operation is not available, the lift-
gate may be operated manually. Power op-
eration may not be available if multiple ob-
stacles have been detected in a single power
cycle or if the battery voltage is low.
If the power liftgate opener switch
Ais
pushed during power open or close, the
power operation will be canceled and the
liftgate can be operated manually.
To open the liftgate manually, unlock the
doors, push the liftgate opener switch
Aand
lift the liftgate. To close, lower and push the liftgate down
securely.
MOTION-ACTIVATED LIFTGATE
(if so equipped)
The liftgate can be operated using a quick
kicking motion under the center of the rear
bumper.
To operate, the Intelligent Key must be within
31.5 in (80 cm) of the liftgate.
NOTE:
Tow hitches are available as an accessory for
this vehicle. If a tow hitch is installed, the
liftgate electronic control unit (ECU) needs
to be replaced with an ECU programmed
with towing logic for the Motion-Activated
Liftgate to function properly.
LPD2721
3-26Pre-driving checks and adjustments

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving.............5-4
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ................5-4
Three-way catalyst ............................5-4
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .......5-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ...................................5-9
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................5-9
Off-road recovery .............................5-9
Rapid air pressure loss ....................... 5-10
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-10
Driving safety precautions ....................5-11
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving
safety precautions (if so equipped) ...........5-13
Push-button ignition switch ....................5-13
Operating range ............................ 5-14
Push-button ignition switch positions .........5-15
Emergency engine shut off ..................5-16
INFINITI Intelligent Key battery
discharge ................................... 5-16
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System ..........5-17
Before starting the engine .......................5-17
Starting the engine .............................. 5-17
Remote Engine Start (if so equipped) .........5-18
Driving the vehicle .............................. 5-19Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
....................................... 5-19
Electronic parking brake ........................ 5-24
Automatic operation ........................ 5-24
Manual operation ........................... 5-25
When towing a trailer ....................... 5-26
Automatic brake hold ........................... 5-26
How to activate/deactivate the
automatic brake hold function ...............5-27
How to use the automatic brake hold
function .................................... 5-28
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector ..................5-29
Standard mode ............................. 5-29
Sport mode ................................. 5-29
Personal mode .............................. 5-29
ECO mode .................................. 5-30
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) (if so equipped). . . 5-32 System operation ........................... 5-33
Turning

the Traffic Sign Recognition
(TSR) system on and off .....................5-34
System temporarily unavailable ..............5-34
System malfunction ......................... 5-34
System maintenance ........................ 5-35
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ................5-35

∙ Remember not to drive at high speeds forextended periods of time in lower than
8th gear. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up
Use the + (up) side paddle shifter. (Shifts to
higher range.)
When shifting down
Use the (down) side paddle shifter. (Shifts
to lower range.)
∙ The transmission will automatically downshift the gears. (For example, if you
select the 3rd range, the transmission will
shift down between the 3rd and 1st
gears.)
∙ Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
When canceling the manual shift mode
Move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driv-
ing mode. ∙ In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control. ∙
When this situation occurs, the Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) posi-
tion indicator will blink and the chime
will sound.
∙ In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the engine
speed is too high. When the vehicle
speed decreases, the transmission auto-
matically shifts down and shifts to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
∙ CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature
is extremely low even if manual shift
mode is selected. This is not a malfunc-
tion. When CVT fluid warms up, manual
mode can be selected.
∙ When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shift range may upshift in lower rpm
than usual. This is not a malfunction.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the ac-
celerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into a lower gear, de-
pending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, when climb-
ing steep grades in high temperatures with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer),
engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will be decreased automatically
to reduce the chance of transmission dam-
age. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the
accelerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be limited.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the
Continuously Variable Transmission will not
be shifted into the selected driving position.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme condi-
tions, such as excessive wheel spinning and
subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe sys-
tem may be activated. The Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) may come on to indicate
the fail-safe mode is activated. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Malfunction In-
dicator Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are function-
ing properly. In this case, place the ignition
Starting and driving5-23

∙When the electronic parking brake is fre-
quently applied and released in a short
period of time, the parking brake may
not operate in order to prevent the park-
ing brake system from overheating. If
this occurs, operate the electronic park-
ing brake switch again after waiting ap-
proximately 1 minute.
∙ If the electronic parking brake must be
applied while driving in an emergency,
pull up and hold the parking brake
switch. When you release the parking
brake switch, the parking brake will be
released.
∙ While pulling up the electronic parking
brake switch during driving, the parking
brake is applied and a chime sounds. The
electronic parking brake indicator light
(red) in the meter and in the parking
brake switch illuminates. This does not
indicate a malfunction. The electronic
parking brake indicator light (red) in the
meter and in the parking brake switch
turns off when the parking brake is re-
leased. ∙
When pulling the electronic parking
brake switch up with the ignition switch
in the OFF or AUTO ACC position, the
parking brake switch indicator light will
continue to illuminate for a short period
of time.
WHEN TOWING A TRAILER
Depending on the weight of the vehicle and
trailer and the steepness of the slope, there
may be a tendency for the vehicle to move
backwards when starting from a standstill.
When this occurs, you can use the parking
brake switch in the same way as a conven-
tional lever type parking brake.
Before starting on sloping roads when tow-
ing a trailer, be sure to read the following to
prevent the vehicle from moving backwards
unintentionally.
∙ Release the parking brake switch as soon as the engine is delivering enough torque
to the wheels. The automatic brake hold function maintains
the braking force without the driver having to
depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped at a traffic light or intersection. As
soon as the driver depresses the accelerator
pedal again, the automatic brake hold func-
tion is deactivated and the braking force is
released. The operating status of the auto-
matic brake hold can be displayed on the
vehicle information display.
WARNING
∙ The automatic brake hold function is not
designed to hold the vehicle on a steep hill
or slippery road. Never use the automatic
brake hold when the vehicle is stopped on
a steep hill or slippery road. Failure to do
so may cause the vehicle to move.
∙ When the automatic brake hold function is activated but fails to maintain the ve-
hicle at a standstill, depress the brake
pedal to stop the vehicle. If the vehicle
unexpectedly moves due to outside con-
ditions, the chime may sound and auto-
matic brake hold warning may illuminate
in the vehicle information display.
∙ Be sure to deactivate the automatic brake hold function when using a car
wash or towing your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC BRAKE HOLD
5-26Starting and driving

∙ The system will not operate at speeds be-low approximately 37 mph (60 km/h) or
if it cannot detect lane markers.
∙ Do not use the LDW system under the following conditions as it may not func-
tion properly:
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).
– When driving on slippery roads, such as on ice or snow.
– When driving on winding or uneven roads.
– When there is a lane closure due to road repairs.
– When driving in a makeshift or tempo- rary lane.
– When driving on roads where the lane width is too narrow.
– When driving without normal tire conditions (for example, tire wear, low
tire pressure, installation of spare tire,
tire chains, nonstandard wheels).
– When the vehicle is equipped with non-original brake parts or suspen-
sion parts.
– When you are towing a trailer or other vehicle. The system may not function properly under
the following conditions:
∙ On roads where there are multiple paral- lel lane markers; lane markers that are
faded or not painted clearly; yellow
painted lane markers; non-standard lane
markers; or lane markers covered with
water, dirt, snow, etc.
∙ On roads where the discontinued lane markers are still detectable.
∙ On roads where there are sharp curves.
∙ On roads where there are sharply con- trasting objects, such as shadows, snow,
water, wheel ruts, seams or lines remain-
ing after road repairs. (The LDW system
could detect these items as lane markers.)
∙ On roads where the traveling lane merges or separates.
∙ When the vehicle’s traveling direction does not align with the lane marker.
∙ When traveling close to the vehicle in front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
∙ When rain, snow, dirt or an object ad- heres to the windshield in front of the
lane camera unit. ∙ When the headlights are not bright due to
dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
∙ When strong light enters the lane camera unit. (For example, the light directly
shines on the front of the vehicle at sun-
rise or sunset.)
∙ When a sudden change in brightness oc- curs. (For example, when the vehicle en-
ters or exits a tunnel or under a bridge.)
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight under
high temperature conditions (over approxi-
mately 104°F [40°C]) and then started, the
LDW system may be deactivated automati-
cally and the following message will appear in
the vehicle information display: “Not avail-
able: High Camera Temp.”
When the interior temperature is reduced, the
LDW system will resume operating auto-
matically.
5-38Starting and driving

LDP SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations for the
LDP system. Failure to follow the warnings
and instructions for proper use of the LDP sys-
tem could result in serious injury or death.
∙ The LDP system may activate if youchange lanes without first activating
your turn signal or, for example, if a con-
struction zone directs traffic to cross an
existing lane marker. If this occurs you
may need to apply corrective steering to
complete your lane change.
∙ Because the LDP may not activate under the road, weather, and lane marker con-
ditions described in this section, it may
not activate every time your vehicle be-
gins to leave its lane and you will need to
apply corrective steering.
∙
The LDP system will not operate at speeds
below approximately 37 mph (60 km/h) or
if it cannot detect lane markers.
∙ Do not use the LDP system under the fol- lowing conditions as it may not function
properly:
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.). – When driving on slippery roads, such
as on ice or snow.
– When driving on winding or uneven roads.
– When there is a lane closure due to road repairs.
– When driving in a makeshift or tempo- rary lane.
– When driving on roads where the lane width is too narrow.
– When driving without normal tire conditions (for example, tire wear, low
tire pressure, installation of spare tire,
tire chains, non-standard wheels).
– When the vehicle is equipped with nonoriginal brake parts or suspension
parts.
– When you are towing a trailer or other vehicle.
The system may not function properly un-
der the following conditions:
∙ On roads where there are multiple paral- lel lane markers; lane markers that are
faded or not painted clearly; yellow
painted lane markers; non-standard lane
markers; or lane markers covered with
water, dirt, snow, etc. ∙ On roads where discontinued lane mark-
ers are still detectable.
∙ On roads where there are sharp curves.
∙ On roads where there are sharply con- trasting objects, such as shadows, snow,
water, wheel ruts, seams or lines remain-
ing after road repairs. (The LDP system
could detect these items as lane
markers.)
∙ On roads where the traveling lane merges or separates.
∙ When the vehicle’s traveling direction does not align with the lane marker.
∙ When traveling close to the vehicle in front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
∙ When rain, snow or dirt adheres to the windshield in front of the lane camera
unit.
∙ When the headlights are not bright due to dirt on the lens or if the aiming is not
adjusted properly.
∙ When strong light enters the lane camera unit. (For example, the light directly
shines on the front of the vehicle at sun-
rise or sunset.)
Starting and driving5-43

– On roads where there are sharply con-trasting objects, such as shadows,
snow, water, wheel ruts, seams or
lines remaining after road repairs.
– On roads where the traveling lane merges or separates.
– When the vehicle’s traveling direction does not align with the lane markers.
– When traveling close to the vehicle in front of you, which obstructs the lane
camera unit detection range.
– When rain, snow or dirt adheres to the windshield in front of a lane camera
unit.
– When the headlights are not bright due to dirt on the lens or if aiming is
not adjusted properly.
– When strong light enters a lane cam- era unit (e.g., light directly shines on
the front of the vehicle at sunrise or
sunset).
– When a sudden change in brightness occurs (e.g., when the vehicle enters or
exits a tunnel or under a bridge). ∙ Do not use the BSI system under the fol-
lowing conditions because the system
may not function properly:
– During bad weather (e.g., rain, fog, snow, etc.).
– When driving on slippery roads, such as on ice or snow, etc.
– When driving on winding or uneven roads.
– When there is a lane closure due to road repairs.
– When driving in a makeshift lane.
– When driving on roads where the lane width is too narrow.
– When driving with a tire that is not within normal tire conditions (e.g., tire
wear, low tire pressure, installation of
spare tire, tire chains, nonstandard
wheels).
– When the vehicle is equipped with non-original brake parts or suspen-
sion parts.
∙ Do not use the BSI system when towing a trailer. ∙ Excessive noise (e.g., audio system vol-
ume, open vehicle window) will interfere
with the chime sound, and it may not be
heard.
5-60Starting and driving

∙ The system may not detect the vehicle infront of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never use
the ICC system under the following
conditions:
– On roads where the traffic is heavy or there are sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on ice or snow, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the bumper around the distance sensor
– On steep downhill roads (the vehicle may go beyond the set vehicle speed
and frequent braking may result in
overheating the brakes)
– On repeated uphill and downhill roads
– When traffic conditions make it diffi- cult to keep a proper distance be-
tween vehicles because of frequent
acceleration or deceleration
– Interference by other radar sources
∙ Do not use the ICC system if you are tow- ing a trailer. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. ∙ In some road or traffic conditions, a ve-
hicle or object can unexpectedly come
into the sensor detection zone and cause
automatic braking. Always stay alert and
avoid using the ICC system where not
recommended in this warning section.
The radar sensor will not detect the following
objects: ∙ Stationary and slow moving vehicles
∙ Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
∙ Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
∙ Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane
The sensor generally detects the signals re-
turned from the vehicle ahead. Therefore, if
the sensor cannot detect the reflection from
the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not
maintain the selected distance.
The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot properly detect a vehicle ahead
and the system may not operate properly:
∙ When snow or road spray from traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s detection.
∙ When your vehicle is towing a trailer, etc.
∙ When excessively heavy baggage is loaded in the rear seat or cargo area of
your vehicle. The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the limi-
tations of the system.
When the sensor is covered with dirt or is
obstructed, the system will automatically be
canceled. If the sensor is covered with ice, a
transparent or translucent vinyl bag, etc., the
ICC system may not detect them. In these
instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode may not cancel and may not be
able to maintain the selected following dis-
tance from the vehicle ahead. Be sure to
check and clean the sensor regularly.
The detection zone of the radar sensor is
limited. A vehicle ahead must be in the detec-
tion zone for the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
detection mode to maintain the selected dis-
tance from the vehicle ahead.
A vehicle ahead may move outside of the
detection zone due to its position within the
same lane of travel. Motorcycles may not be
detected in the same lane ahead if they are
traveling offset from the centerline of the
lane. A vehicle that is entering the lane ahead
may not be detected until the vehicle has
completely moved into the lane.
If this occurs, the ICC system may warn you
by blinking the system indicator and sound-
ing the chime. The driver may have to manu-
ally control the proper distance away from
vehicle traveling ahead.
5-90Starting and driving