brakes INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Guide

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 ........................................ 8-12
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Variable voltage control system ................8-14
Drive belt ...................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-16
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-16Windshield wiper blades
........................ 8-17
Cleaning .................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes ......................................... 8-19
Fuses .......................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................ 8-20
Passenger compartment ....................8-21
Battery replacement ........................... 8-22
INFINITI Intelligent Key .....................8-22
Lights ......................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................. 8-24
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-25
Replacement procedures ....................8-26
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-27
Tire pressure ................................ 8-27
Tire labeling ................................ 8-30
Types
of tires ............................... 8-33
Tire chains .................................. 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ...................8-36

Rear window wiper blade
If checking or replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.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" (P. 9-2).
BRAKES
Do-it-yourself8-19

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.
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 electronic
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.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV)
is recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
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 switch on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for sev-
eral minutes so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the cen-
ter of the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bum-
per height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13
mm) of the reference height measured in
step 2. The rear bumper should be no
higher than the reference height mea-
sured 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 un-
predictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious personal in-
jury 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 label.
• Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer's specifications.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-25

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 exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle's electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer retailer to ob-
tain 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
available.
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 pos-
sible causes of either condition.
• Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving.
• Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of grav-
ity low.
• Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40%
is in the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
10-26Technical and consumer information

• Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
• Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the vehicle and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability
and braking performance will be somewhat
different than under normal driving
conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to preventload shift while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. • When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down- hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Turn off the engine. To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer
are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
• While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
• If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P. 6-7).
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor- mal circumstances.
Technical and consumer information10-27

• Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first500 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 recommended
maintenance schedule in “Maintenance and
schedules” (P. 9-2).
• 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 adversely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being 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 al-
low. 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 apply
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 con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. 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 reduced
braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• INFINITI recommends that the cruise con- trol 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. • Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts af-
ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe
or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more frequently. For
additional information, see“ Do-it-yourself”
(P. 8-2).
FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when towing
a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such
as a motor home.
10-28Technical and consumer information

11 Index
2
2nd row bench seat adjustment.......1-4
A
Active Engine Brake............5-157Active noise cancellation
Active sound enhancement......5-167Active Ride Control........... .5-158Active Trace Control............5-156Aiming control, headlights.........2-40Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).................... .1-41Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system)
............... .1-48Air bag warning labels............1-60Air bag warning light.........1-61, 2-12Air bag warning light,
supplemental............ .1-61, 2-12Air cleaner.................. .8-16Air cleaner housing filter..........8-16Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation........4-35Air conditioner specification label. .10-12Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.......... .10-7Heater and air conditioner
(automatic) (if so equipped).......4-34
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-35Servicing air conditioner.........4-42Alarm system (See vehicle security
system).................... .2-29Anchor point locations............1-27Antenna................... .4-43Anti-lock brake warning light. . . .2-10, 2-13Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).....5-152Antifreeze..................5-165Armrests.................... .1-5Around View® Monitor...........4-10Autolight switch.............. .2-36Automatic
Automatic power window switch. . .2-64Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-34Automatic brake hold........... .5-25Automatic door locks............ .3-6Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). . .2-16
B
Battery............... .5-165, 8-12Charge warning light...........2-11Battery replacement............ .8-22INFINITI Intelligent Key.........8-22Key fob.................. .8-22Before starting the engine.........5-16Belt (See drive belt).............8-15Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI).......5-54Blind Spot Warning (BSW).........5-45
Booster seats................ .1-38Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). . . .5-152Brake fluid................ .8-10Brake light (See stop light)........8-25Brake system...............5-152Brake warning light............2-10Brake wear indicators......2-18, 8-19Self-adjusting brakes...........8-19Brake Assist................ .5-153Brake fluid.................. .8-10Brake system................5-152Brakes.................... .8-19Break-in schedule.............5-144Brightness control
Instrument panel............ .2-41Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10Bulb replacement............. .8-25
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.......10-11Camera Aiding Sonar (parking sensor). .4-23Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants............... .10-2Car phone or CB radio...........4-43Cargo (See vehicle loading
information)................ .10-15Cargo area storage bin...........2-55Cargo cover................. .2-62

Child seat belts. . .1-22, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38Reporting safety defects (US only). .10-31SeatMemory seat........... .3-36, 3-38Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment.......1-3Second row bench seats..........1-4Seat beltChild safety................ .1-20Infants and small children........1-20Injured person................1-14Larger children...............1-21Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11Pregnant women..............1-14Seat belt extenders............1-19Seat belt maintenance...........1-19Seat belts.............. .1-11, 7-7Three-point type with retractor.....1-15Seat belt extenders..............1-19Seat belt warning light........1-14, 2-12Seatback pockets.............. .2-51Seats
2nd row bench seat adjustment......1-4Adjustment................. .1-2Armrests................... .1-5Front seats..................1-2Heated seats................2-43Seats/floor mats................7-6Security indicator light............2-12Security system
(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start
..........2-30, 3-4, 5-16Security systemsVehicle security system..........2-29
Self-adjusting brakes............ .8-19Service manual order form.........10-33Servicing air conditioner...........4-42Spark plug replacement...........8-15Spark plugs.................. .8-15Specifications.................10-8Speedometer................. .2-5Speedometer and odometer.........2-4SRS warning label...............1-60Stability control...............5-154Standard maintenance.............9-9Starting
Before starting the engine........5-16Jump starting............ .6-5, 8-14Precautions when starting and
driving................ .5-4, 5-10Push starting.................6-7Starting the engine.............5-16Starting the engine............. .5-16Steering
Power steering system. . . .5-149, 5-150Steering Assist switch
(for vehicles with ProPILOT Assist). . . .2-45Steering wheel................ .3-31Stop light................... .8-25Storage.................... .2-50Storage tray..............2-51, 2-52Sun visors................... .3-32Sunglasses case................2-53Sunglasses holder...............2-53Sunroof................. .2-66, 7-5Supplemental air bag warning labels. . . .1-60Supplemental air bag warning
light.................. .1-61, 2-12
Supplemental front impact air bag
system.................... .1-48Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.....1-60Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-41Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system)........1-41Switch
Autolight switch............. .2-36Automatic power window switch. . . .2-64Fog light switch..............2-42Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight aiming control.........2-40Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-36Instrument brightness control......2-41Power door lock switch...........3-5Rear window wiper and washer
switches.................. .2-34Turn signal switch.............2-41
T
Tachometer.................. .2-6Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Theft(INFINITI vehicle immobilizer system),
engine start
..........2-30, 3-4, 5-16Three-way catalyst.............. .5-4Tire
Flat tire................... .6-3Tire and Loading Information label. .10-12
11-6