ESP INFINITI QX50 2021 Workshop Manual

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 tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and corner-
ing on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• 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 theindicator 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 theandindicator 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 theandindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing 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
theandindicator 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.
The Active Trace Control can be set to on
(enabled) or off (disabled) through the lower
display “Drive Mode Selector” menu option.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-156Starting and driving

If the chassis control system error warning
message appears in the vehicle information
display, it may indicate that the Active Ride
Control is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended 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 assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully 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 hold-
ing time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the
vehicle will begin to roll back and the hill
start assist system will stop operating
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.
The Hill Start Assist function status can be
checked in the “Chassis Control” mode in the
vehicle information display. For additional in-
formation, see “Vehicle information display”
(P. 2-19).
LSD3922
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-159

The sonar system sounds a tone to inform the
driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the sonar system is turned on, the
sonar view will automatically appear in the
center display when the camera is activated.
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and instruc-
tions for proper use of the sonar system
could result in serious injury or death.
• The sonar system is not a replacement
for proper driving procedures and is not
designed to prevent contact with ve-
hicles or objects. •
The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking.
• This function is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the vehicle.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper
fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing
zone may be altered causing inaccurate mea-
surement of obstacles or false alarm.
CAUTION
•
Excessive noise (such as audio system vol-
ume or an open vehicle window) will inter-
fere with the tone and it may not be heard.
• Keep the sonar sensors (located on the
bumper fascias) free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. Do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects. If the
sensors are covered, the accuracy of the
sonar function will be diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and audible
signal of front obstacles when the shift lever
is in the D (Drive) position and both front and
rear obstacles when the shift lever is in the R
(Reverse) position.
LSD3923LSD2993
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
5-160Starting and driving

In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of
it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your ve-
hicle as soon as you can:
• After a rainfall to prevent possible damagefrom acid rain.
• After driving on coastal roads.
• When contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs
get on the paint surface.
• When dust or mud builds up on the surface.
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a
mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general
purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean,
lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
• Do not concentrate water spray directly
on the sonar sensors (if so equipped) on
the bumper as this will result in damage
to the sensors. Do not use pressure
washers capable of spraying water over
1,200 psi (8,274 kPa) to wash your ve-
hicle. Use of high-pressure washers over
1,200 psi (8,274 kPa) can result in dam-
age to or removal of paint or graphics.
Avoid using a high-pressure washer
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the ve-
hicle. Always use a wide-angle nozzle
only, keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water spray on any one
area.
• Do not use car washes that use acid in the
detergent. Some car washes, especially
brushless ones, use some acid for clean-
ing. The acid may react with some plastic
vehicle components, causing them to
crack. This could affect their appear-
ance, and also could cause them not to
function properly. Always check with
your car wash to confirm that acid is not
used.
• Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents. •
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight
or while the vehicle body is hot, as the
surface may become water-spotted.
• Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must
be taken when removing caked-on dirt
or other foreign substances so the paint
surface is not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside edges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable
to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these
areas must be cleaned regularly. Take care
that the drain holes in the lower edge of the
door are open. Spray water under the body
and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and
wash away road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the ve-
hicle to avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-up
wax residue and to avoid a weathered ap-
pearance before re-applying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in choos-
ing the proper product.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care

• Wax your vehicle only after a thoroughwashing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
• Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, in-
sects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from
the surface of the paint to avoid lasting dam-
age or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at an INFINITI retailer or any auto-
motive accessory store. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for these
products.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge
dampened in a mild soap solution, especially
during winter months in areas where road
salt is used. If not removed, road salt can
discolor the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid stain-
ing or discoloring the wheels:
• Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid
or alkali contents to clean the wheels. •
Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as am-
bient temperature.
• Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSINGS
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a
compound. This compound may come off the
tire while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
• Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat- ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
• Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove).
Appearance and care7-3

Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas
where the temperatures stay above freezing
and where atmospheric pollution exists and
road salt is used.
Temperature
High temperatures accelerate the rate of cor-
rosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use
accelerates the corrosion process. Road salt
also accelerates the disintegration of paint
surfaces.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
• Wash and wax your vehicle often to keepthe vehicle clean.
• Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible.
• Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation. • Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with wa-
ter as soon as possible.
CAUTION
• NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris
from the passenger compartment by
washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt
with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
• Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this may dam-
age them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corro-
sion and deterioration of underbody compo-
nents such as the exhaust system, fuel and
brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and
fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended that you consult an
INFINITI retailer.
7-8Appearance and care

Note: Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s author-
ity to operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation of the device.HEADLIGHTS
For additional information on headlight bulb
replacement, refer to the instructions out-
lined in this section.
Replacing the LED headlight bulb
If LED headlight bulb replacement is re-
quired, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
FOG LIGHTS (if so equipped)
For additional information on fog light bulb
replacement, refer to the instructions out-
lined in this section.
Replacing the LED fog light bulb
If LED fog light bulb replacement is required,
it is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
LIGHTS
8-24Do-it-yourself

Some day-to-day and regular maintenance is
essential to maintain your vehicle good me-
chanical condition, as well as its emissions
and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your responsi-
bility to perform these procedures regularly
as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you pre-
fer, an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this section
are required to be serviced at regular inter-
vals. However under severe driving condi-
tions, additional or more frequent mainte-
nance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the lat-
est service information through technical bul-
letins, service tips and training programs.
They are fully qualified to work on INFINITI
vehiclesbeforework begins.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, it is
recommended that you ask your INFINITI
retailer where the nearest INFINITI Certified
Collision Center is located, or go to
http://collision.infinitiusa.com.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retail-
er’s service department can perform the ser-
vice needed to meet the maintenance re-
quirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this sec-
tion. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibra-
tions or smells, be sure to check for the cause
or have it checked promptly. In addition, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance pre-
cautions” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
WARNING
Failure to follow the procedures listed
within this section may result in personal
injury.
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isfound in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless other-
wise specified.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules

Tire rotation:Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance schedule.
When rotating tires, check for damage and
uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil: Visually inspect for signs of
leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals. To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, INFINITI provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive.
These schedules contain both distance and
time intervals, up to 90,000 miles (144,000
km)/144 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service
is needed. However, if you drive very little,
your vehicle should be serviced at the regular
time intervals shown in the schedule.
After 90,000 miles (144,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe op-
erating conditions
should be performed on
vehicles that are driven under especially de-
manding conditions. Additional maintenance
items should be performed if you primarily
operate your vehicle under the following
conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km). • Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures remain-
ing below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Towing a trailer, using a camper or using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe mainte-
nance intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Maintenance and schedules9-7

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 all
do, 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