ECO mode INFINITI QX50 2021 Repair 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

When the Active Engine Brake is operated at
corners and the “Chassis Control” mode is
selected in the vehicle information display,
the Active Engine Brake graphics are shown
in the vehicle information display.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Engine Brake is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.WARNING
The Active Engine Brake may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Engine Brake is operating,
the needle of the tachometer will rise up and
you may hear an engine noise. This is normal
and indicates that the Active Engine Brake is
operating properly.
You may also feel deceleration when the Ac-
tive Engine Brake is operating. However, this
is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and con-
trols four wheel brake pressure. This will en-
hance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
When the Active Ride Control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the Active
Ride Control graphics are shown in the ve-
hicle information display.
LSD2185
5-158Starting 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

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models with
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the
vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow AWD models equipped with a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
with any of the wheels on the ground as
this may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transfer case and transmission.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to other
positions.
LCE2370
In case of emergency6-9

Two-Wheel Drive models with
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck
as illustrated.
NOTE:
If the electronic parking brake is released,
the rear wheels can be grounded while tow-
ing. If the electronic parking brake is not re-
leased, towing dollies should be used. For
additional information, see “Electronic
parking brake” (P. 5-23).
CAUTION
• Never tow Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) models with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or backward), as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels.
• When towing Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) models with the rear
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by placing
the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering
lock mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism).
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to other
positions.
LCE2371
6-10In case of emergency

FLOOR MATS (if so equipped)
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision, injury or death:
• NEVER place a floor mat on top of an-
other floor mat in the driver front posi-
tion or install them upside down or
backwards.
• Use only Genuine INFINITI floor mats or
equivalent floor mats, specifically de-
signed for use in your vehicle model and
model year. •
Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning
hook. For additional information, see
"Floor mat installation" (P. 7-6).
• Make sure the floor mat does not inter-
fere with pedal operation.
• Periodically check the floor mats to make
sure they are properly installed.
• After cleaning the vehicle interior, check
the floor mats to make sure they are
properly installed.
The use of Genuine INFINITI floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular cleaning
and replaced if they become excessively
worn.
Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat re-
tainer clips. The number and shape of the
floor mat retainer clips for each seating posi-
tion varies depending on the vehicle. When installing Genuine INFINITI floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided
with the mat and the following:
1. With the ignition in the OFF position, the
shift lever in P (Park) position and with the
parking brake fully applied, position the
floor mat in the floorwell so that the floor
mat grommet holes are aligned with the
retainer clips.
2. Secure the grommet holes into the clips and ensure that the floor mat is properly
positioned.
3. Make sure the floor mat does not inter- fere with pedal operation. With the igni-
tion still in the OFF position, the shift lever
in the P (Park) position and with the park-
ing brake applied, fully apply and release
all pedals. The floor mat must not inter-
fere with pedal operation or prevent the
pedal from returning to its normal
position.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for details about installing the floor
mats in your vehicle.
LAI2094
7-6Appearance and care

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to your-
self or damage to the vehicle. The following
are general precautions which should be
closely observed.
WARNING
• Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
• Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
• If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from moving fans, belts and
any other moving parts.
• It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
• Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition switch is in the OFF position and the engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
• If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is necessary
to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
•
Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from the fuel tank and battery.
• Because the fuel lines on gasoline engine
models are under high pressure even
when the engine is off, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for ser-
vice of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
• Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
• Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
engine coolant and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid. •
Never leave the engine or Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) related
component harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
• Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to other
positions.
This “Do-it-yourself” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine INFINITI service manual is also
available. For additional information, see
“Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” (P. 10-33).
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended that you have it
done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself

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

If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” (P. 6-3).
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
WARNING
Radio waves could adversely affect electric
medical equipment. Those who use a pace-
maker should contact the electric medical
equipment manufacturer for the possible
influences before use.
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
When the low tire pressure warning light is lit
and the “Tire Pressure Low – Add Air” warn-
ing appears in the vehicle information display,
one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. If equipped, the system also
displays pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire) on the display screen by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each wheel.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h).
Also, this system may not detect a sudden
drop in tire pressure (for example a flat tire
while driving). For additional information, see “Low tire
pressure warning light” (P. 2-13), “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P. 5-5) and
“Flat tire” (P. 6-3).
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips.
The recommended tire pressure specifica-
tions are shown on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label or the Tire and
Loading Information label under the “Cold
Tire Pressure” heading. The Tire and Loading
Information label is affixed to the driver side
center pillar. Tire pressures should be
checked regularly because:
• Most tires naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly when driven
over potholes or other objects or if the
vehicle strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when
the tires are cold. The tires are considered
COLD after the vehicle has been parked for 3
or more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds.
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator provides vi-
sual and audible signals outside the vehicle for
inflating the tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. For additional information, see “TPMS
with tire inflation indicator” (P. 5-7).
Incorrect tire pressure, including under infla-
tion, may adversely affect tire life and ve-
hicle handling.
WARNING
• Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
• The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The ve-
hicle weight capacity is indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label. Do
not load your vehicle beyond this capac-
ity. Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating con-
ditions due to premature tire failure, or
unfavorable handling characteristics
and could also lead to a serious accident.
Loading beyond the specified capacity
may also result in failure of other vehicle
components.
• Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Do-it-yourself8-27

Tire and Loading Information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number
of occupants that can be seated in the
vehicle.
2Original tire size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at the
factory.
3Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to this
pressure when the tires are cold. Tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moder-
ate speeds. The recommended cold tire
inflation is set by the manufacturer to provide the best balance of tire wear,
vehicle handling, driveability, tire noise,
etc., up to the vehicle's GVWR.
4Tire size - see “Tire labeling” (P. 8-30).
5Spare tire size.
6Vehicle load limit: see “Vehicle loading
information” (P. 10-15).
Checking tire pressure
WARNING
• Driving at high speeds, 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher sustained
where it is legal to do so, can cause
tires to have excessive heat build
up, which may result in a tire fail-
ure causing loss of control, crash,
injuries or even death.
LDI3172LDI0393
8-28Do-it-yourself