check transmission fluid INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Manual

•When replacing a wheel without the
TPMS such as the spare tire, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire pres-
sure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain on
after 1 minute. Have your tires replaced
and/or TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for these
services.
• Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
CAUTION
• The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
• If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of
less than 16 mph (25 km/h), the TPMS
may not operate correctly.
• Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate a potential emission control
malfunction.
The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3
gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control
system inspection/maintenance test. For ad-
ditional information, see “Readiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test”
(P. 10-32).
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the master warning light illuminates if
any of the following (if so equipped) are dis-
played on the vehicle information display:
• I-Key system warnings
• Low washer fluid warning
• Door/ liftgate open warning (when vehicle is stopped)
• Loose fuel cap warning
• Low tire pressure warning
• Flat tire warning
• Transmission system warning
• Headlight warning
• Driver Attention Support system warning
• Shipping mode warning
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) system warning
• Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) warning
• Driving Aids malfunction warning
• Chassis Control system warning
• Engine warnings
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-19).
Instruments and controls2-15

Stop vehicle and Apply
parking brake
This message may appear when the battery
charge is low.
Please park vehicle as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer.
Transmission Shift Position
indicator
This indicator shows the transmission shift
position.
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates
and low tire pressure is detected. The warn-
ing appears each time the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position as long as the low
tire pressure warning light remains illumi-
nated. If this warning appears, stop the ve-
hicle and adjust the tire pressures of all four
tires to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. For additional information, see
“Low tire pressure warning light” (P. 2-13)
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P. 5-5).
When parked apply parking
brake
This message appears when a malfunction
occurs in the electric shift control system be-
low 6 mph (10 km/h).
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
AWD Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning appears when the all-wheel
drive system is not functioning properly while
the engine is running.
AWD High Temp. Stop vehicle
This warning may appear while trying to free
a stuck vehicle due to increased oil tempera-
ture. The driving mode may change to
2-Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning is dis-
played, stop the vehicle with the engine idling,
as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if the
warning turns off, you can continue driving.
AWD Tire Size Incorrect: See
Owner’s Manual
This warning may appear if there is a large
difference between the diameters of the
front and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a
safe area, with the engine idling. Check that
all the tire sizes are the same, that the tire
pressure is correct and that the tires are not
excessively worn.
CVT (AT) Malfunction Service now
This warning appears when there is a prob-
lem 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.
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.
2-24Instruments and controls

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
return to normal operation; or have it re-
paired if necessary.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.
Engine Malfunction: Power Reduced
Service 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 appears when there is a prob-
lem with the engine. If this warning comes on,
have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
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.
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.
Instruments and controls2-25

seconds. Then place the ignition switch back
in the ON position. The vehicle should return
to its normal operating condition. If it does
not return to its normal operating condition,
have the transmission checked and repaired,
if necessary. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs, ve-
hicle speed may be gradually reduced. The
reduced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance of
a collision. Be especially careful when driv-
ing. If necessary, pull to the side of the road
at a safe place and allow the transmission
to return to normal operation, or have it
repaired if necessary.
WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
• Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
• Do not use the shift lever in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure the
parking brake is fully engaged. •
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the ve-
hicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others or pets unattended in
your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm day
can quickly become high enough to cause
a significant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
The electronic parking brake can be applied
or released automatically or by operating the
parking brake switch.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
The electronic parking brake will apply auto-
matically if the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position when the brake force is main-
tained by the automatic brake hold function.
The electronic parking brake is automatically
released as soon as the vehicle starts and the
accelerator pedal is depressed.
The driver’s seat belt needs to be fastened.
LSD2915
ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-23

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

CAUTION
• INFINITI recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in INFINITI CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
• Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission fluid
in an INFINITI CVT, as it may damage the
CVT. Damage caused by the use of fluids
other than as recommended is not cov-
ered under INFINITI's New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty outlined in your Warranty
Information Booklet.
• Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused by
the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under INFINITI's
New Vehicle Limited Warranty outlined
in your Warranty Information Booklet.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system. The
use of improper fluids can damage the
brake system and affect the vehicle's
stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface with
water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
OB, the
brake warning light will illuminate. Add brake
fluid up to the MAX line
OA. For additional
information on the recommended type of
brake fluid, see “Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities” (P. 10-2).
If the brake fluid must be added frequently,
the brake system should be thoroughly
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
For additional information on the location of
the brake fluid reservoir, see “Engine com-
partment check locations” (P. 8-3).
LDI3161
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself

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

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

• 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

Chassis control................5-156Check tire pressure..............2-24Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-26Child restraints.........1-20, 1-22, 1-24LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-24Precautions on child
restraints.......1-22, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-27Child safety rear door lock...........3-6Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2, 7-4Climate control seat switch.........2-42Cold weather driving........... .5-165Console box................. .2-53Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)..................... .5-18Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. . .4-35CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
.............. .10-2Changing engine coolant..........8-5Checking engine coolant level.......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control.............5-75, 5-76Cup holders................. .2-54
D
Dimensions and weights...........10-9Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . . .2-41Distance Control Assist (DCA) system. .5-106Door locks................... .3-4Drive belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving.......... .5-165Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)........... .5-18Precautions when starting and
driving................ .5-4, 5-10Driving the vehicle...............5-18Dual power moonroof............2-66
E
E-call (SOS) Button............. .2-48Economy - fuel............... .5-145Electronic parking brake...........5-23Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15, 6-3Emission control information label. . . .10-11Emission control system warranty. . . .10-30Engine
Before starting the engine........5-16Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.............. .10-2Changing engine coolant..........8-5Changing engine oil.............8-6Changing engine oil filter..........8-6Checking engine coolant level.......8-5Checking engine oil level..........8-6
Engine compartment check locations. .8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation..............10-6Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-11Engine oil viscosity.............10-6Engine serial number...........10-11Engine specifications...........10-8Starting the engine............ .5-16Engine Block Heater............5-166Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . . .2-6Event Data recorders............10-32Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......5-4Explanation of maintenance items......9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch...........2-49
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-11Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)..................... .6-2Flat tire......................6-3Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid................ .8-10Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.................... .8-10
11-2