oil level INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Manual

WARNING
• Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it to
be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driving
it could be dangerous.
• Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or a low brake fluid level
may increase your stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
• If the brake fluid level is below the MINI-
MUM or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, or missing or if the light re- mains on, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates when a malfunction oc-
curs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning light illuminates, the
chime sounds and the following message is
displayed in the vehicle information display:
“When parked apply parking brake”.
When the ignition is placed in the OFF posi-
tion, the chime sounds continuously. Ensure
the parking brake is applied
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
orElectronic parking
brake indicator
light
This light illuminates when the electronic
parking brake system is operating. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the electronic parking brake warn-
ing light illuminates. When the engine is
started and the parking brake is released, the
warning light turns off.
If the parking brake is not released, the elec-
tronic parking brake warning light remains
illuminated. Ensure the electronic parking
brake warning light has turned off before
driving.
If the electronic parking brake warning light
illuminates or flashes while the electronic
parking brake system warning light
or(yellow) illuminates, it may indicate that
the electronic parking brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
For additional information, see “Electronic
parking brake” (P. 5-23).
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engine immediately and call an INFINITI
retailer or other authorized repair shop.
Instruments and controls2-11

The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. For additional
information, see “Engine oil” (P. 8-6).
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Such damage is not covered by war-
ranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
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:
• Parking brake warning
• Door warning (when vehicle is moving)
• Shift position warning
• Low battery warning
• Handle Release warning
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-19).
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position
and remains illuminated until the driver's seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about 6 seconds unless the driv-
er's seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illumi-
nate if the front passenger's seat belt is not
fastened when the front passenger's seat is
occupied. For 7 seconds after the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position, the sys-
tem does not activate the warning light for
the front passenger.
The 2nd row seats may be also equipped with
a seat belt warning light.
For additional information, see “Seat belts”
(P. 1-11).
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF or LOCK position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates
that the security systems equipped on the
vehicle are operational. For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” (P. 2-29).
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and
pretensioner seat belt systems need
servicing:
• The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
• The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal restraint system (air bag system) and/or
the pretensioners may not function properly.
For additional information, see “Supplemen-
tal Restraint System (SRS)” (P. 1-41).
2-12Instruments and controls

INFINITI VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use
of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
key, it may be due to interference caused by
another registered key, an automated toll
road device or automated payment device on
the key ring. Restart the engine using the
following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the interfer-
ence) separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, INFINITI
recommends placing the registered key on a
separate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices. • Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. For additional information, see
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” (P. 2-9) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Press the Park button to place the vehicle
in P (Park) or move the shift lever to N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depress-
ing the brake pedal with the ignition
switch in any position.
• If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when re-
starting, depress the accelerator pedal a
little (approximately 1/3 to the floor)
and while holding, crank the engine. Re-
lease the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-16Starting and driving

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

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

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H (High)
and L (Low) marksOB. This is the normal
operating oil level range. If the oil level is
below the L (Low) mark
OA, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not fill oil level
above H (High) mark
OC.
6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil main-
tenance intervals or during the break-in pe-
riod, depending on the severity of operating
conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Oper-
ating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND OIL
FILTER
For additional information on engine oil and
oil filter change, refer to the instructions out-
lined in this section.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suit- able floor jack and safety jack stands.
• Place the safety jack stands under the ve- hicle jack-up points.
• A suitable adapter should be attached to the jack stand saddle.LDI3158LDI0371
ENGINE OIL
8-6Do-it-yourself

CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the en-
gine oil is hot.
WARNING
• Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
• Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
• Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the en-
gine. Failure to do so could lead to an oil
leak and engine damage. •
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick hole
when filling the engine with oil.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten addi-
tionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque: 14.7 to 20.6 N·m (11 to 15 ft-lb)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 29.4 to 39.2 N·m (22 to 29 ft-lb)
9. Refill the engine with the recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install
the oil filler cap securely.
For additional information about drain and
refill capacity, see “Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities” (P. 10-2). The drain
and refill capacity depends on the oil tem-
perature and drain time. Use these specifica-
tions for reference only. Always use the dip-
stick to determine the proper amount of oil in
the engine. 10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required. Turn the engine off
and wait more than 15 minutes. Check
the oil level with the dipstick. Add engine
oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Reinstall engine protectors in reverse or-der of removal.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Reset the oil control system. For addi- tional information, see “Vehicle informa-
tion display” (P. 2-19)
• Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
• Check your local regulations.
Do-it-yourself8-9

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

• 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