2014 INFINITI Q50-HYBRID power steering

5-108Starting and driving
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure. This action is similar to pumping
the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps
to perform the following functions.
.
Controls brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine or
motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine or motor output to
help the driver maintain control of the
vehicle in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes so note the following:
.
The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the
road conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-18).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator light
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
except for rise-up and build-up, and brake
force distribution, and the VDC warning
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

lightwill not flash. The VDC system is
automatically reset to on when the ignition
switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-18) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-20).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid
®
System and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk”noise and/
or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This
is normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
RISE-UP AND BUILD-UP
The system gradually adjusts braking
power during normal braking to help
provide an enhanced brake feel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steering
operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
. The rise-up and build-up, and brake force
distribution system may not be effective
depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
INFINITI recommended for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly. This
could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI
recommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
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 VDC warning light
may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the hybrid system after driving
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 VDC warning light
may illumi-
Starting and driving5-109

6-8In case of emergency
maximum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the hybrid system.) Do not open the
hood further until no steam or coolant
can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should
not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
hybrid system.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, the engine cooling
fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
INFINITI retailer. Local service operators are
familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions.
WARNING
.
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

6-10In case of emergency
sion. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
. When towing rear wheel drive models
with the front wheels on the ground or
on towing dollies: Push the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON position, and
secure the steering wheel in a straight-
ahead position with a rope or similar
device.
SCE0488
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the
vehicle be placed on a flat bed truck as
illustrated. The vehicle should only be
loaded onto a flat bed using a winch.
CAUTION
Never tow Intelligent AWD models with any
of the wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to the powertrain.

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
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).
12-volt battery*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. It should be between the MAX
and MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe condition
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
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 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
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 belts*: Make sure that no belt
is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Inverter coolant lebel: Check the coolant
level when the inverter is cold.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as

M
MaintenanceBattery ......................................................... 8-17
General maintenance ..................................... 8-2
Indicators for maintenance (vehicle
information display) ..................................... 2-29
Inside the vehicle .......................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements ............................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle ........................................ 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-16
Under the hood and vehicle ........................... 8-4
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) ....................... 2-19
Map lights ........................................................ 2-58
Master warning light ......................................... 2-17
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .............. 3-3
Memory storage Automatic drive positioner ........................... 3-29
Meter Trip computer .............................................. 2-31
Meters and gauges ............................................. 2-6
Instrument brightness control ...................... 2-46
Mirror
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-25
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-26
Vanity mirror ................................................ 3-28
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-56
N
NAVI Shift Control ............................................. 5-19
New vehicle break-in ......................................... 5-99
Noise and vibration ...................... Hybrid System-12
O
Odometer............................................................ 2-7
Off-road recovery ................................................ 5-8
Oil Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
One touch unlock sensor (See Intelligent
Key system) ........................................................ 3-9
Operation Indicators for operation ............................... 2-24
Operation of the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System .............................. Hybrid System-4
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-26
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ..................... 6-7
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information .............................................. 9-23
P
Panic alarm ...................................................... 3-16 Parking
Parking brake operation ............................... 5-20
Parking on hills ......................................... 5-103
Parking brake break-in .................................... 5-106
Personal lights .................................................. 2-59
PERSONAL mode ............................................... 5-23
Phone
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-3
Power Power door lock ............................................. 3-4
Power outlet ................................................ 2-48
Power steering system ............................... 5-104
Power windows ............................................ 2-54
Power steering warning light ............................. 2-17
Precautions Braking precautions ................................... 5-106
Child restraints ............................................ 1-19
Cruise control .............................................. 5-56
Maintenance .................................................. 8-5
Seat belt usage ........................................... 1-10Supplemental restraint system ..................... 1-37
When starting and driving .............................. 5-3
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ........ 1-12
Predictive forward collision warning system ...... 5-94
Push starting ...................................................... 6-7
Push-button ignition switch ..................... 5-10, 5-11
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-3
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ........................ 2-40
10-5

10-6
Rapid air pressure loss ....................................... 5-8
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) .......................................................... 9-22Rear door lock
Child safety rear door lock ............................. 3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................ 2-41
Recorders Event data ................................................... 9-23
Regenerative brake ......................... Hybrid System-8
Registering your vehicle in another country ...... 9-11
Remote keyless entry system ............................ 3-14
Reporting safety defects ................................... 9-21
Request switch (See Intelligent Key system) ........ 3-9
Road accident cautions ................... Hybrid System-3
Roadside assistance program ............................. 6-2
Rollover .............................................................. 5-8
Roof Moonroof ..................................................... 2-57
Run-flat tires ....................................................... 6-4
S
Safety Child seat belts ........................................... 1-17
Reporting safety defects .............................. 9-21
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .......................... 1-3
Front seats ..................................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................................................. 1-17
Infants ......................................................... 1-18 Injured persons ........................................... 1-12
Larger children ............................................. 1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage .................... 1-10
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ... 1-12Pregnant women .......................................... 1-12
Seat belt cleaning .......................................... 7-7
Seat belt extenders ...................................... 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-16
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-17
Seat belts .................................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners ...................... 1-49
Shoulder belt height adjustment .................. 1-16
Small children ............................................. 1-18
Three-point type .......................................... 1-13
Seat(s) Driver-side memory ...................................... 3-28
Heated seats ................................................. 1-5
Seats ............................................................. 1-2
Security system
Vehicle security system ................................ 2-35
Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System)
Engine start ................................................. 2-37
Shift lever Shift lock release ......................................... 5-18
Shift lock release, Transmission ........................ 5-18
SHIFT “P”warning ............................................ 2-24
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment ....................... 1-16
SNOW mode ..................................................... 5-21 Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19
Speedometer ...................................................... 2-7
SPORT mode ..................................................... 5-21
STANDARD mode ............................................... 5-21
Starting
Before starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ........................................... 5-13
Jump starting ............................................... 8-18
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3
Push starting ................................................. 6-7
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ........................................... 5-14
Status light, Front passenger air bag ................ 1-44
Steering Direct adaptive steering ............................. 5-104
Power steering system ............................... 5-104
Tilt/telescopic steering ................................. 3-24
Storage ............................................................. 2-49
Storage box ...................................................... 2-52
Sun visors ........................................................ 3-25
Sunglasses holder ............................................ 2-51
Supplemental air bag warning labels ................ 1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-50, 2-17
Supplemental restraint system .......................... 1-37 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system ........................................... 1-37
Switch Autolight switch ........................................... 2-41
Fog light switch ........................................... 2-47
Hazard warning flasher switch ....................... 6-2
Headlight switch .......................................... 2-41

Ignition switch ............................................. 5-14
Power door lock switch .................................. 3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ........................................... 2-41
Turn signal switch ........................................ 2-47
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch ..... 2-48
T
Tachometer ......................................................... 2-8
TemperatureEngine coolant temperature gauge ............... 2-33
Theft (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System)
Engine start ................................................. 2-37
Thigh extension .................................................. 1-5
Three-way catalyst .............................................. 5-4
Tilt/telescopic steering ...................................... 3-24
Tire Flat Tire - Visit dealer warning ..................... 2-26
Run-flat tires .................................................. 6-4
Tire replacement indicator ............................ 2-29
Tire rotation ................................................. 8-38
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .................... 2-15
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air warning .................. 2-25
Tires Flat tire .......................................................... 6-3
Low tire pressure warning system ... 5-4, 6-3, 8-30
Run-flat tires ................................................ 8-36
Tire and Loading information label ...... 8-31, 9-13
Tire chains ................................................... 8-37
Tire dressing .................................................. 7-4 Tire pressure................................................ 8-30
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) .............................. 5-4, 6-3, 8-30
Types of tires ............................................... 8-35
Uniform tire quality grading ......................... 9-19
Wheel/tire size .............................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires .......................................... 8-30
Towing Flat towing ................................................... 9-19
Tow truck towing ............................................ 6-8
Towing a trailer ............................................ 9-19
TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System ... 5-4, 6-3, 8-30
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator................... 5-7
Trailer towing .................................................... 9-19
Transceiver HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ................. 2-61
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ............ 5-14
Transmission shift lever lock release ............ 5-18
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-14
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................................ 9-11
Trip computer ................................................... 2-31
Trip odometer ................................................... 2-33
Trunk Interior trunk lid release .............................. 3-21
Light ............................................................ 2-60
Trunk hooks ................................................. 2-53 Trunk lid ...................................................... 3-19
Trunk lid release switch ............................... 3-19
Trunk open request switch ........................... 3-19
Trunk release power cancel switch ............... 3-20
Turn signal switch ............................................. 2-47
U
Underbody cleaning ............................................ 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-19
V
Vanity mirror ..................................................... 3-28
Vanity mirror lights ........................................... 2-60
Vehicle Dimensions .................................................. 9-10
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................ 6-11
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch ..... 2-48
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ....... 5-108
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light ............................................... 2-18
Vehicle identification number (VIN) ................... 9-11
Vehicle information display ............................... 2-21
Vehicle loading information .............................. 9-16
Vehicle security system ..................................... 2-35
Ventilators .......................................................... 4-2
W
Warning Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system ................ 5-38
10-7