2020 INFINITI Q50 brake fluid

0-10Illustrated table of contents
JVC0968X
VR30DDTT ENGINE
1. Battery (P.8-11)
2. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-7)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-7)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-10)
5. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-17)6. Air cleaner (P.8-15)
7. Engine drive belt location (P.8-13)
8. Radiator filler cap (P.8-3)
9. Intercooler cooling reservoir (P.8-5)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-4)
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
(P.8-10)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance. (See “Brake system” (P.5-126).)
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluidis necessary, add fluid and have the
system checked. It is recommended you
have this service performed by an
INFINITI retailer. (See “Brake fluid”
(P.8-10).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recom-
mended you have this service performed
by an INFINITI retailer. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the
brake warning light and the Anti-lock Brak-
ing System (ABS) warning light illuminate, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the brake system checked,
and if necessary repaired. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
(See “Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warn-
ing light” (P.2-10).)
WARNING
.
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or 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
minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system
is not functioning properly. Turn the engine
off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, have your vehicle serviced immediately. It
is recommended you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Forward Emergency Braking
(FEB) system warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch
is placed in the ON position. It turns off after
the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the FEB system is
set to OFF on the lower display.
Instruments and controls2-11

2-14Instruments and controls
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates if any of the following warnings
appear in the vehicle information display:
.No key warning
. PUSH warning
. Key ID Incorrect warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Door/trunk open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
. Tire Pressure Low - Add Air warning
. Flat Tire - Visit dealer warning (if so
equipped)
. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning (if so
equipped)
. Headlight warning
. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
warning (if so equipped)
. Intelligent Key system warning
. Chassis control warning
. Parking brake release warning
. SHIFT “P” warning
. Low oil pressure warning
See “Vehicle information display” (P.2-18).
If the driver assist system warnings appear
in the vehicle information display, the master
warning light also illuminates. See “Lane Departure Warning (LDW)/Lane Departure
Prevention (LDP)” (P.5-33), “Blind Spot
Warning (BSW)” (P.5-40), “Blind Spot Inter-
vention®(BSI)” (P.5-48), “Back-up Collision
Intervention (BCI)” (P.5-61), “Distance Con-
trol Assist (DCA)” (P.5-92), “Forward Emer-
gency Braking (FEB)” (P.5-103) and
“Predictive Forward Collision Warning
(PFCW)” (P.5-110).
Power steering warning light
Models with Direct Adaptive Steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light stays on for a
few seconds and turns off. This indicates
that Direct Adaptive Steering is operational.
Drive the vehicle after the power steering
warning light turns off.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while driving, pull off the road to a
safe location and stop the vehicle. If the
power steering warning light turns off, you
can drive again. If the power steering
warning light continues to illuminate, it is
recommended you have Direct Adaptive
Steering checked by an INFINITI retailer.
(See “Direct Adaptive Steering type” (P.5-
124).) Models with electric power steering :
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. After starting the engine, the
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the electric power steering is
operational.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the electric power steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
It is recommended you have the electric
power steering checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist to the steering will cease
operation but you will still have control of
the vehicle. At this time, greater steering
efforts are required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
See “Electric power steering type” (P.5-124).
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, and will remain illuminated until the

5-14Starting and driving
WAF0237X
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions in-
terfere with the Intelligent Key operation,
start the engine according to the following
procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal within 10 seconds after
the chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the
brake pedal, the ignition switch position will
change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key battery discharge indi-
cator appears in the vehicle information
display even if the Intelligent Key is
inside the vehicle. This is not a malfunc-
tion. To turn off the Intelligent Key
battery discharge indicator, touch the
ignition switch with the Intelligent Key
again.
. If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears, replace the battery as
soon as possible. (See “Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-19).) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window 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.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. 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 pushed to the
ON position. (See “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders”
(P.2-10).)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

5-128Starting and driving
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered roads,
or if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the
vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
“Tire and loading information la-
bel” (P.10-13) of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-26) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from
locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-function, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
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 pres-
sure. 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. However, the pulsation may indi-
cate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.

5-136Starting and driving
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”
under these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VR30DDTT engine ..................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system ..................................................... 8-3 Checking engine coolant level ................................ 8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-5
Intercooler cooling system ............................................. 8-5 Checking intercooler coolant level ......................... 8-6
Changing intercooler coolant .................................. 8-6
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..... 8-7
Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil and filter .................................. 8-7
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .......................... 8-9
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
8-10
Window washer fluid ................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 8-11
Checking battery fluid level .................................... 8-12
Jump starting ............................................................. 8-13
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Spark plugs ....................................................................... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .............................................. 8-14 Air cleaner ........................................................................\
8-15
Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-15
Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-15
Replacing ................................................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-16 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-16
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-16
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-17 Engine compartment .............................................. 8-17
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-18
Intelligent Key battery replacement ......................... 8-19
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-22 Headlights ................................................................. 8-23
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ............................................................. 8-26 Tire pressure ............................................................. 8-26
Tire labeling ............................................................. 8-30
Types of tires ........................................................... 8-32
Tire chains ................................................................ 8-34
Changing wheels and tires .................................. 8-34
Jacking up the vehicle and replacing tires ...... 8-38

8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself 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 moving. Move the shift
lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine
running, 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 working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. 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 fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
. Because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off,
it is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for service 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 direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly dis-
posed engine oil, coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-23).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could
affect your warranty coverage. If in doubt
about any servicing, it is recommended you
have it done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS