2020 INFINITI QX50 automatic transmission

– Moving the shift lever to the D (Drive)position when reversing.
If these operations are attempted, a chime
sounds and the vehicle shifts to the N (Neu-
tral) position.
P (Park)
CAUTION
∙ To prevent transmission damage, use the P (Park) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
∙ Do not slide the shift lever while pressing the Park button. This may damage the
shift control system.
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or starting the engine. Always make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped before
pressing the Park button
1to engage the P
(Park) position. For maximum safety, the
brake pedal must be depressed before en-
gaging the P (Park) position. Use this position
together with the parking brake. When park-
ing on a hill, first depress the brake pedal,
apply the parking brake and then engage the
P (Park) position. The parking lock should not
be used as a brake when parking. In order to secure the vehicle, always apply the elec-
tronic parking brake in addition to the parking
lock.
In the event of a malfunction of the vehicle’s
electronics, the transmission may lock in the
P (Park) position. Have the vehicle’s electron-
ics checked immediately. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
The P (Park) position is automatically en-
gaged if:
∙ You switch off the ignition switch.
∙ You unfasten the driver’s seat belt and open the driver’s door when the vehicle is
stationary or driving at a very low speed
and the transmission is in the D (Drive)
position or R (Reverse) position.
R (Reverse)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the R
(Reverse) position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped. Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.
The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pressed to move the shift lever from
the idle position to R (Reverse).
If the vehicle is placed in the R (Reverse)
position while forwarding, the chime will
sound and the vehicle will switch into the N
(Neutral) position.
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled
engine while the vehicle is moving. You can
select this position to hold the shift lever at
this position for 0.5 seconds.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward driv-
ing. The CVT changes gears automatically. All
forward gears are available. If the vehicle is
placed in the D (Drive) position while revers-
ing, the chime will sound and the vehicle will
switch into the N (Neutral) position.
Starting and driving5-21

Manual shift mode
The transmission enters the manual shift
mode by moving the shift lever again to the D
(Drive) position when the vehicle is in the D
range.
You can select the manual shift range by
pulling the right side or left side paddle shifter
AandB. To cancel the manual shift mode,
move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position
again. The transmission returns to the auto-
matic drive mode.
When the shift lever is shifted from D (Drive)
to the manual shift mode with the vehicle stopped or while driving, the transmission
enters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges
can be selected manually. Shift ranges can
also be selected using the paddle shifters on
the steering wheel. When you pull the paddle
shifter while in the D (Drive) position, the
transmission will shift to the upper or lower
range temporarily. If the paddle shifters are
not used for about 5–10 seconds, the trans-
mission will automatically return to the D
(Drive) position. If you want to return to the D
(Drive) position manually, pull and hold either
paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the me-
ter. When moving the shift lever to the
manual shift mode, the position indicator dis-
plays 1 (1st) up to 8 (8th) depending on ve-
hicle speed.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as fol-
lows:
1⇔
2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7⇔ 8
8 (8th)
Use this position for all normal forward driv-
ing at highway speeds.
7 (7th), 6 (6th) and 5 (5th)
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
4 (4th), 3 (3rd) and 2 (2nd)
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
1 (1st)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or when driving slowly, or for maxi-
mum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Manual shift gate
LSD2822
Paddle shifters
LSD2914
5-22Starting and driving

∙ Remember not to drive at high speeds forextended periods of time in lower than
8th gear. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up
Use the + (up) side paddle shifter. (Shifts to
higher range.)
When shifting down
Use the (down) side paddle shifter. (Shifts
to lower range.)
∙ The transmission will automatically downshift the gears. (For example, if you
select the 3rd range, the transmission will
shift down between the 3rd and 1st
gears.)
∙ Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
When canceling the manual shift mode
Move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driv-
ing mode. ∙ In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control. ∙
When this situation occurs, the Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) posi-
tion indicator will blink and the chime
will sound.
∙ In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the engine
speed is too high. When the vehicle
speed decreases, the transmission auto-
matically shifts down and shifts to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
∙ CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature
is extremely low even if manual shift
mode is selected. This is not a malfunc-
tion. When CVT fluid warms up, manual
mode can be selected.
∙ When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shift range may upshift in lower rpm
than usual. This is not a malfunction.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the ac-
celerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into a lower gear, de-
pending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, when climb-
ing 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 reduce the chance of transmission dam-
age. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the
accelerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be limited.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the
Continuously Variable Transmission will not
be shifted into the selected driving position.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme condi-
tions, such as excessive wheel spinning and
subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe sys-
tem may be activated. The Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) may come on to indicate
the fail-safe mode is activated. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Malfunction In-
dicator Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are function-
ing properly. In this case, place the ignition
Starting and driving5-23

switch in the OFF position and wait for
10 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 con-
dition, 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 driving.
If necessary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the transmission to re-
turn to normal operation, or have it re-
paired if necessary.
WARNING
∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully releasedbefore 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
5-24Starting and driving

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and con-
trols engine torque and four wheel brake
pressure. This will enhance ride comfort in an
effort to restrain uncomfortable upper body
movement when passing over undulated
road surfaces. This system comes into effect
above 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module
warning message appears in the vehicle in-
formation display, it may indicate that the
Active Ride Control is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may hear noise and sense slight decel-
eration. This is normal and indicates that the
Active Ride Control is operating properly.
WARNING
∙ Never rely solely on the hill start assistsystem to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive care-
fully and attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful when
stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy
roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possible serious
injury or death.
∙ The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
∙ The hill start assist system may not pre- vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in
a collision or serious personal injury. When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps the
brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backward in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply
the accelerator.
The hill start assist system will operate auto-
matically under the following conditions:
∙ The transmission is shifted to a forward or reverse gear.
∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum
holding time is 2 seconds. After 2 sec-
onds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
the hill start assist system will stop oper-
ating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the shift lever is placed in the N (Neu-
tral), the Park button is pressed to place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-186Starting and driving

CAUTION
∙ INFINITI recommends using GenuineNISSAN 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 covered un-
der INFINITI’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ 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.
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
B, the brake
warning light will illuminate. Add brake fluid
up to the MAX line
A. For additional infor-
mation on the recommended type of brake
fluid, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
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, refer to “Engine
compartment check locations” in this section.
LDI3161
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself

Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-27
Child restraint with top tether strap ....1-27
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ..........2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2,7-4
Climate control seat switch .........2-47
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-11
Cold weather driving .............5-191
Console box ..................2-58
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .......................5-19
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-19
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls . . .4-36
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-5
Checking engine coolant level .......8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
Corrosion protection ..............7-7
Cruisecontrol..............5-75,5-76
Cupholders...................2-59
D
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) ........2-32
Dimensionsandweights...........10-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ....2-45
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . .5-133
Door locks .................3-4,3-5 Drivebelt....................8-13
Drive positioner, Automatic
.....3-38,3-40
Driving Cold weather driving ...........5-191
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-19
Precautions when starting and
driving .................5-4,5-11
Driving the vehicle ...............5-19
Dual panel moonroof .............2-71
Dual power moonroof .........2-71,2-71
Dynamic driver assistance switch
(for vehicles without ProPILOT Assist) . .2-49
E
E-call (SOS) Button ..............2-53
Economy - fuel ................5-173
Electronic parking brake ...........5-24
Emergency engine shutoff .......5-16,6-3
Emission control information label ....10-11
Emission control system warranty ....10-30
Engine Before starting the engine ........5-17
Block heater ................5-193
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-5
Changing engine oil .............8-6
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-6
Checking engine coolant level .......8-5
Checking engine oil level ..........8-6
Engine compartment check locations . .8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
Engine cooling system ...........8-4 Engine oil
...................8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ....2-11
Engine oil viscosity ............10-6
Engine serial number ..........10-11
Engine specifications ...........10-8
Starting the

engine ............5-17
Engine coolant temperature gauge ......2-6
Event Data recorders ............10-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......5-4
Explanation of maintenance items ......9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items........................9-5
Extended storage switch ...........2-55
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....6-2
Flat tire ......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid ............7-6
Fluid Brakefluid .................8-10
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants............... 10-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-10
Engine coolant ................8-4
Engine oil ...................8-6
Windshield-washerfluid.........8-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-11
Fog light switch ................2-46
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with
Pedestrian Detection system ....2-12,5-150
11-2