2020 INFINITI QX50 Vehicle dynamic control

When the SET– switch is pushed under the
following conditions, the system cannot be
set.
A warning chime will sound and a message
will pop up:∙ When the VDC system is off (To use the ICC system, turn on the VDC system.
Push the ICC switch to turn off the ICC
system and reset the ICC switch by push-
ing the ICC switch again.)
For additional information about the
VDC system, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in this section.
∙ When VDC is operating
∙ When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC system, make sure the wheels are no lon-
ger slipping.)
1System set display with vehicle ahead
2System set display without vehicle ahead
The driver sets the desired vehicle speed
based on the road conditions. The ICC sys-
tem maintains the set vehicle speed, similar to
standard cruise control, as long as no vehicle
is detected in the lane ahead. The ICC system
displays the set speed.
Vehicle detected ahead
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead,
the ICC system decelerates the vehicle by
controlling the throttle and applying the
brakes to match the speed of a slower vehicle ahead. The system then controls the vehicle
speed based on the speed of the vehicle
ahead to maintain the driver selected dis-
tance.
NOTE:
∙ The stop lights of the vehicle come on
when braking is performed by the ICC
system.
∙ When the brake operates, a noise may be
heard. This is not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator comes on. The ICC
system will also display the set speed and
selected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected
When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead,
the ICC system gradually accelerates your
vehicle to resume the previously set vehicle
speed. The ICC system then maintains the set
speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected, the
vehicle ahead detection indicator turns off.
If a vehicle ahead appears during accelera-
tion to the set vehicle speed or any time the
ICC system is in operation, the system con-
trols the distance to that vehicle.
LSD2719
Starting and driving5-85

1. Vehicle information display
2. Lower display buttons
3. ProPILOT Assist switch (for vehicleswith ProPILOT Assist)
4. Dynamic driver assistance switch (for vehicles without ProPILOT Assist)
5. DCA ON indicator
DCA SYSTEM OPERATION
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and instruc-
tions for proper use of the DCA system
could result in serious personal injury or
death.
∙ When the vehicle ahead detection indica- tor light is not illuminated, the system
will not control the vehicle or warn the
driver.
∙ Never place your foot under the brake pedal. Your foot may be caught when the
system controls the brake.
∙ Depending on the position of the accel- erator pedal, the system may not be able
to assist the driver to release the accel-
erator pedal appropriately.
LSD3562
Starting and driving5-135

∙ When the VDC system is off (To use theDCA system, turn on the VDC, then push
the dynamic driver assistance switch [for
models without ProPILOT Assist] or the
ProPILOT Assist switch [for models with
ProPILOT Assist] on the steering wheel.)
For additional information about the
VDC system, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in this section.
∙ When ABS or VDC (including the TCS) is operating
∙ When the radar signal is temporarily in- terrupted
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no lon-
ger present, turn the system off with the
dynamic driver assistance switch (for models
without ProPILOT Assist) or the ProPILOT
Assist switch (for models with ProPILOT As-
sist) on the steering wheel. Turn the DCA
system back on to use the system. Condition B:
When the radar sensor area is covered with
dirt or is obstructed, making it impossible to
detect a vehicle ahead, the DCA system is
automatically canceled.
The chime sounds and the DCA system
warning light (orange) will come on and the
“Unavailable: Front Radar Blocked” warning
will appear.Action to take:
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place, press the park button to place
the vehicle in the P (Park) position and turn
the engine off. When the radar signal is tem-
porarily interrupted, clean the sensor area
and restart the engine. If the “Unavailable:
Front Radar Blocked” warning continues to
be displayed, have the DCA system checked.
It is recommended you visit and INFINITI
retailer for this service.
When driving on roads with limited road
structures or buildings (for example, long
bridges, deserts, snow fields, driving next to
long walls) the system may illuminate the sys-
tem warning light (orange) and display the
“Unavailable Front Radar Blocked” message.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the DCA system will resume automatically.
Condition C:
When the DCA system is not operating prop-
erly, the chime sounds, the DCA system
warning light (orange) and the system “Mal-
function” warning message will appear in the
vehicle information display.
LSD2992
Starting and driving5-143

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driv-
ing Tips to help you achieve the most fuel
economy from your vehicle.1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.
∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible.
∙ Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.
∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load. ∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not ex- ceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnec-
essary braking.
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
∙ Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed. ∙ Cruise control is particularly effective
in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid Idling
∙ Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
∙ Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid stop-
ping and starting.
9. Winter Warm Up
∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
∙ Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to ef-
fectively circulate the engine oil before
driving.
∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal operat- ing temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-172Starting and driving

DIRECT ADAPTIVE STEERING®
TYPE
WARNING
∙ When the power steering warning lightilluminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of
the vehicle, but the steering will be
harder to operate.
∙ If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI recommended ones are used, Direct
Adaptive Steering® may not operate
properly and the power steering warning
light may illuminate.
∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, Direct Adaptive Steering may not
operate properly and the power steering
warning light may illuminate.
∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s steering. If steering parts are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, Direct Adaptive Steering
may not operate properly and the power
steering warning light may illuminate. ∙ If the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light illuminates, the
power steering warning light may also il-
luminate at the same time. Stop the ve-
hicle in a safe location, turn the engine off
and restart the engine. If the power
steering warning light continues to illu-
minate, have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in this section.
CAUTION
∙ Do not place the ignition switch in the ONposition while the steering wheel or a tire
is removed.
∙ Do not turn the steering wheel as much as possible while the ignition switch is any
position other than the ON position.
∙ Installing an accessory on the steering wheel, or changing the steering wheel,
may reduce the steering performance.
Direct Adaptive Steering is designed to con-
trol the steering force and steering angle ac-
cording to the vehicle speed and amount of
turning of the steering wheel. The steering characteristic can be selected
using the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. For
additional information, refer to “INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector” in this section.
If the VDC system is turned off, the setting of
steering becomes Standard mode.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate that Direct Adaptive Steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For additional information, refer to
“Power steering warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and Controls” section of the manual.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation.
You will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, greater steering effort will be needed,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
If Direct Adaptive Steering is malfunctioning,
the steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road.
5-178Starting and driving

The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Un-
der certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem 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 out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
∙ Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving situ-
ations. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel flashes
to 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.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indi-
cator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come on
in the instrument panel. The VDC system au-
tomatically turns off when these indicator
lights are on.
The lower display is used to turn off the VDC
system. When the VDC system is turned off,
the
indicator light, the RAB system
warning light, and the FEB with Pedestrian
Detection system warning light illuminate to
indicate the VDC, FEB with Pedestrian De-
tection, and RAB systems are off. When the lower display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to pre-
vent one drive wheel from slipping by trans-
ferring power to a non-slipping drive wheel.
The
indicator light flashes if this occurs.
All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will 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.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in re-
verse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, 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.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain controllability 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-182Starting and driving

∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads,rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and
the
indicator lights may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
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
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine 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
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road. The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
∙ Active Trace Control
∙ Active Engine Brake
∙ Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system, the Active
Trace Control system is also turned off.
If the Active Trace Control is not functioning
properly, the FEB with Pedestrian Detection
system warning indicator light illuminates in
the instrument panel.
The Active Trace Control can be set to on
(enabled) or off (disabled) through the lower
display “Infiniti Drive Mode Selector” menu
option.
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-184Starting 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