2020 INFINITI QX50 ECU

INFINITI is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands of
people are injured or killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Although the local laws vary on
what is considered to be legally intoxicated,
the fact is that alcohol affects all people dif-
ferently and most people underestimate the
effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t
drive if your ability to operate your vehicle is
impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some other
physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your INFINITI is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your INFINITI is mainly
designed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) mod-
els are less capable than All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) models for rough road driving and
extrication when stuck in deep snow or mud,
or the like.Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
∙ Spinning the front wheels on slippery
surfaces may cause the AWD warning
message to display and the AWD system
to automatically switch from the AWD to
the 2WD mode. This could reduce the
traction. Be especially careful when tow-
ing a trailer (AWD models).
∙ Drive carefully when off the road and avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle should
be seated with their seat belt fastened.
This will keep you and your passengers in
position when driving over rough terrain.
∙ Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead drive either straight up or straight down
the slopes. Off-road vehicles can tip over
sideways much more easily than they can
forward or backward.
∙ Many hills are too steep for any vehicle. If you drive up them, you may stall. If you
drive down them, you may not be able to
control your speed. If you drive across
them, you may roll over. ∙ Do not shift gears while driving on down-
hill grades as this could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle.
∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot make it to the top of a steep hill, never attempt to
turn around. Your vehicle could tip or roll
over. Always back straight down in R
(Reverse) gear and apply brakes to con-
trol your speed.
∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
∙ Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. Do not
equip the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could cause
your vehicle to roll over.
Starting and driving5-11

INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) DRIVING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS (if so equipped)
WARNING
∙ Replacing tires with those not originallyspecified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
∙ Always use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the front
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
∙ This vehicle is not designed for off-road (rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy or
muddy roads that tires may get stuck in.
∙ For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at- tempt to raise two wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any D
(Drive) or R (Reverse) position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury. ∙ Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such
as the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing) or similar
equipment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that your
vehicle is equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using the
wrong test equipment may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
∙ When a wheel is off the ground due to an unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in an
emergency. (The engine will stop when the
ignition switch is pushed three consecutive
times in quick succession or the ignition
switch is pushed and held for more than
2 seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead to a
crash and serious injury.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-13

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
procedure:∙ Rapidly push the ignition switch three consecutive times in less than 1.5 sec-
onds, or
∙ Push and hold the ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.
INFINITI INTELLIGENT KEY
BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is dis-
charged or environmental conditions inter-
fere with the Intelligent Key operation, start
the engine according to the following proce-
dure:
1. Press the Park button to place the ve- hicle in the P (Park) position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intel- ligent Key as illustrated. (A chime will
sound.) 4. Push the ignition switch while depress-
ing 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 ON.
NOTE: ∙ When the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position or the engine is started by
the above procedure, the Intelligent Key
battery discharge indicator may appear
in the vehicle information display even
when the Intelligent Key is inside the ve-
hicle. This is not a malfunction. 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. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Battery replacement” in
the “Do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
LSD3572
5-16Starting and driving

– 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

WARNING
∙ The electronic parking brake will not beautomatically applied when the engine is
stopped without using the ignition
switch (for example, by engine stalling).
Without the vehicle stationary, the elec-
tronic parking brake will not be auto-
matically applied even if the engine is
turned off with the ignition switch.
∙ Before leaving the vehicle, press the Park button to place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position and check that the electronic
parking brake indicator light (red) is illu-
minated to confirm that the electronic
parking brake is applied. The electronic
parking brake indicator light (red) will re-
main on for a period of time after the
driver’s door is locked.
CAUTION
When parking in an area where the outside
temperature is below 32°F (0°C), do not ap-
ply the parking brake to prevent it from
freezing.
For safe parking, place the shift lever in the
P (Park) position and securely block the
wheels. NOTE:
∙ If a malfunction occurs in the electronic
parking brake system (for example, due
to battery discharge), it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer.
∙ If the shift lever is moved to the P (Park)
position when the brake force is main-
tained by the automatic brake hold func-
tion, the electronic parking brake will
apply automatically.
∙ If the driver’s seat belt is unfastened
when the brake force is maintained by
the automatic brake hold function, 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 func-
tion, the electronic parking brake will
apply automatically.
MANUAL OPERATION
The electronic parking brake will not be auto-
matically applied if the engine is stopped
without using the ignition switch (for ex-
ample, by engine stalling). In such a case, you
have to apply the parking brake manually. To apply:
Pull the switch up
1. The indicator
light
Awill illuminate.
To release: With the ignition switch in the ON
position, depress the brake pedal and push
the switch down
2. The indicator lightA
will turn off.
Before driving, check that the electronic
parking brake indicator light (red) (if so
equipped)
orgoes out. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible reminders” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
NOTE:
∙ A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
without releasing the parking brake. For
additional information, refer to “Warn-
ing lights, indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.
∙ While the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or released, an operating sound is
heard from the lower side of the rear
seat. This is normal and does not indicate
a malfunction.
Starting and driving5-25

To shut off the engine in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following
procedure:
– Rapidly push the push-button ignitionswitch three consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
– Push and hold the push-button ignition switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires. When the low tire pres-
sure warning light is lit, and the “Tire Pressure
Low - Add Air” warning appears in the vehicle
information display, one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. The system
also displays pressure of all tires (except the
spare tire) on the vehicle information display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that
is installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS
will activate and warn you of it by the low tire
pressure warning light. This system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 16 mph (25 km/h). For additional in-
formation, refer to “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section and “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” sections of this manual.
WARNING
∙ Radio waves could adversely affect elec-tric medical equipment. Those who use a
pacemaker should contact the electric
medical equipment manufacturer for the
possible influences before use.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

Two-Wheel Drive models with
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck
as illustrated.NOTE:
If the electronic parking brake is released,
the rear wheels can be grounded while tow-
ing. If the electronic parking brake is not re-
leased, towing dollies should be used. For
additional information, refer to “Electronic
parking brake” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
∙ Never tow Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) models with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or backward), as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels.
∙ When towing Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models with the rear
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by placing
the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering
lock mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism).
LCE2371
6-10In case of emergency

FLOOR MATS (if so equipped)
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision, injury or death:
∙ NEVER place a floor mat on top of an-other floor mat in the driver front posi-
tion or install them upside down or
backwards.
∙ Use only Genuine INFINITI floor mats or equivalent floor mats, specifically de-
signed for use in your vehicle model and
model year. ∙ Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning hook.
For additional information, refer to
"Floor mat installation" in this section.
∙ Make sure the floor mat does not inter- fere with pedal operation.
∙ Periodically check the floor mats to make sure they are properly installed.
∙ After cleaning the vehicle interior, check the floor mats to make sure they are
properly installed.
The use of Genuine INFINITI floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular cleaning
and replaced if they become excessively
worn.Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat re-
tainer clips. The number and shape of the
floor mat retainer clips for each seating posi-
tion varies depending on the vehicle. When installing Genuine INFINITI floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided
with the mat and the following:
1. With the ignition in the OFF position, the shift lever in P (Park) position and with
the parking brake fully applied, position
the floor mat in the floorwell so that the
floor mat grommet holes are aligned
with the retainer clips.
2. Secure the grommet holes into the clips and ensure that the floor mat is properly
positioned.
3. Make sure the floor mat does not inter- fere with pedal operation. With the igni-
tion still in the OFF position, the shift
lever in the P (Park) position and with the
parking brake applied, fully apply and
release all pedals. The floor mat must not
interfere with pedal operation or prevent
the pedal from returning to its normal
position.
It is recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for details about installing the floor
mats in your vehicle.
LAI2094
7-6Appearance and care