2021 INFINITI Q50 transmission

CAUTION
.To avoid possible damage to your
vehicle; when stopping the vehicle on
an uphill grade, do not hold the
vehicle by depressing the accelerator
pedal. The foot brake should be used
for this purpose.
. Except in an emergency, do not shift
to the N (Neutral) position while
driving. Coasting with the transmis-
sion in the N (Neutral) position may
cause serious damage to the trans-
mission.
JVS0186X
Shift lever
To move the shift lever,
: Push the button while depressing the brake pedal,
: Push the button,
: Just move the shift lever.
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and shift the shift lever from P
(Park) to R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive)
or Manual shift mode position.
Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse). All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift lever
is in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal
injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped and the transmission is in the
P (Park) position.
P (Park) position:
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or when starting the engine. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from the N (Neutral) position or any drive
position to the P (Park) position. Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply
the parking brake first, then move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position.
Starting and driving5-17

5-18Starting and driving
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the shift lever
button pushed in to move the shift lever
from the P (Park) position, the N (Neutral)
position or any drive position to the R
(Reverse) position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position.
You may shift to the N (Neutral) position and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
JVS0903X
Paddle shifters (if so equipped)
Manual shift mode
When the shift lever is in the manual shift
gate, the transmission is ready for the
manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be
selected manually by moving the shift lever
up or down, or pulling the right-side or left-
side paddle shifter (if so equipped).
When shifting up, move the shift lever to the
+ (up) side or pull the right-side paddle
shifter (+)
(if so equipped). The transmis-
sion shifts to the higher range.
When shifting down, move the shift lever to
the − (down) side or pull the left-side paddle
shifter (−)
(if so equipped). The transmis- sion shifts to the lower range.
When canceling the manual shift mode,
return the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to the
normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter (if so
equipped) while in the D (Drive) position,
the transmission will shift to the upper or
lower range temporarily. The transmission
will automatically return to the D (Drive)
position after a short period of time. If you
want to return to the D (Drive) position
manually, pull and hold the paddle shifter for
about 1.5 seconds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed in the vehicle information display.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
1M?
/
2M?
/3M?
/4M?
/ 5M?
/6M?
/ 7M
7M(7th):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.
6
M(6th) and 5M(5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.

4M(4th), 3M(3rd) and 2M(2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
1
M(1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
. Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than
7th gear. This reduces fuel economy.
. Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear
or may automatically shift to the other
gear. This helps maintain driving per-
formance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.
. When the transmission does not shift to
the selected gear, the Automatic Trans-
mission (AT) position indicator (in the
vehicle information display) will blink
and the buzzer will sound.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
When accelerating again, it is necessary
to shift up to the desired range.
Accelerator downshift — In D (Drive)
position —
For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, note
that the transmission will be locked in any of
the forward gears according to the condi-
tion.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait for 3
seconds. Then push the ignition switch back
to the ON position. The vehicle should
return to its normal operating condition. If
it does not return to its normal operating
condition, have the transmission checked
and repaired, if necessary. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
JVS0188X
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shift lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shift lever button pushed.
To move the shift lever, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
using a
suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock
using
mechanical key as illustrated.
Starting and driving5-19

5-20Starting and driving
5. Push the shift lever buttonand move
the shift lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have the automatic transmission system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automati-
cally operates when the transmission is in
the D (Drive) position and selects an appro-
priate gear depending on the road conditions
such as uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow smooth
driving with a small number of shifts.
Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to a
low gear that suits the degree of the slope,
and uses the engine braking to reduce the
number of times that the brake must be
used.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel- erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.
Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
. During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift to
a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by the
accelerator pedal when the vehicle is in
the Adaptive shift control mode.
. When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes main-
tains a lower gear for a longer period of
time than when adaptive shift control is
not operating. Engine speed will be
higher for a specific vehicle speed while
ASC system is operating than when ASC
is not operating.
WARNING
. Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before 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 gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
. To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly
become high enough to cause a sig-
nificant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
PARKING BRAKE

5-22Starting and driving
STANDARD MODE
Allows for optimum driving according to the
driving conditions.
This mode will be selected first each time the
engine is started.
SPORT+ MODE (if so equipped)
In addition to the characteristics of the
SPORT mode, this mode heightens steering
response and changes the setting of VDC
(Vehicle Dynamic Control) for a more sporty
driving experience.
NOTE:
.VDC operation is reduced when the
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector is used
to select the SPORT+ mode. The VDC
system may not operate in the same
circumstances when compared to op-
eration in the standard mode. To help
prevent accidents drive carefully, avoid
careless or dangerous driving techniques
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces.
. In the SPORT+ mode, fuel economy may
be reduced.
SPORT MODE
. Adjusts the engine and transmission
points for a higher response.
. The setting of the steering system is
adjusted to provide a quick steering
response and a heavy steering effort.
. The setting of the suspension system is
adjusted to increase the damping force
(if so equipped).
NOTE:
In the SPORT mode, fuel economy may be
reduced.
SNOW MODE
Changes the engine characteristics to aid
driving on slippery roads.
ECO MODE
Assists the driver’s eco-driving. The engine
and transmission points are adjusted for
improved fuel economy, providing such a
driving features as smooth starting or con-
stant cruising.
NOTE:
Selecting the ECO mode will not necessarily
improve fuel economy as many driving
factors influence its effectiveness.
Operation
Select the ECO mode using the INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector. The ECO drive indica-
tor light on the instrument panel illuminates.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
within the range of economy drive, the ECO
drive indicator light illuminates in green.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
above the range of economy drive, the ECO
drive indicator light turns off. For ECO pedal
system equipped models, see “ECO pedal
system” (P.5-22).
The ECO drive indicator light will not
illuminate in the following cases:
. When the shift lever is in the R (Reverse)
position.
. When the vehicle speed is below 2 MPH
(3.2 km/h) or over 90 MPH (144 km/h).
. When the cruise control (if so equipped)
or the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system (if so equipped) is operated.
ECO pedal system (if so equipped)
The ECO pedal system helps assist the driver
to improve fuel economy by increasing the
reaction force of the accelerator pedal.
When the ECO drive indicator light is
blinking or remains off, the ECO pedal
system increases the reaction force of the
accelerator pedal.

5-24Starting and driving
PERSONAL MODE
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
following functions can be adjusted indivi-
dually.
.Engine/Transmission
. Steering
. Suspension (if so equipped)
. Active Trace Control
JVS0246X
How to set the PERSONAL mode
Perform the following steps to set the
PERSONAL mode.
1. Push the MENU button
and touch
[Infiniti Drive Mode Selector] on the
lower display.
2. Touch [Engine/Transmission], [Steer- ing], [Suspension] (if so equipped) or
[Active Trace Control] and select each
item. (See “Engine/Transmission”,
“Steering”, “Suspension” and “Active
Trace Control” about the feature of each
item.)
3. Touch [Back] or [Home] to finish the PERSONAL mode setting. The displayed keys on the lower display may
vary depending on models, specifications
and software versions.
Engine/Transmission:
“Engine/Transmission” can be set to [Sport],
[Eco], [Standard] or [Snow].
Steering (models with Direct Adaptive
Steering):
Multiple combinations of steering mode and
steering response can be set.
Mode
Response
Sport+ (if so equipped) Dynamic+
Dynamic
Default
Sport Dynamic+
Dynamic
Default
Standard Default
Steering (models without Direct Adaptive
Steering):
“Steering” can be set to [Sport] or [Stan-
dard].
Suspension (if so equipped):
“Suspension” can be set to [Sport] or
[Standard].

5-120Starting and driving
If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
engine is running, warning messages appear
in the vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warningappears, there
may be a malfunction in the Intelligent AWD
system. Reduce vehicle speed and have the
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
The “AWD High Temp.” (high temperature)
warning
may appear while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil tempera-
ture. The driving mode may change to Two-
Wheel Drive (2WD). If this warning is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine
idling, as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if
the warning turns off, you can continue
driving.
The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning
may
appear if there is a large difference between
the diameters of front and rear wheels. Pull
off the road in a safe area, with the engine
idling. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
that the tire pressure is correct and that the
tires are not excessively worn.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
. For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or 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.
INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

5-122Starting and driving
SD1006MA
WARNING
.Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
. Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
. Do not leave children unattended
inside the vehicle. They could un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious accidents. .
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly
become high enough to cause a sig-
nificant risk of injury or death to
people and pets.
. Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied
and the transmission placed into P
(Park). Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
. Make sure the automatic transmis-
sion shift lever has been pushed as far
forward as it can go and cannot be
moved without depressing the foot
brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a sloping
drive way, it is a good practice to turn the
wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL,
NO CURB:
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS