2021 INFINITI Q50 ABS

5-124Starting and driving
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 illumi-
nate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
Direct Adaptive Steering may not
operate properly and the power
steering warning light may illumi-
nate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s steering.
If steering parts are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, Direct Adap-
tive Steering may not operate prop-
erly and the power steering warning
light may illuminate.
. If the VDC warning light illuminates,
the power steering warning light may
also illuminate at the same time. Stop
the vehicle in a safe location, turn the
engine off and restart the engine. If
the power steering warning light continues to illuminate, have the
system checked. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. For VDC system, see “Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-128).
CAUTION
.
Do not place the ignition switch is in
the ON position while the steering
wheel or a tire is removed.
. Do not turn the steering wheel as
much as possible while the ignition
switch is in any position other than
the ON position.
. Installing an accessory on the steer-
ing wheel, or changing the steering
wheel, may reduce the steering per-
formance.
Direct Adaptive Steering is designed to
control the steering force and steering angle
according to the vehicle speed and amount
of turning of the steering wheel.
The steering characteristic can be selected
using the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector. See
“INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
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
indicate that Direct Adaptive Steering is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
It is recommended you have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer. (See “Power
steering warning light” (P.2-16).)
When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease
operation. You will still have control of the
vehicle. However, greater steering effort will
be needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
If Direct Adaptive Steering is malfunction-
ing, the steering wheel may turn slightly even
when driving on a straight road.
Under the following conditions, the steering
wheel may turn slightly even when driving on
a straight road. This is due to a protection
mechanism for Direct Adaptive Steering. The
steering wheel will return to the normal
position after the protection mechanism is
deactivated.
Condition A
.
When the engine is stalled or likely to be
stalled
. When the steering wheel is held in the full
lock position or when the front tire
touches an obstruction.

5-126Starting and driving
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
BRAKE ASSIST

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.8-25) 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.
Starting and driving5-127

techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and
always drive carefully.
. The brake force distribution system
may not be effective depending on
the driving condition. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. .
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
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 VDC warning light
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 oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the SPORT mode is selected by the
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, the amount
of brake control provided by the active trace
control is reduced.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
active trace control can be set to ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled). See “INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn
off the VDC system, the active trace control
is also turned off.
Starting and driving5-129
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL

JVM0257X
Extended storage fuse switch (if so
equipped)
To reduce battery drain, the extended
storage fuse switch comes from the factory
switched off. Prior to delivery of your
vehicle, the switch is pushed in (switched
on) and should always remain on.
If the extended storage fuse switch is not
pushed in (switched on), the “Shipping Mode
On, Push Storage Fuse” warning may appear
in the vehicle information display. See “19.
Extended storage fuse warning” (P.2-22).
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
remove the extended storage fuse switch
and check for an open fuse.NOTE:
If the extended storage fuse switch mal-
functions or if the fuse is open, it is not
necessary to replace the switch. In this case,
remove the extended storage fuse switch
and replace it with a new fuse of the same
rating.
How to remove the extended storage fuse
switch:
1. To remove the extended storage fuse switch, be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position.
2. Be sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Pinch the locking tabs
found on each
side of the storage fuse switch.
5. Pull the storage fuse switch straight out from the fuse box
.
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to
swallow the battery and removed parts.
Do-it-yourself8-19
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT

11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ................... 5-126
Active Lane Control ............................................ 5-25
Active noise cancellation ................................. 5-137
Active sound enhancement ............................ 5-137
Active trace control .......................................... 5-129
Air bag systemFront-seat mounted side-impact
upplemental air bag system ....................... 1-57
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ..................... 1-57
Air bag warning labels ....................................... 1-60
Air bag warning light .............................. 1-60, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-15
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................ 4-36
Air conditioner service ................................ 4-42
Air conditioner specification label ......... 10-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ....................... 4-42
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .................................... 10-7
Automatic air conditioner ........................... 4-37
DUAL mode setting ..................................... 4-40
Heater and air conditioner .......................... 4-36
Servicing air conditioner ............................. 4-42
Air deflectors ...................................................... 10-16 Alarm
How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ............................................. 2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-10
Android Auto .......................................................... 4-2
Antenna .................................................................. 4-43
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................... 5-126
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................ 7-5
Apple CarPlay
®...................................................... 4-2
Armrest ...................................................................... 1-7
Around View
®Monitor ...................................... 4-11
Audible reminders ................................................. 2-17
Autolight system .................................................. 2-36
Automatic Automatic air conditioner ........................... 4-37
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ......... 8-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-16
Automatic door locks ............................................ 3-5
Automatic seat positioner ................................ 3-33
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................ 5-9
B
Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) .............. 5-60
Battery .................................................................... 8-11
Battery replacement, Intelligent Key ......... 3-2
Battery saver system .................................... 2-39
Intelligent Key ................................................. 8-19 Variable voltage control system ............... 8-13
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-14
Belts (See drive belts) ......................................... 8-13
Blind Spot Intervention
®(BSI) ......................... 5-48
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) .............................. 5-40
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............. 5-126
Brake fluid ...................................................... 8-10
Brake force distribution ............................ 5-128
Brake system ................................................ 5-125
Parking brake operation ............................. 5-20
Brake warning light .............................................. 2-11
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-118
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-11
Bulb replacement ................................................. 8-22
C
Camera aiding sonar function ......................... 4-25
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ....................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ....................................... 4-43
Card holder ............................................................ 2-50
Catalytic converter Three-way catalyst ......................................... 5-5
Changing intercooler coolant ............................. 8-6
Chassis control ................................................... 5-131
Check tire pressure warning ............................. 2-22
Checking intercooler coolant level .................... 8-6

11-8
V
Vanity mirror ......................................................... 3-32
Vanity mirror lights ............................................. 2-58
Variable voltage control system ..................... 8-13
VehicleDimensions ................................................... 10-10
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ............ 6-10
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off switch ......................................................... 2-42
Vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system ............................................... 5-128
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light ................................................... 2-17
Vehicle identification number (VIN) ............. 10-11
Vehicle information display .............................. 2-18
Vehicle loading information ............................ 10-17
Vehicle security system ...................................... 2-30
Vehicle speedAverage speed ............................ 2-27
Ventilators ............................................................. 4-35
W
Warning Flat Tire - Visit dealer warning ................. 2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch .................... 6-2
Indicators for operation (vehicle
information display) ...................................... 2-21
Power steering warning light ..................... 2-16
Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW) ........................................ 5-109 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ........................... 5-5, 6-3, 8-25
Vehicle information display ........................ 2-18
Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders .......................................... 2-10
Warning labels
Air bag warning labels ................................. 1-60
Warning light Air bag warning light ........................ 1-60, 2-12
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
warning light ................................................... 2-13
Brake warning light ....................................... 2-11
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)
system warning light .................................... 2-13
Low fuel warning light ................................. 2-13
Low tire pressure warning light ................ 2-13
Seat belt warning light
and chime ............................................. 1-14, 2-12
Warranty
Emission control system warranty ........ 10-21
Washer switch
Wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-32
Washing .................................................................... 7-2
Waxing ....................................................................... 7-2
Welcome light and farewell light function .... 3-10
Wheel/tire size ..................................................... 10-9
Wheels and tires .................................................. 8-25 Care of wheels .................................................. 7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels .................. 7-3
Cleaning bright wheels .................................. 7-4
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-10 Window(s)
Cleaning ............................................................... 7-3
Power windows ............................................. 2-52
Wiper
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ............... 2-34
Wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-32
Wiper blades ................................................... 8-15
Wiper and washer switch ................................. 2-32