2021 INFINITI Q50 Owner's Manual

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

5-130Starting and driving
JVS0249X
When the active trace control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the trip computer, the active trace control
graphics are shown in the vehicle informa-
tion display. (See “Trip computer” (P.2-27).)
If the chassis control warning message
appears in the vehicle information display,
it may indicate that the active trace control
is not functioning properly. It is recom-
mended you have the system checked by
an INFINITI retailer. (See “27. Chassis con-
trol warning” (P.2-23).)
WARNING
The active trace control may not be
effective depending on the driving con-
dition. Always drive carefully and atten-
tively.
When the active trace control is operating,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise. This is normal and indicates
that the active trace control is operating
properly. You may also feel deceleration
when the active trace control is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction. Even if the active trace control is set to OFF,
some functions will remain on to assist the
driver (for example, avoidance scenes).

WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. 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
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on
a steep hill. Failure 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
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards 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. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle is
stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.
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 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and the hill start assist system will stop
operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following func-
tions:
. Log-in function (See “Log-in function”
(P.3-15).)
. INFINITI Drive Mode Selector (See
“INFINITI Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-
21).)
. Active Lane Control (if so equipped) (See
“Active Lane Control” (P.5-25).)
. Active Trace Control (See “Active trace
control” (P.5-129).)
Starting and driving5-131
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM CHASSIS CONTROL

5-132Starting and driving
SSD0602
WARNING
.The sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper
parking. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking. Always move slowly.
. Read and understand the limitations
of the sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may
affect the function of the sonar
system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation. .
This system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving
objects.
. The system is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system will not
detect small objects below the bum-
per, and may not detect objects that
are too close to the bumper or on the
ground.
. If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned
or bent, the sensing zone may be
altered causing inaccurate measure- ment of obstacles or false alarms.
CAUTION
Keep the interior of the vehicle as quiet
as possible to hear the tone clearly.
The sonar system sounds a tone to warn the
driver of obstacles near the bumper. When
the [Auto Show Sonar Image] key is turned
on in the [Parking Sonar] settings, the sonar
indicator will also appear on the upper
display. (See “Sonar indicator” (P.5-134).)
The system detects front obstacles when the
shift lever is in the D (Drive) position or N
(Neutral) position. The system detects both
front and rear obstacles when the shift lever
is in the R (Reverse) position.
The system may not detect objects at speeds
above 6 MPH (10 km/h) and may not detect
certain angular or moving objects.
The sonar system detects obstacles up to
3.9 ft (1.2 m) from the bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer cor-
ners of the bumper. Refer to the illustration
for approximate zone coverage areas. As
you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the obstacle is less
than 11.8 in (30 cm) away, the tone will
SONAR SYSTEM (if so equipped)

sound continuously.
Keep the corner/center sonar (located on
the bumper fascia) free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sonar with sharp objects). If the sonar is
covered, it will affect the accuracy of the
sonar system.
The sensitivity level of the corner/center
sonar can be adjusted (higher or lower) on
the lower display.
The intermittent tone will stop in 3 seconds
when an obstacle is detected by only the
corner sensor and the distance does not
change.
JVS0246X
SONAR SYSTEM SETTINGS
Perform the following steps to set up the
sonar function.
1. Push the MENU button
and touch
[Settings] on the lower display.
2. Touch [Parking Sonar].
The displayed keys on the lower display may
vary depending on models, specifications
and software versions.
For the details of the available settings, see
“Turning on and off the sonar function” (P.4-
26).
WAF0289X
Example (bird’s-eye view)
WAF0288X
Example (rear view)
Starting and driving5-133

5-134Starting and driving
SONAR INDICATOR
When the corner of the vehicle moves closer
to an object, the corner sensor indicator
appears on the upper display.
When the center of the vehicle moves close
to an object, the center sensor indicator
appears on the upper display.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before insert-
ing it into the key hole or use the Intelligent
Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-3) or
“Intercooler cooling system” (P.8-5).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For
additional information, see “Battery” (P.8-
11).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling
system” (P.8-3).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended you consult an INFINITI re-
tailer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-33) of this manual.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”
under these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
Starting and driving5-135

5-136Starting and driving
starting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical shock
and can cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure
to use the proper extension cord or
a grounded outlet can result in a fire
or electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury.
JVS0263X
NOTE:
To operate the active noise cancellation and
active sound enhancement system properly:
.Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
. Do not cover the microphones. .
Do not change or modify speakers in-
cluding the woofer and any audio related
parts such as the amplifier.
. Do not make any modification including
sound deadening or modifications
around the microphones, speakers or
woofer.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION/
ACTIVE SOUND ENHANCEMENT