2021 INFINITI QX50 engine

•The following operations are not allowed
because excessive force would be ap-
plied to the transmission and this may
result in damage to the vehicle:
– Moving the shift lever to the R (Re-
verse) position when driving forward.
– 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
O1to 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) po-
sition 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 by holding 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.
5-20Starting and driving

Manual shift mode
The transmission enters the manual shift
mode by moving the shift lever again to the D
(Drive) position when the vehicle is in the D
range.
You can select the manual shift range by
pulling the left side or right side paddle shifter
OAandOB. To cancel the manual shift mode,
move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position
again. The transmission returns to the auto-
matic drive mode.
When the shift lever is shifted from D (Drive)
to the manual shift mode with the vehicle stopped or while driving, the transmission
enters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges
can be selected manually. Shift ranges can
also be selected using the paddle shifters on
the steering wheel. When you pull the paddle
shifter while in the D (Drive) position, the
transmission will shift to the upper or lower
range temporarily. If the paddle shifters are
not used for about 5–10 seconds, the trans-
mission will automatically return to the D
(Drive) position. If you want to return to the D
(Drive) position manually, pull and hold either
paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the me-
ter. When moving the shift lever to the
manual shift mode, the position indicator dis-
plays 1 (1st) up to 8 (8th) depending on ve-
hicle speed.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
1⇔
2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7⇔ 8
8 (8th)
Use this position for all normal forward driv-
ing at highway speeds.
7 (7th), 6 (6th) and 5 (5th)
Use this position when driving up long slopes,
or for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
4 (4th), 3 (3rd) and 2 (2nd)
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
1 (1st)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or when driving slowly, or for maxi-
mum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
LSD2822
Manual shift gate
LSD2914
Paddle shifters
Starting and driving5-21

• Remember not to drive at high speeds forextended periods of time in lower than 8th
gear. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up
Use the + (up) side paddle shifter
OB. (Shifts to
higher range.)
When shifting down
Use the − (down) side paddle shifter
OA.
(Shifts to lower range.)
• The transmission will automatically down- shift the gears. (For example, if you select
the 3rd range, the transmission will shift
down between the 3rd and 1st gears.)
• Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in
succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode
Move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driv-
ing mode.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear. This
helps maintain driving performance and
reduces the chance of vehicle damage or
loss of control. •
When this situation occurs, the Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT) posi-
tion indicator will blink and the chime will
sound.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may shift up automatically to a higher
range than selected if the engine speed is
too high. When the vehicle speed de-
creases, the transmission automatically
shifts down and shifts to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to a stop.
• CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low even if manual shift mode is
selected. This is not a malfunction. When
CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be
selected.
• When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shift range may upshift in lower rpm
than usual. This is not a malfunction.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the ac-
celerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into a lower gear, de-
pending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tempera-
ture protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, when climb-
ing steep grades in high temperatures with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer),
engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will be decreased automatically
to reduce the chance of transmission dam-
age. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the
accelerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle
speed may be limited.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the
Continuously Variable Transmission will not
be shifted into the selected driving position.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme condi-
tions, such as excessive wheel spinning and
subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe sys-
tem may be activated. The Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) may come on to indicate
the fail-safe mode is activated. For addi-
tional information, see “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)” (P. 2-15). This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, place the ignition
switch in the OFF position and wait for 10
5-22Starting and driving

WARNING
• The electronic parking brake will not be
automatically 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 is illumi-
nated to confirm that the electronic
parking brake is applied. The electronic
parking brake indicator light will remain
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), the park-
ing brake, if applied, may freeze in place
and may be difficult to release.
For safe parking, it is recommended that
you 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 ap-
ply automatically.
• If the driver’s seat belt is unfastened when the brake force is maintained by the auto-
matic brake hold function, the electronic
parking brake will apply automatically.
• 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 ap-
ply automatically.
• Under the following conditions, the elec- tronic parking brake will automatically be
applied and the brake force of the auto-
matic brake hold will be released:
– The braking force is applied by the auto- matic brake hold function for 3 minutes
or longer.
– The vehicle is placed in the “P” (Park) position.
– The driver’s seat belt is unfastened. – The ignition switch is placed in the
“OFF” position.
– The electronic parking brake is applied.
– If a malfunction occurs in the automatic brake hold function.
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
O1. The indicator
light
OAwill illuminate.
To release: With the ignition switch in the ON
position, depress the brake pedal and push
the switch down
O2. The indicator lightOAwill turn off.
Before driving, check that the electronic
parking brake indicator light (red) (if so
equipped)
orgoes out. For addi-
tional information, see “Warning lights, indi-
cator lights and audible reminders” (P. 2-9).
NOTE:
• A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven without releasing the parking brake. For
additional information, see “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” (P. 2-9).
5-24Starting and driving

• 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.
• When the electronic parking brake is fre- quently applied and released in a short pe-
riod of time, the parking brake may not
operate in order to prevent the parking
brake system from overheating. If this oc-
curs, operate the electronic parking brake
switch again after waiting approximately
1 minute.
• If the electronic parking brake must be ap- plied while driving in an emergency, pull up
and hold the parking brake switch. When
you release the parking brake switch, the
parking brake will be released.
• While pulling up the electronic parking brake switch during driving, the parking
brake is applied and a chime sounds. The
electronic parking brake indicator light
(red) in the meter and in the parking brake
switch illuminates. This does not indicate a
malfunction. The electronic parking brake
indicator light (red) in the meter and in the
parking brake switch turns off when the
parking brake is released. • When pulling the electronic parking brake
switch up with the ignition switch in the
OFF or AUTO ACC position, the parking
brake switch indicator light will continue
to illuminate for a short period of time.
WHEN TOWING A TRAILER
Depending on the weight of the vehicle and
trailer and the steepness of the slope, there
may be a tendency for the vehicle to move
backwards when starting from a standstill.
When this occurs, you can use the parking
brake switch in the same way as a conven-
tional lever type parking brake.
Before starting on sloping roads when tow-
ing a trailer, be sure to read the following to
prevent the vehicle from moving backwards
unintentionally.
• Release the parking brake switch as soonas the engine is delivering enough torque to
the wheels. The automatic brake hold function maintains
the braking force without the driver having to
depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped at a traffic light or intersection. As
soon as the driver depresses the accelerator
pedal again, the automatic brake hold func-
tion is deactivated and the braking force is
released. The operating status of the auto-
matic brake hold can be displayed on the
vehicle information display.
WARNING
• The automatic brake hold function is not
designed to hold the vehicle on a steep
hill or slippery road. Never use the auto-
matic brake hold when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill or slippery road.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move.
• The automatic brake hold function is de-
signed to operate on gradients between
—30% to +30%. Outside this range the
system may not operate. The automatic
brake hold warning may appear in the
Vehicle Information Display to request
that the driver retake control by de-
pressing the brake pedal.
AUTOMATIC BRAKE HOLD
Starting and driving5-25

STANDARD MODE
STANDARD mode is recommended for nor-
mal driving. Push the Drive Mode Selector
switch until “STANDARD” appears in the ve-
hicle information display. STANDARD mode
will also be displayed in the upper display.
SPORT MODE
The SPORT mode adjusts the engine and
transmission to enhance performance. Push
the Drive Mode Selector switch to the
SPORT position. “SPORT” appears in the ve-
hicle information display. SPORT mode will
also be displayed in the upper display.
NOTE:
In the SPORT mode, fuel economy may be
reduced.
PERSONAL MODE
PERSONAL mode is used for adjusting the
steering mode and drive modes. Turn the
PERSONAL mode off for normal driving.
Push the Drive Mode Selector switch until
“PERSONAL” appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display. PERSONAL mode will also be
displayed in the upper display. For additional
information, refer to the INFINITI InTouch™
Owner’s Manual.
How to set the PERSONAL mode
Perform the following steps to set the PER-
SONAL mode:
1. Press the MENU button
O1and select
“Drive Mode Selector” on the lower
display.
2. Select “Engine/Transmission,” “Steering,” “Active Trace Control” or “Active Engine
Brake” and select each item. (See “Engine/
Transmission,” “Steering,” “Active Trace
Control” or “Active Engine Brake” about
the feature of each item.) 3. Select “Back” or press the MENU button
to finish the PERSONAL mode setting.
Engine/Transmission:
“Engine/Transmission” can be set to “Stan-
dard,” “Sport” or “Eco.”
Steering (models with Direct Adaptive
Steering®):
Four combinations of steering mode and
steering response can be set.
Mode Response
Sport Dynamic+
Dynamic
Default
Standard Default
Steering (models without Direct Adaptive
Steering®):
“Steering” can be set to “Sport” or “Standard.”
Active Trace Control:
“Active Trace Control” can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled). For additional infor-
mation, see “Active Trace Control” (P. 5-156).
LSD2982
Starting and driving5-29

Active Engine Brake:
“Active Engine Brake” can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled). For additional infor-
mation, see “Active Engine Brake” (P. 5-157 ).
Reset Drive Mode Settings to Default:
Select “Reset Drive Mode Settings to De-
fault” and select “OK” to restore all the PER-
SONAL mode settings to default.
ECO MODE
The ECO mode adjusts the engine and trans-
mission to enhance fuel economy.
NOTE:
Selecting this drive mode will not necessarily
improve fuel economy as many driving fac-
tors influence its effectiveness.
Operation
Push the Drive Mode Selector switch to the
ECO position. “ECO” appears in the vehicle
information display and the ECO drive indi-
cator light illuminates on the instrument
panel. ECO mode will also be displayed in the
upper display.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. 5-30).
The ECO drive indicator light will not illumi-
nate in the following cases:
• When the shift lever is in the R (Reverse)
position.
• When the vehicle speed is below 3 mph (4.8 km/h) or over 90 mph (144 km/h).
• When the Intelligent Cruise Control 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
turns off, the ECO pedal system increases
the reaction force of the accelerator pedal.
ECO drive indicator
light Illuminates or
blinks
Illuminates(green) When the pedal is
depressed within
range of economy drive
Blinks (green) When the pedal is
depressed almostover the range of economy drive
Not illumi- nated When the pedal is
depressed over the range of
economy drive
When the ECO drive indicator light illumi-
nates in green, the accelerator reaction force
is normal. When the ECO drive indicator light
is blinking or turns off, the ECO pedal system
increases the reaction force of the accelera-
tor pedal.
The ECO pedal system may not vary accel-
erator reaction force under the following
conditions:
• When the shift lever is in the N (Neutral) or R (Reverse) position.
• When Intelligent Cruise Control (if so equipped) is being operated.
5-30Starting and driving

If the ECO pedal system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically. The ECO pedal system
will not vary the reaction force of the accel-
erator pedal.
When the Drive Mode Selector switch is
pushed and the drive mode changes from the
ECO mode to another mode (STANDARD,
SPORT or PERSONAL) while the ECO pedal
system is operating, the ECO pedal system
continues to operate until the pedal is
released.
If the accelerator pedal is depressed quickly,
the ECO pedal system will not increase the
reaction force of the accelerator pedal. The
ECO pedal system is not designed to prevent
the vehicle from accelerating.
Adjusting the ECO pedal system reaction
force
The ECO pedal system reaction force can be
adjusted. The reaction force setting will be
maintained until the setting is changed even if
the engine is turned off.
Setting ECO pedal reaction force1. Press the MENUO1button and select
“Settings” in the lower display.
2. Select “Drive Mode Enhancement.”
3. Select “ECO Pedal” and then select either “OFF,” “Soft” or “Standard” in the lower
display. When the ECO pedal system is
turned off, the accelerator will operate
normally.
LSD2965LSD3574
Starting and driving5-31