2021 INFINITI QX50 Malfunction

WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the driv-
er’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Un-
der certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following functions:
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non-slipping drive wheel
on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the driver
maintain control of the vehicle in the fol-
lowing conditions:
Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the
steered path despite increased steering input)
Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain
road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot pre-
vent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel flashes
to note the following:
• The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path. • You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indicator
light” (P. 2-16) and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-17).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off when these indicator lights are
on.
The lower display is used to turn off the VDC
system. When the VDC system is turned off,
the
indicator light, the RAB system
warning light, and the FEB with Pedestrian
Detection system warning light illuminate to
indicate the VDC, FEB with Pedestrian De-
tection, and RAB systems are off.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to pre-
vent one drive wheel from slipping by trans-
ferring power to a non-slipping drive wheel.
The
indicator light flashes if this occurs.
All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-154Starting and driving

The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain controllability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or by
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be es-
pecially careful when driving and corner-
ing on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully. •
Do not modify the vehicle's suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not INFINITI
recommended for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and theindicator lights may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both theandindicator lights
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
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a mal-
function. Restart the engine after driv-
ing onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may flash or both
theandindicator lights may
illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of force
to each of the four wheels depending on the
radius of the turn.
Starting and driving5-155

When the Active Trace Control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the Active
Trace Control graphics are shown in the ve-
hicle information display.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Trace Control is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible by an INFINITI
dealer.WARNING
The Active Trace Control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
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 Ac-
tive 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).
ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE
The Active Engine Brake function adds subtle
deceleration by controlling Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) gear ratio, de-
pending on the cornering condition calcu-
lated from the driver's steering input and plu-
ral sensors. This benefit is for easier
traceability and less workload of adjusting
speed with braking at corners.
The Active Engine Brake also enhances brak-
ing feel by adding subtle deceleration with
CVT gear ratio control according to the driv-
er's brake pedal operation
The Active Engine Brake can be set to on
(enabled) or off (disabled) through the lower
display “Drive Mode Selector” menu option.
LSD2185
Starting and driving5-157

When the Active Engine Brake is operated at
corners and the “Chassis Control” mode is
selected in the vehicle information display,
the Active Engine Brake graphics are shown
in the vehicle information display.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Engine Brake is
not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.WARNING
The Active Engine Brake may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Engine Brake is operating,
the needle of the tachometer will rise up and
you may hear an engine noise. This is normal
and indicates that the Active Engine Brake is
operating properly.
You may also feel deceleration when the Ac-
tive Engine Brake is operating. However, this
is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and con-
trols four wheel brake pressure. This will en-
hance ride comfort in an effort to restrain
uncomfortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
When the Active Ride Control is operated
and the “Chassis Control” mode is selected in
the vehicle information display, the Active
Ride Control graphics are shown in the ve-
hicle information display.
LSD2185
5-158Starting and driving

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, see “Warning lights, indicator
lights and audible reminders” (P. 2-9) and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
(P. 8-27).
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. •
If the low tire pressure warning light illu-
minates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label to
turn the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure,
a tire may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a replacement tire as soon
as possible. If no tires are flat and all tires
are properly inflated, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

•When replacing a wheel without TPMS
such as the spare tire, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will flash for approximately 1
minute. The light will remain on after 1
minute. Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for these services.
• Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
• Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
This vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires can be used temporarily if they
are punctured. When the “Flat Tire — Visit
dealer” warning appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, one or more of your tires is
punctured. For additional information, see
“Run-flat tires” (P. 8-34).
For additional information, refer to the tire
safety information in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
WARNING
• Although you can continue driving with a
punctured run-flat tire, remember that
vehicle handling stability is reduced,
which could lead to an accident and per-
sonal injury. Also, driving a long distance
at high speeds may damage the tires.
• Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80
km/h) and do not drive more than ap-
proximately 93 miles (150 km) with a
punctured run-flat tire. The actual dis-
tance the vehicle can be driven on a flat
tire depends on outside temperature, ve-
hicle load, road conditions and other
factors.
• Drive safely at reduced speeds. Avoid
hard cornering or braking, which may
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• If you detect any unusual sounds or vi-
brations while driving with a punctured
run-flat tire, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. The tire may be seriously dam-
aged and need to be replaced.CAUTION
• Never install tire chains on a punctured
run-flat tire, as this could damage your
vehicle.
• Avoid diving over any projection or pot-
hole, as the clearance between the ve-
hicle and the ground is smaller than
normal.
• Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire.
• Have the punctured tire inspected by an
INFINITI retailer or other authorized re-
pair shop. Replace the tire as soon as
possible if the tire is seriously damaged.
6-4In case of emergency

Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as
follows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from the In-telligent Key.
2. Insert a small flathead screwdriver
OAinto
the slit
OBof the corner and twist it to
separate the upper part from the lower
part. Place a cloth over the screwdriver to
protect the casing. 3. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: CR2032 or
equivalent.
• Do not touch the internal circuit and electric terminals as doing so could cause a
malfunction.
• Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the battery across the contact points will seri-
ously deplete the storage capacity.
• Make sure that the + side faces the bottom of the lower part.
4. Close the lid securely as illustrated with
OCandOD.
5. Operate the buttons to check the operation.
If you need assistance with replacement, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI re-
tailer for this service.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this de-
vice must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
LDI3309
Do-it-yourself8-23

Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
O7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
O8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, In-
tended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must
always face outward when mounted
on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
• When changing or replacing tires, be sure
all four tires are of the same type (i.e.,
Summer, All Season or Snow) and con-
struction. An INFINITI retailer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
• Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
• Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pressure
warning system. •
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and differen-
tial gears.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
• ONLY use spare tires specified for the
AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked and
corrected as necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Do-it-yourself8-33