2021 INFINITI QX50 transmission fluid

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to your-
self or damage to the vehicle. The following
are general precautions which should be
closely observed.
WARNING
• Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
• Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
• If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from moving fans, belts and
any other moving parts.
• It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
• Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition switch is in the OFF position and the engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
• If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is necessary
to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
•
Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from the fuel tank and battery.
• Because the fuel lines on gasoline engine
models are under high pressure even
when the engine is off, it is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for ser-
vice of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
• Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
• Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
engine coolant and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid. •
Never leave the engine or Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) related
component harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
• Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to other
positions.
This “Do-it-yourself” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine INFINITI service manual is also
available. For additional information, see
“Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” (P. 10-33).
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended that you have it
done by an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide
year-round antifreeze and coolant protec-
tion. The antifreeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING
• Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
when the engine is hot. Wait until the
engine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. For ad-
ditional information on precautions, see
“If your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-7).
• The coolant reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type coolant reservoir cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only a Genu-
ine NISSAN coolant reservoir cap.
CAUTION
• Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause dam-
age to the engine, transmission and/or
cooling system.
• When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted
to provide antifreeze protection to -34°
F (-37° C). If additional freeze protection
is needed due to weather where you op-
erate your vehicle, add Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
concentrate following the directions on
the container. If an equivalent coolant
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacturer’s instruc-
tions to maintain minimum antifreeze
protection to -34° F (-37° C). The use of
other types of coolant solutions other
than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling system. •
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of cool-
ant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) (or
equivalent coolant), including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(green), or the use of non-distilled water
may reduce the life expectancy of the
factory-fill coolant. For additional infor-
mation, see “Maintenance and sched-
ules” (P. 9-2).
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself

CAUTION
• INFINITI recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in INFINITI CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
• Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission fluid
in an INFINITI CVT, as it may damage the
CVT. Damage caused by the use of fluids
other than as recommended is not cov-
ered under INFINITI's New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty outlined in your Warranty
Information Booklet.
• Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused by
the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under INFINITI's
New Vehicle Limited Warranty outlined
in your Warranty Information Booklet.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system. The
use of improper fluids can damage the
brake system and affect the vehicle's
stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface with
water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line
OB, the
brake warning light will illuminate. Add brake
fluid up to the MAX line
OA. For additional
information on the recommended type of
brake fluid, see “Recommended fluids/
lubricants and capacities” (P. 10-2).
If the brake fluid must be added frequently,
the brake system should be thoroughly
checked. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
For additional information on the location of
the brake fluid reservoir, see “Engine com-
partment check locations” (P. 8-3).
LDI3161
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself

Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P
(Park) position mechanism: On a fairly steep
hill check that the vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be se-
curely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
does not securely hold the vehicle, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to en-
sure they operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions. Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery (for maintenance free batteries)*:
This vehicle is equipped with a sealed main-
tenance free battery. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure the drive belt is
not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Tire rotation:Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance schedule.
When rotating tires, check for damage and
uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil and
transfer case oil: Visually inspect for signs of
leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals. To help ensure smooth, safe and economical
driving, INFINITI provides two maintenance
schedules that may be used, depending upon
the conditions in which you usually drive.
These schedules contain both distance and
time intervals, up to 90,000 miles (144,000
km)/144 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service
is needed. However, if you drive very little,
your vehicle should be serviced at the regular
time intervals shown in the schedule.
After 90,000 miles (144,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe op-
erating conditions
should be performed on
vehicles that are driven under especially de-
manding conditions. Additional maintenance
items should be performed if you primarily
operate your vehicle under the following
conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km). • Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures remain-
ing below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Towing a trailer, using a camper or using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe mainte-
nance intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Maintenance and schedules9-7

2.0L 4 CYLINDER (KR20DDET
engine model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule needed
based on your vehicle driving conditions.
After 90,000 miles (144,000 km)/144
months, continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time interval.
NOTE:
For information regarding coolant or spark
plug replacement, see “Additional informa-
tion” (P. 9-25).
3,750 miles/(6,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
• Not applicable. Proceed to the nextinterval.
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Drive shaft boots
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belt and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
7,500 miles/(12,000 km)/12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Differential gear oil (AWD models) (1)
• Transfer case oil (AWD models) (1)
• Drive shaft boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter (2)
• Tire rotation
Maintenance and schedules9-9

15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Fuel tank vapor vent system*
• Fuel lines/connections*
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Differential gear oil (AWD models) (1)
• Transfer case oil (AWD models) (1)
• Drive shaft boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods) • Drive shaft
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter (2)
• Replace brake fluid
• Tire rotation
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Drive shaft boots
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
Essentials:
• Replace brake fluid
(1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy
roads, change (not just inspect) oil every
20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months.
(2) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter within
two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km).
* Maintenance items and intervals with“*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable ve-
hicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the
emission warranty or manufacturer recall li-
ability. Other maintenance items and inter-
vals are required.
Maintenance and schedules9-11

18,750 miles/(30,000 km)/
30 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Drive shaft boots
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belt and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
22,500 miles/(36,000 km)/
36 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Differential gear oil (AWD models) (1)
• Transfer case oil (AWD models) (1)
• Drive shaft boots
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lift supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Engine drive belts and hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Differential and fluid (AWD models)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth Essentials:
• Replace engine oil & filter (2)
• Tire rotation
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace intelligent key battery
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Propeller shaft (AWD models)
• Drive shaft boots
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
Essentials:
• Replace brake fluid
(1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy
roads, change (not just inspect) oil every
20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months.
(2) If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil and filter within
two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km).
9-12Maintenance and schedules