2023 INFINITI QX50 engine

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 wheelslip 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, theindicator 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. 2-17) 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.
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 feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in re-
verse at a slow speed. When the self-test oc-
curs, 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-142Starting and driving

•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.
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.
Starting and driving5-143

•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. The chassis control is an electric control mod-
ule that includes the following functions:
• Active Trace Control
• Active Engine Brake
• Active Ride Control
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This Active Trace Control senses driving
based on the driver’s steering and
acceleration/braking patterns, and controls
brake pressure at individual wheels to aid
tracing at corners and help smooth vehicle
response.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system, the Active
Trace Control system is also turned off.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Trace Control can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled).
CHASSIS CONTROL
5-144Starting and driving

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. It is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.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
plural sensors. This benefit is for easier trace-
ability and less workload of adjusting speed
with braking at corners.
The Active Engine Brake also adds subtle
deceleration with gear ratio control accord-
ing to the driver's brake pedal operation.
When the lower display is used to turn off the
Vehicle Dynamic Control system, the Active
Engine Brake system is also turned off.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
Active Engine Brake can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled).
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.
LSD4792
Starting and driving5-145

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.
Always 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
Active 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
Vehicle Dynamic Control 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.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Active Ride Control 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.
When the Active Ride Control is operating,
you may hear noise and sense slight decel-
eration. This is normal and indicates that the
Active Ride Control is operating properly.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. 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 de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Fail-
ure 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 pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards
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.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-146Starting and driving

Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
Do not attach stickers (including transparent
material), install accessories or apply addi-
tional paint near the sonar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
sonar sensors. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer if the area around
the sonar sensors is damaged due to a
collision.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting it
into the key hole, or use the INFINITI Intelli-
gent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
“Engine cooling system” (P. 8-4).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “Battery” (P. 8-12).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For additional information, see
“Changing engine coolant” (P. 8-5).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. 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 that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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.
3. Tire chains may be used. For additional information, see “Tire chains”(P. 8-38).
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-153

This system uses microphonesO1located
inside the vehicle to detect engine booming
noise. The system then automatically gener-
ates a noise canceling sound through the
speakers and woofer (if so equipped) to re-
duce engine booming noise.
NOTE:
To operate the active noise cancellation
system properly:
• Do not cover the speakers or woofer (if so equipped).
• Do not cover the microphones.
• Do not change or modify speakers includ- ing the woofer (if so equipped) and any
audio related components such as the
amplifier.
• Do not make any modification including sound deadening or modifications around
the microphones or speakers.
ACTIVE SOUND ENHANCEMENT
Active sound enhancement enhances exist-
ing engine sounds according to the engine
speed and driving modes through the speak-
ers and woofer (if so equipped).
LSD2960
Rear Microphone
Starting and driving5-155

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch...................6-2
Roadside assistance program .....................6-2
Emergency engine shut off .......................6-3
Flat tire ..........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......6-3
Run-flat tires .................................6-4 Jump starting
....................................6-5
Push starting ....................................6-7
If your vehicle overheats .........................6-7
Towing your vehicle ..............................6-8
Towing recommended by INFINITI ............6-8
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ......6-11