What is the TPMS in the Infiniti QX50?
When the tire pressure light pops up on your dashboard, it’s easy to get annoyed and think, “not this again!” But it’s really important to understand what this light means in your Infiniti QX50. The car has a special system called the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that’s there to help keep you safe on the road and make sure your car is running at its best. This smart system keeps a close eye on the air pressure in each of your tires. If the air pressure in any of your tires gets too high or too low, the system will let you know by turning on the tire pressure light on your dashboard. Your display will also show the low pressure values in red. The Infiniti QX50 does not have a dedicated button to reset or turn off the low tire pressure light. Don’t worry, there is a simple procedure on how to reset the light.
2023 Infiniti QX50 Tire Size and Pressure
How to Reset the Infiniti QX50 Tire Pressure Light
The Infiniti QX50 does not have a tire pressure reset button.
When the tire pressure light on your dashboard turns on OR your display reads “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” OR “TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD AIR” pull over slowly and check your tire pressure right away.
Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine off.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. (You can find the specified pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label or in the chart above.) The horn of your car will beep once when the pressure reaches the correct level and the hazard indicators will stop flashing. Be accurate with the pressures.
Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position. (this means engine off, electricity on)
Wait for the tire pressure warning light to go off. If the light does not turn off after a few minutes, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 16 MPH (25 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
If the light still doesn’t turn off, re-check your tire pressure to make sure they are all at the exact pressure you set them to. If the pressure has decreased, you probably have some sort of leak in that tire.
NOTE: If you’ve completed all of these steps and the tire light STILL won’t go out, There is only one of three things that can be the problem. Either have a faulty tire pressure sensor in one of your wheels OR you have a leak OR your receiver module (control unit) is not communicating with your sensors (this is the least of all likely and is rare). If the light stays on, it means that the tire pressure is not at the recommended level or there is a malfunction in the TPMS.
Infiniti QX50 Tire Settings
Steps to Change the Tire Rotation Interval Schedule:
Press the “MENU” button on the control panel.
Use the touchscreen interface to select “SETTINGS“.
In the “Settings” menu, select “VEHICLE SETTINGS“.
Scroll down and select “MAINTENANCE“.
In the “MAINTENANCE” menu, select “TIRE“.
Here, you can adjust the tire rotation interval schedule according to your preference.
How to Turn Off the "Tire Maintenance" Reminder:
Apply the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
Use the steering wheel switches to select the “SETTINGS” menu on the vehicle information display.
Select “VEHICLE SETTINGS”, then “MAINTENANCE”, and then “TIRE”.
Select “RESET” to reset the tire maintenance schedule. The new tire rotation interval will be displayed.
Press the “BACK” button to return to the previous screen.
How to Change Tire Pressure Units:
Press the “SETTINGS” button on the control panel. (the gear icon)
Select the “Meter Settings” option.
Then select “Tire Pressure Unit”.
You can then choose between PSI, kPa, or bar as your preferred unit of measurement.
How Does the Infiniti QX50 TPMS Work?
The Infiniti QX50 tire pressure monitoring system relies on several components and technologies to function correctly. Here’s an in-depth explanation of how this system works:
Sensors: Each wheel of your Infiniti QX50 (including the spare, in some models) is equipped with a tire pressure sensor. These sensors are battery-powered electronic devices that measure the air pressure within the tire. They are attached at the end of each valve stem.
Data Transmission: Each sensor operates on a unique frequency and transmits data wirelessly to the TPMS receiver, often incorporated into the vehicle’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) or BCM (Body Control Module). The sensors regularly send tire pressure information to the receiver. The system also transmits data about the temperature inside the tire, which can influence the tire pressure.
Data Analysis: The TPMS receiver analyzes the data received from the sensors. It compares the actual tire pressure against Infiniti’s recommended pressure levels. Which in the QX50’s case is 35 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Warning System: If the pressure in any tire drops below a specific threshold, usually about 15%-25% below the recommended pressure, the TPMS will trigger a warning light on your dashboard. On the Infiniti QX50, this is represented by a yellow exclamation mark inside a tire symbol. The system will also indicate which tire is under-inflated on your vehicle’s information display.
Maintenance and Battery Life: The battery life of the sensors is usually between 5-10 years. If the battery dies or the sensor is faulty, you have to replace the entire sensor. Unfortunately, you cannot just replace the dead battery.
What is the TPMS Malfunction Indicator?
The TPMS malfunction indicator is a telltale that illuminates in the vehicle information display when the system is not functioning properly. The indicator uses the same yellow exclamation point as the low tire pressure light. If there is a problem with the system, the light will flash for approximately 1 minute and then stay on. Basically, a blinking tire pressure light means there is a malfunction within the TPMS itself, rather than an air pressure issue. If this is happening to your QX50, we suggest either taking your car to a tire specialist OR using a TPMS diagnostic scan tool to determine which sensor is the problem.
This Can Happen For a Number of Reasons, Including:
Electronic devices or facilities that use similar radio frequencies can interfere with the TPMS and cause it to malfunction. This can be anything from a radio to an alarm system of the store across the street.
If your car windows have a heavy tint, it might mess with the radio signals that pass between the TPMS sensors and the receiver.
Using non Infiniti wheels or tire sizes.
If there is lots of snow or ice on or around the tire valves.
If the tire pressure is extremely high.
If wheels without tire pressure sensors are installed on the car, such as the spare tire.
If new tire pressure sensors are installed without registering the new sensor IDs with the QX50’s receiver module/ECU.
What Can Cause the Tire Light to Turn On?
Seasonal temperature changes: A drop in ambient temperature can cause tire pressure to decrease, triggering the warning light.
Tire puncture or leak: A sharp object or road debris like a nail or screw may puncture a tire, causing air loss which will activate the warning light.
Faulty tire pressure sensor: Damaged or malfunctioning sensors may provide inaccurate readings, resulting in a false alert. The only way to determine which sensor is faulty is to scan each sensor with a TPMS diagnostic tool.
Valve stem issues: A damaged or leaking valve stem can lead to gradual pressure loss and eventual activation of the tire pressure light. They make kits to replace the rubber gasket that usually goes bad.
Tire damage: Impact from potholes or hitting a curb can cause structural damage like tire bubbles, leading to pressure loss.
Sensor battery life: TPMS sensors are battery-powered, and over time, batteries die. (they usually last anywhere from 5-10 years) This will cause the tire pressure light to turn on.
Recent tire rotation or replacement: If the tires have been recently rotated or replaced, the TPMS may need recalibration to avoid false alerts. Sometimes the vehicle’s computer may think the front tires are in the rear and rear in the front after a rotation.
Wheel or rim issues: Damaged, corroded, or cracked wheels or rims can lead to air leaks and pressure loss. This is very common with low profile tires.
Altitude changes: Climbing or descending in elevation can affect tire pressure and trigger the TPMS warning. An additional 1.5 Psi per Km above sea level is required.
Natural pressure loss: Tires lose air pressure over time due to temperature changes and permeation. Tire dry-rot will happen to tires that sit.
Electrical problems or software issues within the car’s TPMS system. Occasionally the system may have a software update from Infiniti.
Snow Tires: If you have a separate set of wheels/rims for snow tires, either swap over the sensors from your summer wheels or purchase a second set of 4 sensors for the second set of wheels/rims. If you are using one set of wheels for both sets of tires, do not worry about this.
What Happens When Tires are Underinflated or Overinflated?
It’s really important to keep the right amount of air in your Infiniti QX50’s tires. This is not just for safety, but also to make sure your car runs well. Having too little or too much air in your tires can cause different problems.
Underinflated Tires:
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tires have increased rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the SUV, leading to higher fuel consumption.
Increased Tire Wear: Underinflation causes tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. The outer edges of the tire will wear out faster because they bear more of the vehicle’s weight.
Poor Handling: Underinflated tires can negatively affect the vehicle’s handling and overall performance. They can make the vehicle harder to control, especially when turning or maneuvering quickly.
Overheating and Tire Failure: Underinflated tires will overheat especially at higher speeds, because of the extra friction between the tire and the road. This can lead to tire blowouts and serious accidents.
Overinflated Tires:
Reduced Traction: Overinflated tires have less contact with the road, which can reduce traction and make the vehicle more susceptible to skidding or hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Harsher Ride: Overinflation can make the ride feel harsh and uncomfortable because the tires are less able to absorb the impact from bumps and potholes. You will feel all the imperfections of the road. You will also hear more road noise inside the car.
Increased Wear in the Center of the Tire: Overinflated tires tend to bulge in the middle, causing the center of the tire to wear out faster than the edges.
Increased Risk of Tire Damage: Overinflated tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes and other road hazards. They’re also more likely to puncture or tear if they hit a sharp object.
How Does the Weather Affect Tire Pressure?
Weather plays a significant role in your tire pressure. As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires because the air inside them contracts. This is why you might notice your tire pressure light coming on during colder months. On the other hand, as the temperature rises the air inside your tires expands, which can lead to increased pressure. This is why it’s especially important to check your tire pressure when the seasons change, as big swings in temperature can lead to underinflated or overinflated tires. Generally, for each 10-degree drop in temperature, your tire pressure will drop by about 1 Psi.
How to Adjust Tire Pressure:
Locate the Tire Information Placard: This is usually found on the driver’s side door jamb. Depending on the size of your tires, either 33 Psi or 36 Psi. Check the chart above to match your tires sizes.
Purchase a Tire Pressure Gauge: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in your tires.
Check the Tire Pressure: Remove the valve cap from one of your tires, then press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem. The gauge will show a reading of the tire’s pressure.
Compare the Reading to the Recommended Pressure: Check the reading on the gauge and compare it to the recommended tire pressure. If the reading is lower than the recommended pressure, you’ll need to add air to your tire. If it’s higher, you’ll need to let some air out.
Adjust the Tire Pressure if Necessary: If the tire pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust it. Add air if the pressure is too low, or let some out if it’s too high. If the pressure is too high, let out some air by pressing the metal stem in the center of the tire valve. You can use any object like a screwdriver to do this. Be gentle.
Replace the Valve Cap: Once the tire pressure is at the correct level, replace the valve cap. This protects the valve stem and prevents air from leaking out and dirt from getting in.
Repeat for All Tires: Repeat these steps for all four of your tires. It’s important to check all of them, as they can have different levels of pressure.
When Should You Adjust Your Tire Pressure & What is Cold Pressure?
To make sure you get the right reading on your Infiniti QX50’s tire pressure, check it when the car hasn’t been driven for a bit, like first thing in the morning. This is what we call “cold pressure“. It’s best to let your car sit for about 3 hours before you check your tire pressure. If you need to drive to get air for your tires, try to keep it really short, less than a mile if you can. This is because the more you drive, the warmer your tires get and the more the air inside them expands. This can make it seem like your tires have more air in them than they really do. So, don’t check your tire pressure when your tires are hot, or you might end up putting too much air in them!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your Infiniti QX50 is a crucial feature that ensures your safety and optimizes your vehicle’s performance. It’s essential to understand how it works, how to maintain the correct tire pressure, and how to respond when the tire pressure light comes on. Remember, factors like weather changes and driving conditions can affect your tire pressure. Regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure, especially when the tires are cold, will help you avoid potential tire issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly. So, next time that tire pressure light pops up, you’ll know exactly what to do! Everything in this article is applicable to all Infiniti QX50 models and trims. Including QX50 PURE, QX50 LUXE, QX50 SPORT, QX50 SENSORY and QX50 AUTOGRAPH.
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