check engine light NISSAN PATHFINDER 2003 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ..................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ............................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ........................................................................ 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................. 2-4
Fuel gauge ......................................................................... 2-5
Compass and outside temperature display (if so
equipped) ................................................................................. 2-6
Outside temperature display ......................................... 2-6
Compass display .............................................................. 2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ............ 2-9
Checking bulbs................................................................. 2-9
Warning lights ................................................................... 2-9
Indicator lights ................................................................ 2-14
Audible reminders.......................................................... 2-16
Security systems.................................................................. 2-16
Vehicle security system................................................ 2-16
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ............................ 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................ 2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........................ 2-19
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger switch ...... 2-20
Headlight and turn signal switch..................................... 2-21
Headlight switch ............................................................ 2-21
Turn signal switch ......................................................... 2-24Fog light switch (if so equipped) .................................... 2-24
Front fog light switch.................................................... 2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................................... 2-25
Horn ........................................................................................ 2-25
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped).................................................................... 2-27
Clock ...................................................................................... 2-27
Adjusting the time ......................................................... 2-27
Power outlet (if so equipped) .......................................... 2-28
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped) ............. 2-29
Storage .................................................................................. 2-29
Tray.................................................................................... 2-29
Coin box (if so equipped) ........................................... 2-30
Sunglasses holder ......................................................... 2-30
Cup holders .................................................................... 2-31
Glove box ........................................................................ 2-32
Console box .................................................................... 2-33
Luggage hooks............................................................... 2-34
Cargo net......................................................................... 2-36
Tonneau cover .............................................................. 2-36
Luggage rack (if so equipped)................................... 2-37
Windows................................................................................ 2-38
Power windows.............................................................. 2-38


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
Seat belt warning light and chime
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission models only)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Tire carrier open warning light (if so
equipped)
Transfer 4LO position indicator light
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
4WD warning light
4WD indicator light
Low fuel warning light
4WD shift indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


4H or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the warning light comes on.
(Before shifting the 4WD shift switch into the
4LO position or out of 4LO into the 4H position,
move the automatic transmission selector lever
into the N position). Shift the selector lever into
the P position and make sure that the 4WD shift
indicator light is ON and the ATP warning light is
OFF.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, stop the
vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and checkthe alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing or if the light remains on, see your
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear window are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
Instruments and controls
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CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (model)
The four wheel drive warning light comes on
when the key switch is turned to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning prop-
erly, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. See “4WD warning light” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on or
blinks during operation, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. If the
4WD warning light turns on when you
are driving on dry hard surface roads

in the AUTO or 4H position, shift
the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

in the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission lever to the Nposition,
and shift the 4WD shift switch to
2WD.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel re-
maining in the tank when the fuel gauge
needle reaches E.
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on for about 1 second when the
key switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
This light warns a low tire pressure.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with flat tire or low
tire pressure, the light will illuminate. Also a
chime will sound for about 10 seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section.
WARNING

If the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.

If the light comes on 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 pos-
2-12
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag system,
supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag systems (if so
equipped) and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt may not operate in an accident.
Tire carrier open warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the tire carrier is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ON.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the main switch is
turned on.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it mayindicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by
your NISSAN dealer.
4WD indicator light
(
model)
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
4WD shift indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator light will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on, and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The Malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 US
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The Malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:

Malfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If the
fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
lamp does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
2-14
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.

Malfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
* do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72
km/h).
* avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
* avoid steep uphill grades.
* if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage tothe emission control system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent overdrive
operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for two
seconds each time the ignition key is turned ON.
This shows the light is functioning properly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for ap-
proximately 8 seconds after coming on for 2
seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check the
transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with an
electronic Fail-Safe mode. This system allows
the vehicle to be driven even in the event of
damage to the electrical circuits. If this occurs,
the gears automatically engage and lock into 3rd
gear.
See “Driving the vehicle” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section for failsafe before
visiting your NISSAN dealer.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
Transfer 4LO position indicator
light (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch
is set in the 4LO position with ignition key in the
ON position.
If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the light blinks, stop the vehicle, drive slowly
forward and the light will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle, move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to the N position, and press the 4WD
shift switch and move it in 4LO or 4H.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift
the switch while driving.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you have first
stopped the vehicle and moved the automatic
transmission shift lever to neutral. Make sure the
Instruments and controls
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The front seat(s) are warmed by built-in heaters.
The switches located on the instrument panel
can be operated independently of each other.
1. Start the engine.
The battery could run down if the heater is
operated while the engine is not running.
2. Push the
(Low) or
(High) po-
sition of the switch, as desired, depending on
the temperature. The indicator light in the
switch will illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch off.
CAUTION

The battery could run down if the
seat heater is operated while the en-
gine is not running.

Do not use the seat heater for ex-
tended periods or when no one is
using the seat.

Do not put anything on the seat
which insulates heat, such as a blan-
ket, cushion, seat cover, etc. Other-
wise, the seat may become over-
heated.

Do not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.

Any liquid spilled on the heating seatshould be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.

When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, thinner, or any similar ma-
terials.

If any abnormalities are found or the
heating seat does not operate, turn
the switch off and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
SIC1463
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)2-26
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
1. Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the instrument panel; the hood will
then spring up slightly.
2. Raise the lever at the front of the hood with
your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the assist bar into the slot in the front
edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the assist bar
to its original position, then slowly close the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
WARNING

Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.

If you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
SPA1375
HOOD
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device, installed in the exhaust system. In the
converter, exhaust gases are burned at high
temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as drygrass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.

Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all wheels (except the spare tire).
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure and adjust
pressure of each tire properly.LOW PRESSURE warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or low
tire pressure (lower than 25 psi, 171 kPa), the
low tire pressure warning light illuminates and
the chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Warning/indicator lights and au-
Starting and driving
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Before driving up or down grades,
check the road surface for bumps or
potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle
slope and descend a gentle slope.

Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.

Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.

Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.

Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.

Stay alert when driving to the top of ahill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.

If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed (manual
transmission vehicles), using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.

Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.

Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy
loads in the cargo area as far forward
and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving of-
froad. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.

Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.

Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.

Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.5-6
Starting and driving


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