engine NISSAN PATHFINDER 2001 R50 / 2.G Owner's Guide

Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and press
the power on switch to turn on the radio. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
the key should be turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external
influences. Intermittent changes in reception
quality normally are caused by these external
influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.Radio receptionYour radio system is equipped with state-of-
the-art electronic circuits to enhance radio
reception. These circuits are designed to ex-
tend reception range, and to enhance the
quality of that reception.
However there are some general characteris-
tics of both FM and AM radio signals that can
affect radio reception quality in a moving ve-
hicle, even when the finest equipment is used.
These characteristics are completely normal in
a given reception area, and do not indicate any
malfunction in your radio system.
Remember that a moving vehicle is not the
ideal place to listen to a radio. Because of the
movement, reception conditions will constantlychange. Buildings, terrain, signal distance and
interference from other vehicles can work
against ideal reception. Described below are
some of the factors that can affect your radio
reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTIONRange: FM range is normally limited to 25 to
30 miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural (single
channel) FM having slightly more range than
stereo FM. External influences may some-
times interfere with FM station reception even
if the FM station is within 25 miles (40 km). The
strength of the FM signal is directly related to
the distance between the transmitter and re-
ceiver. FM signals follow a line-of-sight path,
exhibiting many of the same characteristics as
light. For example they will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away
SAA0306
AUDIO SYSTEM
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antenna rod cannot be hand tightened to the
proper specification.
CAUTION
IAlways properly tighten the antenna
rod during installation or the antenna
rod may bend or break during vehicle
operation.
ITo prevent damage, be sure that
manual antenna is removed before
the vehicle enters an automated car
wash.Power antennaThe antenna will automatically extend when
the radio is turned on, and retract when
switched off. If the radio is left on, the antenna
will retract and extend with the ignition key
OFF-ON operation.
CAUTION
IBefore turning the radio on, make
sure that there is no one near theantenna outlet and there is enough
space for it to extend.
ITo prevent damage, be sure that
power antenna is fully retracted be-
fore the vehicle enters an automated
car wash.
IDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of clean-
ing is especially important during the
winter seasons in areas where road
salt and other chemicals may be
spread on road surfaces and
splashed onto the antenna rod.If equipped with a genuine NISSAN cellular
phone, your NISSAN features a non-
directional microphone in the steering column
cover, so it is not necessary to look at or speak
directly into the microphone when calling. To
do so could detract from the driving operation
and cause an accident. See the car phone
manual for operation.
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna built
into the rear glass window.
When installing a car phone or CB, ham radio
in your NISSAN, be sure to observe the follow-
ing cautions, otherwise the new equipment
may adversely affect the Engine control sys-
tem and other electronic parts.
WARNING
IA cellular telephone should not be
used while driving so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the use of
cellular telephones while driving.CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
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IIf you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recommended.
Exercise extreme caution at all times
so full attention may be given to ve-
hicle operation.
IIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Module
(ECM).
IKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-
tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
IConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
IFor details, consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer.4-28
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......................... 5-2
Three way catalyst ............................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ..... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover .............................. 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................... 5-4
Driving safety precautions .................................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-6
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-6
Manual transmission ............................................ 5-7
Key positions ........................................................ 5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ...................... 5-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ................................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission ...................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) ................................ 5-17
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-17
Cruise control operations ................................... 5-17Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-19
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-19
Using part time four wheel drive (4WD) ................. 5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................... 5-21
Using all-mode four wheel drive (4WD) .................. 5-23
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-30
Power steering ........................................................ 5-31
Brake system .......................................................... 5-32
Braking precautions............................................ 5-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ............................ 5-32
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-34
Freeing a frozen door lock ................................. 5-34
Anti-freeze .......................................................... 5-34
Battery ................................................................ 5-34
Draining of coolant water ................................... 5-34
Tire equipment ................................................... 5-34
Special winter equipment ................................... 5-35
Driving on snow or ice ....................................... 5-35
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-35
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WARNING
IDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.
IIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
IDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
IDo not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
IKeep the back door and glass hatch
closed while driving, otherwise ex-
haust gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the back door on glass
hatch open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.2. Set the air recirculation switch
OFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
IIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
IIf a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other us-
age, follow the manufacturer's rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)
IThe exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
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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
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three way cata-
lyst, 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.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming
it up.IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONSUtility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than pas-
senger cars to make them capable of perform-
ing in a variety of on-pavement and offroad
applications. This gives them a higher center
of gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of
higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
However, they are not designed for cornering
at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports
cars are designed to perform satisfactorily
under offroad conditions. If at all possible,
avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, par-
ticularly at high speeds. As with other vehicles
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
Starting and driving
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fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
IBefore 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.
IDo 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.
IMany 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.
IDo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
IBe sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.
IStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
IStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
IIf 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.
IHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightlyand use a low gear to control your
speed.
IUnsecured 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.
ITo 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.
IDo 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.
IBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
Starting and driving
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the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.KEY POSITIONSLOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is at this position.
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use of
the registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key (for
example, when interference is caused by an-
other Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key,
an automated toll road device or automated
payment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 5 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered Nissan
Vehicle Immobilizer System key on a separate
key ring to avoid interference from other de-
vices.
5-8
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position)
or N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral po-
sition), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather ÐUse the accelerator pedal to help start the
engine.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least
30 seconds after starting. Drive at moder-
ate speed for a short distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment. If your vehicle is equipped with four
wheel drive, see ªUsing four wheel driveº later
in this section.
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the D, R, 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle
is fully stopped before attempting to shift
the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the
key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the selec-
tor lever can be moved if the ignition switchis in the ACC position.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
INever shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-10
Starting and driving
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