NISSAN PATHFINDER 2009 Owner´s Manual

cDo not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
cAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your NISSAN four-wheel drive vehicle
has a higher center of gravity than a
passenger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as passenger cars. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could re-
sult in loss of control and/or a rollover
accident.cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. See
“Brake system” later in this section for
“Wet brakes”.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. See “Periodic mainte-
nance” in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.”WARNING
cNever 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.
cNever turn the ignition switch 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.
IGNITION SWITCH
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NISSSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK until the shift
selector is moved to the P (Park) position.
When turning the ignition switch, make sure the
shift selector is in the P (Park) position.
If the shift selector is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved
toward LOCK.When the ignition switch cannot be turned to-
ward the LOCK position when the Intelligent Key
is in range, proceed as follows:
1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
The shift selector can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the foot brake pedal is
depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK and
ACC, although it does not show on the lock
cylinder. When the ignition switch is OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counterclock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. To unlock the
steering wheel, push the ignition switch in
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.If the battery of the vehicle equipped with
the Intelligent Key system is discharged,
the ignition switch cannot be turned from
the LOCK position, even using the me-
chanical key.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
Push in the ignition switch to thesBposition
when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position)
sA:
The ignition switch can only be locked in the
LOCK position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed in, and turned to the ACC position
sC
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
sC:
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position)
sD:
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START
sE:
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the knob immediately.
It will automatically return to the ON position.
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The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the
LOCK position unless the shift selector is in the P
(Park) position. (It can be turned only to the
sB
position.)
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended pe-
riod. This can discharge the battery.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and the key removed until the shift selector is
moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shift selector is not returned to P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position.To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion with the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift selector is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or when the ignition switch cannot
be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as
follows to remove the key.
1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the
ON position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector is designed so it cannot moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or if the key is removed from the
switch.
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The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
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.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK posi-
tion, turn the steering wheel to the left or
right while turning the key to unlock the
key cylinder.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
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 starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cCheck that all doors are closed.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraint.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON (3)
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
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.
cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
cIf the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for five to six seconds.
After cranking the engine, release the ac-celerator pedal. 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.
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, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 3, 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.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen 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.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector into a driving gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is
removed.
Type A
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To move the selector lever:
: Push the button while depressing the
brake pedal
: Push the button to shift
: Shift without depressing brake pedal or
pushing the button
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector out of the P
(Park) position while pressing the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the ignition switch is turned to the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the vehicle is in N
(Neutral) , or any D (Drive) position, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and the key (if so equipped) cannot be removed
from the ignition switch. Move the shift selector to
the P (Park) position, then the ignition switch can
be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) .Apply theparking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first, then shift the shift selector into
the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
3 (Third gear) Type A only:
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
Type B
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Do not downshift into the 3 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 3 position.
2WD and AUTO:
71 MPH (1151 km/h)
4H:
62 MPH (100 km/h)
4LO:
31 MPH (50 km/h)
2 (Second gear) Type A only:
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 2 position.
2WD and AUTO:
62 MPH (100 km/h)
4H:
62 MPH (100 km/h)
4LO:
31 MPH (50 km/h)1 (Low gear) Type A only:
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud,
or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Do not downshift into the 1 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 1 position.
2WD and AUTO:
43 MPH (70 km/h)
4H:
43 MPH (70 km/h)
4LO:
31 MPH (50 km/h)
Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
When the shift selector is shifted from D (Drive)
to the manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped
or while driving, the transmission enters the
manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected
manually.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
When shifting the shift selector to the manual
shift gate, the position indicator displays 1 (First)
up to 5 (Fifth) depending on vehicle speed.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
1,2,3,4,5
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M5 (Fifth):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M4 (Fourth):
For driving up or down long slopes where engine
braking would be advantageous.
M3 (Third) and M2 (Second):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades.
M1 (First):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
cRemember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than M4
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up:
Move the shift selector to the + (up) side. (Shifts
to higher range.)
When shifting down:
Move the shift selector to the2(down) side.
(Shifts to lower range.)cThe transmission will automatically down-
shift the gears. (For example, if you select the
3rd range, the transmission will shift down
between the 3rd and 1st gears.)
cMoving the shift selector rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Return the shift selector to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driving
mode.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down and
shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector may
not be moved from the P (Park) position even with
the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector, release the shift lock.
The shift selector can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
Type A
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To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key (if so equipped)
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Press the shift lever button and move the
shift selector to the N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position to
unlock the steering wheel. Now the vehicle
may be moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch (if so equipped)
Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and the
shift selector in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission upshifts
into Overdrive as vehicle speed
increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
Type B
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