check engine NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011 Owner´s Manual

Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
●Do not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely. Refer to “Variable
voltage control system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section later
in this manual.
● Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
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
immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light
(
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position. It turns
off soon after the engine is started. If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. See “4WD warning light” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
CAUTION
●
If the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked by a 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 for all mode 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift
the shift selector to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for part time 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift
the shift selector to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
2-16Instruments and controls

Cruise set switch indicatorlight
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 may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
4WD shift indicator light(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
placing the ignition switch in the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used. For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The Malfunction Indicator Light 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 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists. If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if
the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning message is
displayed in the odometer. If the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off after a few
driving trips. If the
light does not turn
off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
2-20Instruments and controls

●Malfunction Indicator Light 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 Light may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the vehicle
inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
For additional information, see “Driving the ve-
hicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This
function indicates the security system equipped
on the vehicle is operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
Transfer 4LO position indicatorlight (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
placing the ignition switch in the ON position.
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is
set in the 4LO position with the ignition key in the
ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
All mode 4WD (if so equipped)
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 and shift the transmission shift selector to
the N position with the brake pedal depressed,
then depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to
4LO or 4H.
Instruments and controls2-21

You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift selector to the N position with
the brake pedal depressed.
Part time 4WD (if so equipped)
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the shift selector is
shifted from the N position to any other gear
when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the ve-
hicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle and shift the transmission shift selector to
the N position with the brake pedal depressed,
then depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to
4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift selector to the N position with
the brake pedal depressed.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF, the
transfer case is in the 4LO position (
model) , or when the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system is not functioning properly. This indicates
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not oper-
ating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light stays
on or comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control system is disabled and the
VDC indicator light will not turn off after 2 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. To reset the system, you must perform
the reset procedure. Refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
2-22Instruments and controls

●the keyfob or Intelligent Key.
Keyfob and Intelligent Key operation:
● Push the
button. All doors lock.
The hazard lights flash twice and the horn
beeps once to indicate all doors are
locked.
● When the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep. Refer to
“Silencing the horn beep feature” in the Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section or
“Comfort & Convenience settings” in the
“Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice
recognition systems” section.
4. Confirm that the
indicator light comes
on. The
light stays on for about 30
seconds. The vehicle security system is now
pre-armed. After about 30 seconds the ve-
hicle security system automatically shifts
into the armed phase. The
light begins
to flash once every 3 seconds. If, during the
30-second pre-arm time period, the driver’s
door is unlocked by the key, a request
switch, the keyfob or Intelligent Key, or if the
ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON, the
system will not arm. ●
If the key is turned slowly when locking
the driver’s door, the system may not
arm. Furthermore, if the key is turned
beyond the vertical position toward the
unlock position to remove the key, the
system may be disarmed when the key
is removed. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
●
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will arm
with all doors closed and locked with the
ignition key in the OFF position.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
● The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
● The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
the driver’s door with the key, a request
switch or by pressing the
button on
the keyfob or Intelligent Key. The alarm is activated by:
● opening a door without using the key or
keyfob (even if the door is unlocked by using
the inside lock knob or the power door lock
switch) .
● opening the glass hatch without unlocking
the lift gate.
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door or the liftgate with the key, pressing
the
button on the keyfob or Intelligent Key,
or by unlocking all doors with any request switch
(Intelligent Key models) .
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
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-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch placed in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2-24Instruments and controls

To sound the horn, push the area between the
horn icons on the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters.
1. Start the engine.
2. Push the LO or HI position 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 seat is warmed or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
CAUTION
●Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● 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 heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
● The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
WIC1449LIC1041
HORN HEATED SEAT (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-33

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Verify the location of all Intelligent Keys that are
programmed for the vehicle. If another Intelligent
Key is in range or inside the vehicle, the vehicle
system may respond differently than expected.
SymptomPossible CauseRemedy
When stopping the engine The SHIFT P warning appears on the dis-
play and the inside warning chime sounds
continuously. The shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park)
position.
When opening the driver’s door to get out
of the vehicle The inside warning chime sounds
continuously.
The ignition switch is in the ACC position.Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
When closing the door after getting out of
the vehicle The NO KEY warning appears on the
display, the outside chime sounds 3 times
and the inside warning chime sounds for
approximately 3 seconds.
The ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
The NO KEY warning appears on the dis-
play and the outside chime sounds
continuously. The ignition switch is in the ACC position
and the shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion and place the ignition switch in the
OFF position.
When closing the door with the inside lock
knob turned to LOCK The outside chime sounds for approximately
3 seconds and all the doors unlock.
The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the door handle request
switch to lock the door The outside chime sounds for approximately
2 seconds. The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle. Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
A door is not closed securely.
Close the door securely.
The door handle request switch is pushed
before the door is closed. Push the door handle request switch after
the door is closed.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-21

1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver’s side instrument panel. The
hood will spring up slightly.
2Push the lever at the front of the hood to the
side as illustrated with your fingertips and
raise the hood.
3Insert the support rod into the slot on the
underside of the hood.
When closing the hood, return the hood rod to its
original position. Lower the hood approximately
12 inch (30 cm) above the latch and release it.
This allows proper engagement of the hood latch.
WARNING
● Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure 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.
WARNING
● Always be sure the lift gate has been
closed securely to prevent it from open-
ing while driving.
● Do not drive with the lift gate open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
● Make sure that all passengers have
their hands, etc., inside the vehicle be-
fore closing the lift gate.
LPD0302
HOOD LIFT GATE
3-22Pre-driving checks and adjustments

OPENING THE FUEL-FILLER LID
Pull on the finger tab to open.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling. ●
Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) to come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
● Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when filling. – Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con- tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
●The LOOSE FUEL CAP warning mes-
sage will be displayed if the fuel-filler
cap is not properly tightened. Failure to
tighten the fuel-filler cap properly after
the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning message
is displayed may cause the
Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) to
illuminate.WPD0436
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
3-24Pre-driving checks and adjustments

CAUTION
●Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will 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 driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
● Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
● Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
all 4 tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information:
● The TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
● The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25
km/h) . Also, this system may not detect a
sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a
flat tire while driving) .
Starting and driving5-3