parking brake NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011 Owner´s Manual

To move the shift selector:
: 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 shift selec-
tor 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 placed in the OFF position
for any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral) ,
or any D (Drive) position, the ignition switch can-
not be turned to the LOCK position and the key (if
so equipped) cannot be removed from the igni-
tion 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 the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then move 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
WSD0213
Starting and driving5-15

To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Place the ignition switch in 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. Use protective cloth on the tip of a small screwdriver before inserting it in the shift
lock release slot and push down. 5. Press the shift selector button and move the
shift selector to the N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.
6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position to unlock the steering wheel (for models with
a steering lock mechanism) . 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 shift selector 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
WSD0214LSD0142
5-18Starting and driving

OFF: For driving up and down longslopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
WARNING
●Be sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
● Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
● Do not use the shift selector in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully engaged.
● Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release: 1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.
3. Firmly depress the parking brake pedal and it will release.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
LSD0158
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-19

All mode 4WD system (if so equipped)
The all mode 4WD system provides 4 positions
(AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO) , so you can select
the desired drive mode according to the driving
conditions.
2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift
Switch Position Wheels
Driven Indicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
AUTO Rear wheels
or 4 wheels
For driving on paved or slippery roads
Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> AUTO <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift posi-
tion engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE TRANSMIS-
SION SELECTOR TO THE (N) POSITION IN THIS OP-
ERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERATION WHEN DRIV-
ING STRAIGHT.
2WDRear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive)
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blink Neutral disengages the automatic
transmission mechanical parking lock,
which will allow the vehicle to roll. Do
not leave the transfer shift position in
Neutral.*2 1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission selector to the (N) position.
3. Depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to 4LO or
4H with the brake pedal depressed.
YOU CANNOT MOVE THE TRANSFER 4WD SHIFT
SWITCH BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H)
UNLESS YOU FIRST STOP THE VEHICLE DEPRESS
THE BRAKE AND SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
SELECTOR TO THE NEUTRAL (N) POSITION, THEN
DEPRESS AND TURN THE 4WD SHIFT SWITCH TO
4LO OR 4H. *3
4LO 4 wheels
Illuminated For use when maximum power and
traction is required (for example: on
steep grades or rocky, sandy, muddy
roads)
5-24Starting and driving

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are four types of drive
modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H and
4LO.
You must depress the switch to select 4LO,
and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
shift selector in the (N) Neutral position
when changing into or out of 4LO.
WARNING
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make sure
that the 4WD shift indicator light is on and
the ATP warning light goes off. Otherwise,
the vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the P
position.
CAUTION
●Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
● The 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain component. Speeds
over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is not
recommended.
● The 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed ex-
cessively, as the maximum speed is ap-
proximately 31 MPH (50 km/h) .
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or reversing.
● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving
on steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low automatic transmis-
sion gears (D1 or D2) for engine
braking.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) with the
rear wheels spinning. ●
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD or AUTO position under these
conditions.
● The 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.
When driving on rough roads, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or
4LO.
● Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
5-26Starting and driving

Part time 4WD system (if so equipped)
The part time 4WD system provides 3 positions
(2WD, 4H and 4LO) , so you can select the desired
drive mode according to the driving conditions.
2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift
Switch Position Wheels
Driven Indicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO posi-
tion
2WD Rear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive) Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift posi-
tion engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMIS-
SION SHIFT SELECTOR TO THE N POSITION IN THIS
OPERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERATION WHEN
DRIVING STRAIGHT.
4H
4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blink Neutral disengages the automatic trans-
mission mechanical parking lock, which
will allow the vehicle to roll. Do not leave
the transfer shift position in Neutral.*2 1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission selector to the (N) position
with the brake pedal depressed.
3. Depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to 4LO or 4H with the brake pedal depressed.
THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT ENGAGE BE-
TWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU
HAVE FIRST STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED
THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE TRANSMIS-
SION SELECTOR TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO 4 wheels
Illuminated For use when maximum power and trac-
tion is required (for example: on steep
grades or rocky, sandy, muddy roads)
*1: Before moving the transmission shift selector from neutral, wait until the 4LO indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift procedure
is completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transfer gear
may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the neutral position.
- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
5-28Starting and driving

1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switchOFF.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD light illuminates, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the transmission shift selector to Neutral position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed, move the 4WD shift switch to desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the transmission shift selector from Neutral position.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator
lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light will also turn on when
4LO is selected. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” later in this section.
Starting and driving5-29

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are three types of drive
modes available, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, shift the transmission
selector to Neutral (N) , and depress the
brake pedal. The switch must be depressed
and turned when changing into or out of
4LO.
WARNING
●When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is
on and the ATP warning light goes off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect-
edly move even if the automatic trans-
mission is in the P position. ●
The 4LO indicator light must stop blink-
ing and remain illuminated or turn off
before shifting the transmission into
gear. If the transmission selector is
shifted from the (N) position to any
other gear when the 4LO indicator light
is blinking, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly.
CAUTION
● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
● The 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is
not recommended.
● The 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed ex-
cessively, as the maximum speed is ap-
proximately 31 MPH (50 km/h) .
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing. ●
Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low automatic transmission
gears (D1 or D2) for engine braking.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.
● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD position under these conditions.
● The 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.
5-30Starting and driving

WARNING
●Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
●
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) . Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and re-
sult in an accident. Make sure the shift
selector has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
● Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
● Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi- tion.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated. ●
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
A
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
B
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
C
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
WSD0050
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-34Starting and driving

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-35