4WD NISSAN PATHFINDER 2023 User Guide

Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
• Spinning the front wheels on slippery
surfaces may cause the AWD
warning message to display and the
4WD system to automatically switch
from the 4WD to the 2WD mode. This
could reduce the traction. Be espe-
cially careful when towing a trailer
(4WD models).
• Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
• Do not drive across steep slopes. In-
stead 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 shif t gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
• Stay 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.
• 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 and apply brakes to control your
speed.
• 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. •
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 off-
road. 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 encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is more
affected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
• Do not drive beyond the perfor-
mance capability of the tires, even
with 4WD engaged.
Starting and driving5-11

•For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
• Do not attempt to test an 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emis-
sions 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 dynamom-
eter. Using the wrong test equipment
may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
• When a wheel is off the ground due to
an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively.
• Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control. •
If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN vehicle has a
higher center of gravity than a pas-
senger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as passenger cars.
• Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of control
and/or a rollover accident.
• Always 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 front wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
• Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately af ter driving in mud or water.
For additional information, see
“Brake system” (P. 5-175).
• Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured. •
Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. For addi-
tional information, see “Additional
maintenance items for severe oper-
ating conditions” (P. 9-7).
5-12Starting and driving

4WD:SAND, MUD/RUT, SNOW, AUTO, ECO,
SPORT, and TOW
To change the mode, turn the Drive Mode
Selector right or lef t.
NOTE:
When the Drive Mode Selector selects a
mode, the mode may not switch imme-
diately. This is not a malfunction.
The current mode is displayed in the ve-
hicle information display. The mode list will
appear in the vehicle information display
and you can select the mode.
NOTE:
The mode list will be turned off in ap-
proximately 5 seconds af ter the mode is
selected.
You can also clear the message by push-
ing the scroll dial on the steering wheel
mounted controls.
If the driving mode cannot be switched us-
ing the Drive Mode Selector when the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position, have the
system checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
NOTE:
The STANDARD (2WD models)/AUTO
(4WD models) MODE will be selected first
each time the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position.
WARNING
Do not stare at the Drive Mode Selector
or the display while driving so that full
attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
STANDARD MODE (2WD
models)/AUTO MODE (4WD
models)
This is the standard mode that is most
suitable for normal driving.
SPORT MODE
• Adjusts the engine points for a higher response.
• The setting of the steering system is ad- justed to moderately increase steering
wheel effort for a sporty feel.
NOTE:
In the SPORT mode, fuel economy may
be reduced.
SNOW MODE
This mode makes it easier to start and
drive on snowy roads and frozen roads.
LSD4815
Drive Mode Selector (4WD models)
5-32Starting and driving

CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the SNOW mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction. Additionally, this will
cause premature tire wear and reduced
fuel economy.
When the SNOW mode is selected, small
vibration in cornering may occur. This is not
a malfunction.
TOW MODE
The TOW mode controls the shif ting points
to facilitate the acceleration or decelera-
tion while towing.
Regardless of the availability of the tow bar,
TOW mode is equipped.
The Idling Stop System is disabled when
the vehicle is in TOW mode.
MUD/RUT MODE (4WD models)
This mode allows for easier driving or start-
ing on a bumpy road surface such as an
uneven dirt road or a steep uphill slope.
CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the MUD/RUT mode, as this will over-
load the powertrain and may cause a
serious malfunction. Additionally, this
will cause premature tire wear and re-
duced fuel economy.
NOTE:
When the MUD/RUT mode is selected,
small tight-corner braking phenomenon
or small vibration in cornering may oc-
cur. This is not a malfunction
SAND MODE (4WD models)
This mode allows for easier driving or start-
ing on sand.
CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the SAND mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction. Additionally, this will
cause premature tire wear and reduced
fuel economy.
NOTE:
When the SAND mode is selected, small
tight-corner braking phenomenon or
small vibration in cornering may occur.
This is not a malfunction
ECO MODE
Assists the driver’s ECO-driving. The engine
points are adjusted for improved fuel
economy, providing such driving features
as smooth starting or constant cruising.
NOTE:
Selecting the ECO mode will not neces-
sarily improve fuel economy as many
driving factors influence its
effectiveness.
Operation
Select the ECO mode using the Drive Mode
Selector. The ECO indicator illuminates.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
within the range of economy drive, the ECO
drive indicator illuminates in green. When
the accelerator pedal is depressed above
the range of economy drive, the ECO drive
indicator turns off.
Starting and driving5-33

SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
Condition A:
The warning and assist functions of the I-LI
system are not designed to work under the
following conditions:
• When you operate the lane change signaland change the traveling lanes in the di-
rection of the signal. (The I-LI system will
be deactivated for approximately 2 sec-
onds af ter the lane change signal is
turned off.)
• When the vehicle speed lowers to less than approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Af ter the above conditions have finished
and the necessary operating conditions
are satisfied, the warning and assist func-
tions will resume.
Condition B:
The assist function of the I-LI system is not
designed to work under the following con-
ditions (warning is still functional):
• When the brake pedal is depressed.
• When the steering wheel is turned as far as necessary for the vehicle to change
lanes.
• When the vehicle is accelerated during I-LI system operation. • When the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
approach warning occurs.
• When the hazard warning flashers are operated.
• When driving on a curve at high speed.
Af ter the above conditions have finished
and the necessary operating conditions
are satisfied, the I-LI system application of
the brakes will resume.
Condition C:
If the following messages appear in the
vehicle information display, the I-LI system
will be turned off automatically.
• “Not Available Poor Road Conditions” When the VDC system (except Traction
Control System [TCS] function) or ABS
operates.
• “Currently not available”: – When the VDC system is turned off.
– When the SNOW mode, or the MUD/ RUT mode or SAND mode (4WD mod-
els only) is selected.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the I-LI system. Push the ProPILOT
Assist switch (for vehicles with ProPILOT
Assist) on the steering wheel again to turn
the I-LI system back on. Temporary disabled status at high
temperature:
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight
under high temperature conditions (over
approximately 104°F [40°C]) and then the
I-LI system is turned on, the I-LI system
may be deactivated automatically and the
following message will appear on the ve-
hicle information display: “Unavailable: High
Cabin Temperature.”
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the I-LI system malfunctions, it will cancel
automatically. The LDW indicator (orange)
and the “Not Available System Malfunction”
warning message will display. If the LDW
indicator (orange) and the warning mes-
sage appear in the display, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle. Turn
the engine/motor off and restart the
engine/motor. If the LDW indicator (orange)
and warning message continue to appear,
have the I-LI system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Starting and driving5-51

Illustration 9: If the I-BSI system is on and
your vehicle approaches the lane marker
while another vehicle is in the detection
zone, the system chimes (three times) and
the side indicator light flashes. The I-BSI
system activates to help return the vehicle
back to the center of the driving lane.Illustration 10: The I-BSI system will not op-
erate if your vehicle is on a lane marker
when another vehicle enters the detection
zone. In this case only the BSW system
operates.
NOTE:
• The radar sensors may not detect a ve-
hicle which is traveling at about the
same speed as your vehicle when it en-
ters the detection zone.
• I-BSI will not operate or will stop oper- ating and only a warning chime will
sound under the following conditions: – When the brake pedal is depressed.
– When the vehicle is accelerated dur-
ing I-BSI system operation.
– When steering quickly.
– When the ICC, I-FCW or AEB with Pe- destrian Detection warnings sound.
– When the hazard warning flashers are operated.
– When driving on a curve at a high speed.
– When the BSW system is turned off.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
Under the following conditions, a chime will
sound, the following message will appear
in the vehicle information display and the
I-BSI system will be turned off automati-
cally. The I-BSI system will not be available
until the conditions no longer exist.
• “Not available Poor Road Conditions” – When the VDC system (except TCS function) or ABS operates.
• “Currently not available” – When the VDC system is turned off.
– When the SNOW mode, or the MUD/ RUT mode or SAND mode (4WD mod-
els only) is selectedSSD1094
Illustration 9– Entering from the side
LSD2051
Illustration 10: – Entering from the side
Starting and driving5-75

When the SET- switch is pushed under the
following conditions, the ProPILOT Assist
system cannot be set and the set vehicle
speed indicator
O1blinks for approxi-
mately 2 seconds:
• When traveling below 20 mph (32 km/h) and the vehicle ahead is not detected
• When the shif t lever is not in the D (Drive) position or manual shif t mode
• When the parking brake is applied
• When the brakes are operated by the driver • When the VDC system is off. For additional
information, see “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) system” (P. 5-177).
• When the VDC system (including the trac- tion control system) is operating
• When a wheel is slipping
• When any door is open
• When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
• When the SNOW mode, or MUD/RUT or SAND modes (4WD models) are selected
LSD4234
For vehicles with the 7 inch (18 cm) display
LSD4214
For vehicles with the 12.3 inch (31.2 cm) display
5-98Starting and driving

• The SNOW mode, or MUD/RUT or SANDmode (4WD models) is selected.
• A wheel slips.
• When the front radar is impaired due to dirt or an other obstruction blocking the
radar sensor.
• When the radar signal is temporarily interrupted.
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, turn the system off using
the ProPILOT Assist switch. Turn the ProPI-
LOT Assist system back on to use the
system.
NOTE:
When the ICC system is canceled un-
der the following conditions at a
standstill, the electronic parking brake
is automatically activated:
• Any door is open.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• Your vehicle has been stopped by the ICC system for approximately 3 min-
utes or longer.
• The shif t lever is not in the D (Drive) position or manual shif t mode.
• The VDC system is turned off. • When distance measurement be-
comes impaired due to adhesion of dirt
or obstruction to the sensor.
• When the radar signal is temporarily interrupted.
Condition B
When there is inclement weather (rain, fog,
snow, etc.) blocking the front radar sensor,
the ICC system will automatically be can-
celed, the chime will sound and the “For-
ward Driving Aids temporarily disabled
Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display.
Action to take:
When the conditions listed above are no
longer present, the warning message will
no longer be available in the vehicle infor-
mation display and the system will operate
normally. If the “Forward Driving Aids tem-
porarily disabled Front Sensor Blocked See
Owner’s Manual” warning message contin-
ues to be displayed, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Condition C
When the radar sensor of the front bumper
is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the ICC
system will automatically be canceled.
The chime will sound and the “Forward
Driving Aids temporarily disabled Front
Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual”
warning message will appear in the vehicle
information display.
Action to take:
If the warning message appears, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, press the park but-
ton to engage the P (Park) position, and
turn the engine off. When the radar signal is
temporarily interrupted, clean the sensor
area of the front bumper and restart the
engine. If the “Forward Driving Aids tempo-
rarily disabled Front Sensor Blocked See
Owner’s Manual” warning message contin-
ues to be displayed, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Starting and driving5-117

• Keep your engine tuned up.
• Follow the recommended scheduledmaintenance.
• Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres- sure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im- proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, see “Engine
oil and oil filter recommendations”
(P. 10-7).
If any malfunction occurs in the I-4X4 sys-
tem while the engine is running, messages
are displayed in the meter.
If the “AWD error” warning appears, there
may be a malfunction in the I-4X4 system.
Reduce vehicle speed and have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. The “AWD High Temp. Stop Vehicle” (high
temperature) warning appears when the
oil temperature of the powertrain parts will
increase due to the difference in rotation
between the front and rear wheels is large
(wheel slip), such as when driving the ve-
hicle on rough roads, through sand or mud,
or freeing a stuck vehicle. If this warning is
displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine
idling, as soon as it is safe to do so. In these
cases, the 4WD changes to 2WD to protect
the powertrain parts. Then if the warning
turns off, you continue 4WD driving.
LSD3252LSD3253
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
INTELLIGENT 4X4 (I-4X4) (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-171

The “Tire Size Incorrect” warning may be
displayed if there is a large difference be-
tween the diameters of front and rear
wheels and tires. Pull off the road in a safe
area, with the engine idling. Check that all
tire sizes, brand, construction and tread
pattern are the same, that the tire pressure
is correct and that the tires are not exces-
sively worn. If you have any problems,
please change tires or adjust the correct
tire pressure. Do not select the SNOW, MUD/
RUT, or SAND modes with the Drive Mode
Selector and do not drive fast.
If any warning message continues to be
displayed, have your vehicle checked. It isrecommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
• For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
• Do not attempt to test an 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emis-
sions testing) or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are
raised off the ground. Make sure that
you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with
4WD before it is placed on a dyna-
mometer. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal
injury.
CAUTION
• Do not operate the engine on a free
roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
• The powertrain may be damaged if
you continue driving with the “AWD
Error” warning on.
• If the warning message remains on
af ter the above operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
• If the “AWD Error” warning appears
while driving, there may be a mal-
function in the 4WD system.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have
your vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the vehicle is in the P (Park) position,
the operation noise may be heard from the
lower part of the vehicle. This is not a
malfunction.
LSD3254
5-172Starting and driving