automatic transmission NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID 2015 Owners Manual

Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Driving the vehicle
in the tow mode with no trailer/load or light
trailer/light load will not cause any damage. How-
ever, fuel economy may be reduced, and the
transmission/engine driving characteristics may
feel unusual.
Press the tow mode switch to activate tow mode.
The indicator light on the tow mode switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the tow
mode switch again to turn tow mode OFF.
Tow mode is automatically canceled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.For additional information, refer to “Tow mode” in
the “Technical and consumer information” in this
section.
12V OUTLETS
The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 volt, 120W (10A) maximum.
The front and center console power outlets are
powered only when the ignition switch is in the
ACC or ON position.
LIC2878
Instrument Panel
LIC2391
TOW MODE SWITCH POWER OUTLETS
2-46Instruments and controls

Move the shift lever to R (Reverse) . The selected
mirror will turn downward.
The selected mirror surface will return to its origi-
nal position when any of the following have oc-
curred:
●The shift lever is moved to any position other
than R (Reverse) .
●The outside mirror control switch is set to the
neutral or center position.
●The ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position.
NOTE:
If the outside mirror control switch is in the
neutral position, neither mirror will turn
downward when the shift lever is moved to
R (Reverse) .
For additional information regarding this feature,
refer to “Automatic drive positioner” in this sec-
tion.
Heated mirrors
The outside mirrors can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.The automatic drive positioner system has three
features:
●Memory storage function
●Entry/exit function
●Seat synchronization function
MEMORY STORAGE FUNCTION
Two positions for the driver’s seat, steering col-
umn, and outside mirrors can be stored in the
automatic drive positioner memory. Follow these
procedures to use the memory system.
1. Set the Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) shift lever to the P (Park) position.
2. Place the ignition in the ON position.
3. Adjust the driver’s seat, steering column,
and outside mirrors to the desired positions
by manually operating each adjusting
switch. For additional information, refer to
“Seats” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
LPD2068
AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER (if
so equipped)
3-36Pre-driving checks and adjustments

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in
your vehicle is electronically controlled to pro-
duce 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.
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the shift
lever out of the P (Park) position.
This CVT is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed before
shifting from P (Park) to any driving
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the ignitionswitch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position while the Ready Light il-
luminates.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift lever to a driving position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake
pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive) position.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
●Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
●Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
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.
●Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
●Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-15

Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift lever button pushed. To move the
shift lever, perform the following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover
Aus-
ing a suitable tool.
4. Push down the shift lock release
Busing a
suitable tool.5. Press the shift lever button
Cand move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position
D
while holding down the shift lock release.
The vehicle may be moved to the desired
location. Replace the removed shift lock re-
lease cover after the operation. If the shift
lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park)
position, have a NISSAN dealer check the
CVT system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing 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.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated. For additional information, refer
to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instrument and controls” section of this
manual. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
LSD2128
Starting and driving5-17

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
CAUTION
●Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the sealing surface of
the engine. Failure to do so could lead
to an oil leak and engine damage.●The dipstick must be inserted in place
to prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole when filling the engine with oil.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
A.
4. Loosen the oil filter
Awith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than
10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
CAUTION
●NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 ONLY in
NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with other
fluids.
●Do not use Automatic transmission
fluid (ATF) or Manual transmission fluid
in a NISSAN CVT, as it may damage the
CVT. Damage caused by the use of flu-
ids other than recommended is not cov-
ered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
●Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
damage the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under NISSAN’s
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
LDI2439
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

●Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
●Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
●Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
●NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
●Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
●Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.●When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
●Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion in this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Tow mode includes the following features:
●Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.●Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion in this manual.FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
Technical and consumer information9-27

Child restraints.......1-23,1-24,1-25,1-27
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-27
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-25,1-32,1-39,1-44
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child restraint with top tether strap.......1-29
Child safety rear door lock............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-18
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock set/adjustment...........4-8,4-16
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving...............5-48
Compact disc (CD) player........4-67,4-74
Consolebox...................2-49
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-15
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-15
Control panel buttons..............4-10
Brightness/contrast button......4-9,4-18
Enterbutton...............4-4,4-10
Without navigation system..........4-4
Controls
Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......4-94
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-43
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking inverter coolant level.......8-10
Corrosionprotection ...............7-7
Cruisecontrol..................5-31
Cupholders...................2-51D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-39
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-36
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player.......4-76
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-39
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4,
4-10
Door locks.....................3-5
Drive belt.....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-36
Driving
Cold weather driving.............5-48
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-15
Precautions when starting and driving....5-2
Dual head restraint DVD system........4-96
E
Economy - fuel..................5-35
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-29
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-13
Block heater.................5-49
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations....8-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engineoil...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number...........
.9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-14
Enter button.................4-4,4-10
Event data recorders..............9-31
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2
Extended storage switch............8-23
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire.......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-6
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Enginecoolant.................8-7
Engineoil...................8-10
Inverter coolant................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Windshield-washer fluid...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-40
10-2

Speedometer...................2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight) ...........2-62
SRS warning label................1-64
Stability control.................5-42
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-13
Jump starting.................6-11
Precautions when starting and driving....5-2
Push starting.................6-13
Starting the engine.............5-14
Starting the engine...............5-14
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-44
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Power steering system...........5-40
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-94
Stoplight.....................8-27
Storage......................2-48
Storagebin....................2-54
Sunglassescase.................2-50
Sunroof (see Moonroof).............2-57
Sun visors....................3-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels......1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-65, 2-15
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-54
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-47
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-47
Switch
Autolightswitch...............2-37
Automatic power window switch......2-57
Foglightswitch ...............2-40
Hazard warning flasher switch........6-2Headlight and turn signal switch......2-36
Headlight control switch..........2-37
Instrument brightness control........2-39
Power door lock switch............3-6
Power inverter switch............2-45
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-36
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-35
Tow mode switch..............2-46
Turn signal switch..............2-39
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-45
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-33
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-32,3-4,5-13
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire.....................6-3
Spare tire................6-4,8-40
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Tirechains..................8-37
Tireplacard..................9-12
Tire pressure.................8-30
Tirerotation..................8-37
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-39
Types of tires.................8-36
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-28
Wheels and tires...............8-30
Wheel/tire size.................9-9Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)....5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-29
Towing
4-wheel drive models............6-15
Flattowing..................9-27
Towing load/specification..........9-20
Towtrucktowing...............6-14
Trailer towing.................9-17
Towing a trailer..................9-17
Tow mode switch................2-46
Transceiver
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.....2-63
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-15
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-10
Trip odometer...................2-4
Turn signal switch................2-39
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-28
USB interface
Audio file operation..........4-79,4-81
Video file operation.............4-82
V
Vanity mirror...................3-33
10-6