1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER wheel

the key back to the ªONº position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition have your NIS-
SAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the gearshift lever. After
shifting, release the clutch slowly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
Reverse. First shift into the Neutral position,
then into Reverse.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
Reverse or 1st, shift into Neutral, then release
the clutch pedal and shift into Reverse or 1st
again.
Suggested shift-up speeds
The table below provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. Thesesuggestions relate to fuel economy and ve-
hicle performance. Actual shift ranges should
be adjusted for specific road conditions,
weather conditions and individual driving hab-
its.
I2-wheel drive models and 4-wheel drive
models (2H and 4H position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (25)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (65)
4th to 5th 45 (75)
*1 Acceleration:
Normal acceleration such as
standing start
*2 Cruise:
Driving without rapid acceleration
or deceleration at moderate speed
which permits maximum fuel
economy
SSD0002
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

I4-wheel drive model (4L position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (20)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (36)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road
driving, use the highest gear suggested for
that speed. Always observe posted speed
limits, and drive according to the road condi-
tions which will ensure safe operation. Do not
overrev the engine when shifting to a lower
gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of
vehicle control.Allowable maximum speed in each gear
2-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
4-wheel drive models
2H position
1st 22 (35)
2nd 37 (60)
3rd 56 (90)
4th & 5th 78 (125)
4-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
4H position
1st 22 (35)
2nd 37 (60)
3rd 50 (80)
4th & 5th 50 (80)
4L position
1st 9 (15)
2nd 19 (30)
3rd 28 (45)
4th & 5th 31 (50)
Driving precautions
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may cause clutch dam-
age.
IStop your vehicle completely before shifting
into Reverse.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to ªPº (Park position
or ªNº (Neutral position). (ªPº preferred)
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
ªPº and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to
ªOFFº or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to ªNº (Neutral
position), and depress the clutch pedal to
the floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to ªSTARTº. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather Ð
STARTING THE ENGINE
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

c) Push, then quickly release the ªACCELº set
switch. Each time you do this, the set speed
will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,follow
either of these three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
ªCOAST/SETº switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the ªCOAST/SETº switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
ªCOAST/SETº switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ªRESUMEº set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
IThe cruise indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control switch (Main
switch) is turned ªONº while pushing the
ªRESUME/ACCELº switch or
ªCOAST/SETº switch or ªCANCELº switch
(located on the steering wheel). To properly
set the cruise control system perform thesteps above in the order indicated. (This is
a fail-safe mode. Turn the main switch
ªOFFº and turn it ªONº again without push-
ing the set switch to return to normal opera-
tion.)
IIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The cruise indica-
tor in the meter assembly will then blink to
warn the driver.
IWhen the cruise indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control switch (Main switch) ªOFFº
and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
Avoid using the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
Iwhen it is not possible to keep the vehicle at
set speed.
Iin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
Ion winding or hilly roads.
Ion slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
Iin very windy areas.
On the manual transmission model, do
not shift into neutral position without
depressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is on. This could cause
engine damage. If you shift into neutral
without depressing the pedal, depress
the clutch pedal and turn the main
switch off immediately.
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow
these recommendations for the future reliabil-
ity and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
IDo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Do not drive over the following speed limits:
2-wheel drive models:
4-wheel drive models
(2H position):
55 MPH (90 km/h)
4-wheel drive models
(4H position):
50 MPH (80 km/h)
4-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (50 km/h)
IDo not accelerate hard in top gear.
IAvoid quick starts and full acceleration.
IAvoid hard stops as much as possible.
I
For the first 300 miles (500 km), it is rec-
ommended that you drive in the 2-wheel
drive (2H) position.IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE ECONOMY HINTS
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause increased
tire wear and lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
I
Use ª4Hº or ª4Lº position only when neces-
sary. 4-wheel drive operation lowers fuel
economy.2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use when driving under the same
conditions as standard 2WD vehicle.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it is
difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving
at normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet,
muddy or sandy roads).
The ª4Hº position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid excessive
speed, as it will cause loss of traction.
Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not
recommend.4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand, mud
or deep snow. The ª4Lº position provides
maximum power and traction. Avoid raising
vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum
speed is approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the ªNº position. Shift the
lever quickly and smoothly when moving
across the ªNº position with the vehicle
stopped.
IDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in 4-wheel drive.
Driving on dry hard surfaces in ª4Hº
or ª4Lº may cause unnecessary
noise and tire wear. We recommend
driving in the ª2Hº position under
these conditions.
SD0020
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal and
off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly de-
signed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that two-wheel drive models are
less capable than four-wheel drive models for
rough road driving and extrication when stuck
in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
IDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead 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.
IMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you maystall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
IStay 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.
IIf 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 reverse gear. Never
back down in neutral (N) or with the
clutch depressed, using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.
IHeavy 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.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it willnot be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers.
IAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to rollover. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
IBefore operating vehicle, ensure that
the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken if
you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your NISSAN
is more affected by gusty side winds.
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the performance
of the tires even with 4WD.
Sudden acceleration, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IInstall the same size of winter tires on
all four (4) wheels (such as studless
tires) or install tire chains to the rear
wheels when driving on slippery
roads (e.g., after a snow) and drive
carefully using 4WD.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water as
specified in ªWET BRAKESº under
the heading ªPrecautions when driv-
ingº.
IWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. For details,
refer to ªMaintenance under severe
driving conditionsº under the head-
ing ªMaintenance scheduleº.IAvoid 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.
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials, such as dry grass, waste pa-
per, or rags.
IThe transfer control lever
must be in the ª2Hº, ª4Hº or ª4Lº
position to prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
INever place it in the ªNº position,
otherwise, the vehicle could roll un-
expectedly even if the manual trans-
mission is in gear or the automatic
transmission is in the ªPº position.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in the ªREVERSEº
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the gearshift lever in the ª1stº posi-
tion.Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the ªPº (PARK)
position.
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into ªPº (park) po-
sition. Make sure the shift lever has
been pushed as far forward as it can go
and cannot be moved.
3. To help prevent the vehicle rolling into the
street when parked on a sloping drive way,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
SSD0067
PARKING
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