1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER ignition

THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device, installed in the exhaust system. In the
converter, exhaust gases are burned at high
temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. While the engine is
running, keep people or flammable
materials away from the exhaust sys-
tem.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as dry
grass, waste paper, or rags as they
may burn easily.
To help prevent damage
IDo not use leaded gasoline.
Deposits from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way catalyst's
ability to help reduce exhaust pollut-
ants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, orelectrical 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 noticeable
loss of performance or other unusual
operating conditions are detected. Have
the vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance
than passenger cars and a narrower track to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of
higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the
same speeds as conventional 2-wheel drive
vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
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Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner may result in loss of control or
an accident. Be alert and drive defensively at
all times. Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid
excessive speed, high speed cornering, or
sudden steering maneuvers, because these
driving practices could cause you to lose con-
trol of your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a
loss of control could result in a collision
with other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to rollover, particularly if the loss of
control causes the vehicle to slide side-
ways.Be attentive at all times, and avoid
driving when tired. Never drive when under
the influence of alcohol or drugs (including
prescription or over-the-counter drugs which
may cause drowsiness). Always wear your
seat belt as outlined in the ªSeat Beltsº section
of this manual, and also instruct your passen-
gers to do so.
Alcohol in the blood stream reduces
coordination, delays reaction time and
impairs judgement. Driving after drink-
ing alcohol increases the likelihood of
being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in the accident alcohol can
increase the severity of injury.
Nissan is committed to safe driving. But, you
must choose not to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is con-
sidered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.The switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
ªLOCKº Normal parking position (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is in this position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to ªLOCKº from ªACCº or ªONº,
first turn the key to ªOFFº and turn the key to
ªLOCKº while pushing the key in.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.SSD0069
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVERDRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVINGIGNITION SWITCH
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

On automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to ªLOCKº and removed until the shift
lever is moved to the ªPº position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift lever is in the ªPº position.
If the shift lever is not returned to ªPº (Park),
the key cannot be moved toward LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
ªLOCKº position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
1) Move the shift lever into the ªPº position.2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ªONº
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the ªLOCKº position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the shift lever cannot be moved from ªPº
(Park).The shift lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ªACCº position.
The shift lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ªONº position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an ªOFFº position in between ªLOCKº
and ªACCº, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in ªOFFº the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
SSD0062A
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

ªOFFº (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ªACCº (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ªONº Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
ªSTARTº (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a microcomputer to
produce maximum power and smooth opera-
tion.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªDº, ªRº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to
shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of ªPº
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to ªLOCKº or if
the key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ªACCº position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
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Shifting from ªPº (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ªONº position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift
lever still cannot be moved out of ªPº (Park),
follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ªACCº position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gear-
shift lever to ªNº (Neutral) and start the
engine.
5. Check stop light operation.
If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the ªPº position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunc-
tioning stop lights could cause an acci-
dent injuring yourself and others.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
ªNº (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained. Never drive the vehicle if thestop lights are not operating properly.
ªRº (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Shift into this
position only after the vehicle has completely
stopped.
ªNº (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to ªNº and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
ªDº (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
ª2º (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing, effective engine braking
on downhill grades or starting on slippery
roads.
Do not downshift into the ª2º position at speeds
over the following speeds and do not exceed
the following speeds in the ª2º position:2-wheel drive:
60 MPH (95 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
50 MPH (80 km/h)
ª1º (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking
on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into ª1ºposition at speeds over the
following speeds:
2-wheel drive:
60 MPH (95 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
50 MPH (80 km/h)
Do not exceed the following speeds in the ª1º
position:
2-wheel drive:
30 MPH (50 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
30 MPH (50 km/h)
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Accelerator downshift
Ð In ªDº position Ð
For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into second gear or first
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch
ON: For normal driving, push the overdrive
switch ªONº with the selector
switch in the ªDº position. The transmis-
sion is upshifted into OVERDRIVE as
the vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive will not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine ªbrakingº would be advan-
tageous, push the switch ªOFF
º.
When cruising at a low speeds or climb-
ing a gentle slope, you may feel uncom-fortable shift shock as the transmission
shifts between 3rd and overdrive repeat-
edly. In this case, set the overdrive
switch in the ªOFF
º position.
The indicator light will come on at this
time.
When driving conditions change, push the
overdrive switch in the ªON
º position.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the ªOFF
º position. This
lowers the fuel economy.
Fail-safe
When the Fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ªONº position, the
O/D OFF light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the
automatic transmission will be locked in third
gear.
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. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
ªOFFº and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn
SSD0066
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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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IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position
and remove the key.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
INever leave the engine running while
vehicle is unattended.
IDriving with vacuum assisted brake:
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 pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
IDriving with the power assisted steer-
ing:
The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at low
speeds.
IWet 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 brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until thebrakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
IAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
ITo help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, before going
down a slope or long grade, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear.
IWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or down-
shifting. Abrupt braking actions or sudden
acceleration could cause the wheels to
skid.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN DRIVING
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