1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER key

The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put
anything on or around this sensor.
Servicing air conditioner
The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a new refrigerant de-
signed with the environment in mind.
This new refrigerant will not harm the
earth's ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lu-
bricant are required when servicing your NIS-
SAN air conditioner. Using improper refriger-
ants or lubricants will cause severe damage to
your air conditioning system. See AIR CONDI-
TIONING SYSTEM REFRIGERANT AND LU-
BRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS in the
TECHNICAL INFORMATION section of this
manual.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally ªfriendlyº air conditioning
system.To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
ªACCº or ªONº. If you listen to the radio with
the engine not running, turn the key to the
ªACCº position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains, and other external
influences. Intermittent changes in reception
quality normally are caused by these external
influences.
SAA0158
RADIO
3-14
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

To adjust BASS, TREB (treble), FADER, and
BAL (balance) the control knobs must be re-
leased from their stowed positions. Pushing
the knobs once moves them to the released
position.
In the released position, the knobs control tone
quality. Turn the control knobs to adjust BASS
and TREB to the most pleasing level.
From the released position, the knobs must be
pulled out in order to control FADER and BAL.
FADER adjusts the sound level between the
front and rear speakers, and BAL adjusts the
sound level between the right and left speak-
ers.Once sound quality is set to the desired levels,
return the control knobs to the stowed position
by pushing them in completely and releasing.
Cassette tape operation
Turn the ignition key to ªACCº or ªONº, then
lightly insert the cassette tape into the tape
door.
The cassette tape will automatically pull into
the player. The word ªTAPEº and an arrow
indicating tape side will illuminate in the dis-
play window.
Do not force the cassette tape into the tape
door.Pressing strongly could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape will automatically change
directions to play the other side when the first
side is completed. At this time, the arrow in the
display window will change direction.
ITo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends that you use cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in length.
ICassette tapes should be removed from
the player when not in use. Store cas-
settes in their protective cases and away
from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and
magnetic sources.
Direct sunlight can cause the cassette to
become deformed. The use of deformed
cassettes may cause the cassette to jam
in the player.
IDo not use cassettes that have labels
which are peeling and loose. If used, the
label could jam in the player.
IIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette hubs
and rewind the tape firmly around the
hubs. Loose tape may cause tape jam-
ming and wavering sound quality.
IOver a period of time, the playback
AHA0522
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The antenna will automatically extend when
the radio is turned on, and retract when
switched off. If the radio is left on, the antenna
will retract and extend with the ignition key
ªOFF-ONº operation.
IBefore turning the radio on, make
sure that there is no one near the
antenna outlet and there is enough
space for it to extend.
ITo prevent damage, be sure that an-
tenna is fully retracted before the
vehicle enters an automated car
wash.
IDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of clean-
ing is especially important during the
winter seasons in areas where road
salt and other chemicals may be
spread on road surfaces and
splashed onto the antenna rod.
The antenna cannot be shortened but can be
removed.
Turn its root counterclockwise to remove the
antenna.
Be sure to remove the antenna before
washing the vehicle in an automatic car
washing machine, or the antenna may
be damaged.
When installing large capacity wireless equip-
ment or a car phone in your NISSAN, be sure
to observe the following as it may adversely
affect the Multiport fuel injection system and
other electronic parts depending on its instal-
lation location.
IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Electric Control Mod-
ule.
IAlso keep the antenna wire more than
8 inches (20 cm) away from the Elec-
tro Injection harness. Do not route
the antenna wire next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-
tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
IConnect the ground wire from the
radio chassis to the body.
IFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
SAA0164
POWER ANTENNA (If so
equipped)MANUAL ANTENNA CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
3-24
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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
4-4
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
4-5
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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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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)
4-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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
4-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX