1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER warning light

To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the ªº position, then turn the
switch to the ªº position. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the ªOFFº position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency con-
ditions. All turn signal lights will flash.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driv-
ing.
IWhen stalled or stopped on the road-
way under emergency conditions,
move the vehicle well off the road.
IDo not use the switch while movingon the highway unless unusual cir-
cumstances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might be-
come a hazard to other traffic.
ITurn signals do not work when the
switch is operating.
The flasher can be actuated with the ignition
switch either off or on.
IC1292SIC0594
FRONT FOG LIGHT SWITCH
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH
1-19
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

2 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key ......................................................................... 2-2
Door locks .............................................................. 2-2
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ......... 2-4
Battery replacement ................................................ 2-6
Spare tire carrier .................................................... 2-7
Back door locks ....................................................... 2-8
Rear window locks .................................................. 2-8
Hood release .......................................................... 2-9
Glove box lock ..................................................... 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock .................................................. 2-10
Fuel filler cap ....................................................... 2-11
Front seats ........................................................... 2-12
Rear seats ............................................................ 2-16
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ............................ 2-19Warning labels ...................................................... 2-25
Supplemental air bag warning light ..................... 2-25
Seat belts ............................................................. 2-27
Child restraints for infants and
small children ....................................................... 2-34
Tilting steering wheel ........................................... 2-41
Sunvisors ............................................................... 2-42
Outside mirror control .......................................... 2-42
Outside mirrors .................................................... 2-43
Inside mirror ......................................................... 2-44
Luggage net .......................................................... 2-44
Luggage hooks........................................................ 2-45
Luggage rack ........................................................ 2-46
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Unlocking doors
1. Push the ªº button on the multi-
remote controller.
2. Only the driver side door will unlock. Push
the ª
º button on the multi-remote con-troller again within 5 seconds.
3. All doors will unlock.
4. The interior light will stay on for 30 seconds
when the interior light switch is in the center
ªqº position.The interior light can be turned off without
waiting for 30 seconds by inserting the key into
the ignition or by locking the doors with the
multi-remote controller or by pushing the inte-
rior light button.
Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threat-
ened, you may activate the alarm to call atten-
tion as follows:
1. Push the ª
º button on the remote
controller forlonger than 1.5 seconds.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights will
stay on for 30 seconds.
3. The alarm will stop when any of the key
functions are used. For example, when the
ª
º or the ªº button is pushed, or the
ª
º button is pushed for longer than
1.5 seconds on the multi-remote controller,
the panic alarm function will be cancelled.
The remote controller will not function.
IWhen the key is inserted into the key
switch.
IWhen the battery in the remote control-
ler is dead.
IThe distance between the remote con-
SPA0398
2-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

This Supplemental Restraint System section
contains important information concerning the
driver and passenger supplemental air bags.
The Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag
can help reduce impact force to the driver and
to the front passenger in certain frontal colli-
sions. The supplemental air bags are designed
tosupplementthe crash protection provided
by the driver and passenger seat belts and are
not a substitutefor them. The seat belts
should always be correctly worn and the driver
and front passenger seated a suitable distance
away from the steering wheel and instrument
panel. (See ªSeat beltsº for instructions and
precautions on seat belt usage.)
After turning the ignition key to the ªONº
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
IThe supplemental air bags ordinarily
will not inflate in the event of a side
impact, rear impact, roll over, or
lower severity frontal collision. Al-
ways wear your seat belts to help
reduce the risk or severity of injury in
various kinds of accidents.
IThe seat belts and the supplemental
air bags are most effective when you
are sitting back and upright in the
seat. Supplemental air bags inflate
with great force. If you are unre-
strained, leaning forward, sitting
sideways or out of position in any
way, you are at greater risk of injury
or death in a crash and may also
receive serious or fatal injuries from
the supplemental air bag if you are up
against it when it inflates. Always sit
back against the seatback and as far
away as practical from the steering
SPA0504SPA0505
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SUPPLEMENTAL AIR
BAG SYSTEM)
2-19
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Supplemental air bag system
The driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel; the front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box. The
supplemental air bag system is designed to
inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, al-
though it may inflate if the forces in another
type of collision are similar to those of a higher
severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in
certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or
lack of it) is not always an indication of proper
supplemental air bag operation.
When the supplemental air bag inflates, a fairlyloud noise may be heard, followed by release
of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does
not indicate a fire, but care should be taken not
to inhale it, as it may cause irritation and
choking. Those with a history of breathing
trouble should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the face and chest of the occupant. They can
help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating supplemental air bag
may cause facial abrasions or other injuries.
Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint
to the lower body.The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dashboard. Since the supplemental air bag
inflates quickly in order to help protect the
occupant, the force of the supplemental air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to or is against the
supplemental air bag module during inflation.
The supplemental air bag will deflate quickly
after a collision.
After turning the ignition key to the ªONº
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
IDo not attach any objects to the
steering wheel pad and to the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause in-
jury if the supplemental air bag in-
flates.
SPA0390B
2-23
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Warning labels about the supplemental air bag
system are placed in the vehicle.The supplemental air bag light, displaying ªAIR
BAGº in the instrument panel, monitors the
circuits of the supplemental air bag. The cir-
cuits monitored by the supplemental air bag
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, supplemen-
tal air bag modules and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ªONº posi-
tion, the air bag warning light illuminates. The
supplemental air bag warning light will turn off
after about 7 seconds if the system is opera-
tional.
SPA0391SPA0392
WARNING LABELS
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
2-25
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing.
1. The supplemental air bag light goes off
within 7 seconds.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently or remains on (after 7 seconds).
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental Re-
straint System Air Bag may not operate prop-
erly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is designed
to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supplemen-
tal air bag light will remain illuminated after
inflation has occurred. Repair and replace-ment of the supplemental air bag system
should be done only by authorized NISSAN
dealers.
To ensure long-term functioning, the sys-
tem must be inspected 10 years after the
date of manufacture noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side center
pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system and
related parts should be pointed out to the
person conducting the maintenance. The igni-
tion key should always be in the ªLOCKº
position when working under the hood or in-
side the vehicle.
IOnce the supplemental air bag has
inflated, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. The supplemental
air bag module should be replaced by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
supplemental air bag module cannot
be repaired.
IThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an authorizedNISSAN dealer if there is any damage
to the front end portion of the vehicle.
IIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct supplemental air bag dis-
posal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
2-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Key positions
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. If your vehicle is equipped with
four-wheel drive, see ª
Transfer case
shifting proceduresº in this section.
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 selector 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 selec-
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-7
Z01.2.1/R50-DX