1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator lightorMalfunction indicator light
High beam indicator light (Blue)CRUISE indicator lightDoor open warning light
Seat belt reminder light and buzzerAnti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)Tire carrier open warning light
Engine oil pressure warning lightAnti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
Low fuel warning lightAutomatic transmission park warning light
Checking bulbs
Turn the ignition key to ªONº without starting
the engine. The following lights will come on:
,,or,or,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.Parking brake indicator
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHT
AND BUZZER
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Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches ªEº.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
needle reaches ªEº.
Low washer fluid warning
light (For Canada)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in
the washer tank is at a low level. Add washer
fluid as necessary. See the ªDo-it- yourself
operationsº section.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the ª4Hº or ª4Lº position.
CRUISE indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system.
If the light flickers while the engine is running,
it may indicate there is something wrong with
the cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
orAnti-lock
brake warning
light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock brake system. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive switch
is pushed in the ªOFFº position.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If the
transfer control is not secured in any drive
position while the automatic transmission se-
lector lever is in the ªPº position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the ª2Hº or
ª4Lº position when the warning light comes on.
IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer lever is in ªHº or ª4Lº and the
parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ªONº, this indicates that
the automatic transmission ªparkº position
will not function and the transfer lever is in
neutral.
IFailure to engage the transfer control lever
in ªHº or ª4Lº could result in the vehicle
moving unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
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Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic trans-
mission oil temperature is too high. If the light
comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle
speed as soon as safely possible until the light
turns off.
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
orMalfunction
indicator light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The Malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator light on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.IMalfunction indicator light blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
* do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72
km/h).
* avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
* avoid steep uphill grades.
* if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blink-
ing and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system, which may
affect your warranty coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink.Examples are as follows:
Ivehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
Ifuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the vehicle
to an authorized NISSAN dealer and have the
vehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary di-
agnosis during the service by informing the
dealer of the conditions listed above that may
have occurred.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or back door is not closed securely while
the ignition key is ªONº.
Tire carrier open warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the tire carrier is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ªONº.
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4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................... 4-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions ...... 4-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................. 4-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .......................... 4-4
Ignition switch ........................................................ 4-5
Before starting the engine ..................................... 4-7
Driving with automatic transmission ...................... 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ........................ 4-11
Starting the engine ............................................... 4-13
Parking brake ....................................................... 4-13
Cruise control ....................................................... 4-14
Break-in schedule ................................................ 4-16
Economy hints ..................................................... 4-17
Transfer case shifting procedures
for 4-wheel drive vehicles .................................... 4-17
Parking ................................................................. 4-23
Power steering system ........................................ 4-24
Brake system ....................................................... 4-24
Anti-lock brake system .......................................... 4-25
Cold weather driving ............................................ 4-26
Corrosion protection ............................................. 4-28
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 selec-
tor lever is moved to the ªPº position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the ªPº
position.
If the selector 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 selector lever into the ªPº posi-
tion.
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 selector lever cannot be moved from ªPº
(Park).The selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ªACCº position.
The selector 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 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 steer-
ing 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.
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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
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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
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1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to ªPº (Park position
or ªNº (Neutral position). (ªPº preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of ªPº and into any of the other gear
positions 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 ÐUse the accelerator pedal to help start the
engine.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start, turn the key off and wait 10 sec-
onds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least
30 seconds after starting. Drive at moder-
ate speed for a short distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.To apply:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in the ªNº (Neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the ªPº (Park)
position.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly, push
the button and lower completely.
PD1185M
STARTING THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKE
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