1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER key battery

If the sunroof does not close
Have your NISSAN dealer check and repair
the sunroof.
The interior light has a three-position switch.
The interior light will operate regardless of
ignition key position.
IWhen the switch is in the ªOFFº position,the interior light will not illuminate, regard-
less of door position.
IWhen the switch is in the center ªqº posi-
tion, the light will illuminate when a door is
opened.
IWhen the switch is in the ªONº position, the
interior light will illuminate, whether any
door is open or closed.
Leaving the interior light switch in the
ªONº position for extended periods of
time will result in a discharged battery.
SIC0564
INTERIOR LIGHT
1-30
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

Station memory operations
Twelve stations can be set for the FM band
(FM1 and FM2).
Six stations can be set for the AM band.1. Tune to the desired station.
2. Push the desired select button for more
than 1.5 seconds. (For example, in the
diagram ch2 is to be memorized. The radio
mutes when the select button is pushed.)
3. The indicator ªch2º will then come on and
the sound will resume. Memorizing is now
complete.
4. Other buttons can be set in the same
manner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse blows, the radio memory will be can-
celled. In that case, reset the desired stations.
CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to ªACCº or ªONº, and
then lightly insert the cassette tape into the
tape door. The cassette tape will be automati-
cally pulled into the player.
The radio or CD will turn off (if it is on) and the
cassette tape will begin to play.
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door.
This could cause player damage.
If the system is turned off by pushing the
POWER/VOLUME control knob with the cas-
sette tape still in the player, the tape will
resume playing when the POWER/VOLUME
control knob is pushed again.
TAPE button
IWhen this button is pushed with the system
turned off and a tape loaded, the system
will come on and the tape will play.
IWhen this button is pushed with either the
radio or compact disc turned on and the
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
will automatically be turned off and the tape
will play.
While the tape is playing, pushing the TAPE
button stops the tape. Pushing the button
again allows the tape to play.
SAA0189
3-23
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

brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
Refer to ªWheels and tiresº in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. For details, see ªChanging
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Always follow the instructions below
exactly. Failure to do so could result in
damage to the charging system and
cause personal injury.
1. Position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries into close proximity to each other
if the booster battery is in another vehicle.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brakes. Move the shift lever
to ªNeutral positionº (On automatic trans-mission models, move the lever to ªPº).
Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated.
IAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground, engine lift bracket, etc. (not
to the battery).
IMake sure that cables do not touch
any moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that clamps do not con-
tact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let
it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in
the normal manner.
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
SCE0149
5-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to ªPº
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the
ªOFFº or ªLOCKº position when per-
forming any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
and fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the
engine and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engineoil. Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section gives
instructions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX