2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

Anti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)
Door open warning light
Cruise indicator light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)
Engine oil pressure warning light
4WD indicator light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
High beam indicator light
Automatic transmission park warning light
Seat belt warning light and chime
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission models only)
Charge warning light
Tire carrier open warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
,
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.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-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.
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.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls
2-9
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

may damage the automatic trans-
mission.
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 P (Park) position, the
transmission will disengage and the wheel will
not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H or 4L
position when the warning light comes on.
WARNING
IWhen parking, always make sure that
the transfer lever is in H or 4L and the
parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer lever is in neutral.IFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in H or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, result-
ing in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
or
Brake 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 light:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, 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 ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
2-10
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for two
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This system
allows the vehicle to be driven even in the
event of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into 3rd gear.
See ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for failsafe before vis-
iting your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.CHIMES
Key reminder chimesThe chime will sound when the driver side door
is opened if the key is left in the ignition switch.
Take the ignition key when you leave the
vehicle.Light reminder chimesA chime will sound if the driver's door is
opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position. Turn the light
switch off when you leave the vehicle.
A chime will sound when the light switch is in
the ON position and the driver's door is
opened after the light switch has been turned
to the OFF position when the light has already
turned off automatically.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
it will make a high pitched scraping sound.
Have the brakes checked as soon as possibleif the warning sound is heard when the vehicle
is moving, whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed.
Instruments and controls
2-13
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions.......... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Driving safety precautions ......................................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-6
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-6
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-7
Key positions ............................................................. 5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ........................... 5-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ................................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission ........................................... 5-10
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-14
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) ................................ 5-17
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-17Cruise control operations ........................................ 5-18
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-19
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-20
Using four wheel drive (4WD) ................................. 5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures........................... 5-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-24
Power steering ........................................................ 5-25
Brake system .......................................................... 5-26
Braking precautions ................................................ 5-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................................. 5-26
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-28
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................... 5-28
Anti-freeze ............................................................... 5-28
Battery ..................................................................... 5-28
Draining of coolant water ........................................ 5-28
Tire equipment ........................................................ 5-28
Special winter equipment ........................................ 5-29
Driving on snow or ice ............................................ 5-29
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................... 5-29
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional two wheel drive vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of control
and/or a roll over accident.
IAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the rear wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See ªBrake systemº later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See ªPeriodic
maintenanceº in the ª9. Mainte-
nanceº section of this manual.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park),
the key cannot be moved toward LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

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 ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position)
or N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK 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 N (Neutral po-
sition), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. 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.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-9
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
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 ªUsing four wheel driveº later
in this section.
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the D, R, 2 or 1 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 P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the
key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the selec-
tor lever can be moved if the ignition switchis in the ACC position.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
INever shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-10
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X

Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low, the select lever
may not be moved from the P position even
with the brake pedal depressed and the select
lever button pushed.
To move the select lever, remove the shift lock
cover using a flat-bladed screwdriver, and
push the shift lock release button and select
lever button. The select lever can be moved to
N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release button, follow the
procedure as illustrated.
If there is any problem moving the lever out of
P (Park) have your NISSAN dealer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor 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 switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically reset to overdrive on.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive
switch is engaged. The transmission
is upshifted into overdrive as the ve-
hicle speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking would be ad-
vantageous, push the overdrive
switch. The O/D OFF light illuminates.
SSD0106
Starting and driving
5-13
Z
00.1.17/R50-D/V5
X