2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine

: Air flow mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot outlets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPS
When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for 0 to
126 seconds. This is not a malfunction. After
the coolant temperature warms up, air flow
from the foot outlets will operate normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps main-
tain a constant temperature. Do not put anything
on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lubri-
cant are required when servicing your NISSAN
air conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See “Capacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and press
the power on switch to turn on the radio. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
the key should be turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external in-
fluences. Intermittent changes in reception qual-
ity normally are caused by these external
influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.Radio receptionYour radio system is equipped with state-of-the-
art electronic circuits to enhance radio recep-
tion. These circuits are designed to extend re-
ception range, and to enhance the quality of that
reception.
However there are some general characteristics
of FM, AM and satellite radio signals that can
affect radio reception quality in a moving vehicle,
even when the finest equipment is used. These
characteristics are completely normal in a given
reception area, and do not indicate any malfunc-
tion in your radio system.
Remember that a moving vehicle is not the ideal
place to listen to a radio. Because of the move-
ment, reception conditions will constantlychange. Buildings, terrain, signal distance and
interference from other vehicles can work
against ideal reception. Described below are
some of the factors that can affect your radio
reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTIONRange: FM range is normally limited to 25 to 30
miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural (single
channel) FM having slightly more range than
stereo FM. External influences may sometimes
interfere with FM station reception even if the FM
station is within 25 miles (40 km). The strength
of the FM signal is directly related to the distance
between the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the
same characteristics as light. For example they
will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
SAA0306
AUDIO SYSTEM
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-13


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


When installing a car phone or CB, ham radio in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
cautions, otherwise the new equipment may
adversely affect the Engine control system and
other electronic parts.
WARNING

A cellular telephone should not be
used while driving so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the use
of cellular telephones while driving.

If you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recommended.
Exercise extreme caution at all times
so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation.

If a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop
your vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION

Keep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).

Keep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.

Adjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.

Connect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.

For details, consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ......... 5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-7
Manual transmission ........................................................ 5-9
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-9
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system............................... 5-9
Before starting the engine ................................................ 5-10
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-10
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-11
Automatic transmission ................................................ 5-11
Manual transmission ..................................................... 5-15
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-17
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-18
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-18Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-20
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-20
Using part time four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-21
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-23
Using all-mode four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-25
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-25
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-32
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-33
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-34
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-34
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped).................................................................... 5-36
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-37
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-37
Battery .............................................................................. 5-37
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-37
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-37
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-38
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-38
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-39


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


WARNING

Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.

If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.

Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.

Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.

Keep the back door and glass hatch
closed while driving, otherwise ex-
haust gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the back door or glass
hatch open, follow these
precautions:1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch
OFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.

If electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.

If a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other
usage, follow the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)

The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device, installed in the exhaust system. In the
converter, exhaust gases are burned at high
temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as drygrass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.

Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all wheels (except the spare tire).
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure and adjust
pressure of each tire properly.LOW PRESSURE warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or low
tire pressure (lower than 25 psi, 171 kPa), the
low tire pressure warning light illuminates and
the chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Warning/indicator lights and au-
Starting and driving
5-3


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Before driving up or down grades,
check the road surface for bumps or
potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle
slope and descend a gentle slope.

Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.

Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.

Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.

Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.

Stay alert when driving to the top of ahill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.

If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed (manual
transmission vehicles), using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.

Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.

Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy
loads in the cargo area as far forward
and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving of-
froad. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.

Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.

Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.

Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.5-6
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


the LOCK position. 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.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.KEY POSITIONSLOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when the
switch is at this position.
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, starting
the engine.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key (for ex-
ample, when interference is caused by another
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an au-
tomated toll road device or automated payment
device on the key ring), restart the engine using
the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan VehicleImmobilizer System key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key on a separate key
ring to avoid interference from other devices.
Starting and driving
5-9


03.1.28/R50-D/V5