2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owners Manual

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
may damage the automatic trans-
mission.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
WARNING

If the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer lever or the transfer case
is in neutral.
Part time 4WD models:

When parking, always make sure that
the transfer lever is in H or 4L and the
parking brake is set. Failure to en-
gage the transfer control lever in H or
4L could result in the vehicle moving
unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
All mode 4WD models:

When parking, always make sure that
4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure
to engage the 4WD shift switch in 2H,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, result-ing in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the
transfer control is not secured in any drive
position while the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever is in the P (Park) position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Part time 4WD models
Shift the transfer shift lever into the 2H, 4H or 4L
position again to turn off the ATP warning light
when the automatic transmission selector lever
is in the P position and the ATP warning light is
ON.
(Before shifting the transfer shift lever into the 4L
position, move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever into the N position once, shift the
selector lever into P again and) make sure the
ATP warning light is OFF.
All-mode 4WD models
The warning light may come on when the ignition
switch is ON and the automatic transmission
lever is shifted to the P position while shifting the
transfer case between 4H and 4LO.
Shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO,
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4H or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the warning light comes on.
(Before shifting the 4WD shift switch into the
4LO position or out of 4LO into the 4H position,
move the automatic transmission selector lever
into the N position). Shift the selector lever into
the P position and make sure that the 4WD shift
indicator light is ON and the ATP warning light is
OFF.
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 “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING

Your 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.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and checkthe alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing or if the light remains on, see your
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear window are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
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CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (model)
The four wheel drive warning light comes on
when the key switch is turned to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning prop-
erly, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. See “4WD warning light” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on or
blinks during operation, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. If the
4WD warning light turns on when you
are driving on dry hard surface roads

in the AUTO or 4H position, shift
the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

in the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission lever to the Nposition,
and shift the 4WD shift switch to
2WD.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
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 E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel re-
maining in the tank when the fuel gauge
needle reaches E.
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on for about 1 second when the
key switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
This light warns a low tire pressure.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with flat tire or low
tire pressure, the light will illuminate. Also a
chime will sound for about 10 seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section.
WARNING

If the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.

If the light comes on while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
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sible. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the tire pressure for all
four wheels and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure shown on
the tire placard. If the light still comes
on while driving after adjusting the
tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the low tire pres-
sure warning system will not func-
tion. Contact your NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
CAUTION

The low tire pressure warning is not a
substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.

Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in the
washer tank is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
key is turned to ON, and will remain illuminated
until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about six
seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is securely
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the supple-
mental front air bag and supplemental side air
bag systems and pre-tensioner seat belt are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag (if so equipped) and supplemental curtain
side-impact air bag (if so equipped) systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag light flashes inter-
mittently.

The supplemental air bag light does not come
on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see “Supplemental restraint system”
in the “1. Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems” section.
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WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag system,
supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag systems (if so
equipped) and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt may not operate in an accident.
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 ON.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the main switch is
turned on.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it mayindicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by
your NISSAN dealer.
4WD indicator light
(
model)
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
4WD shift indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator light will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on, and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The Malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 US
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The Malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:

Malfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If the
fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
lamp does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
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dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.

Malfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
* 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 lamp may stop blinking
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.
CAUTION
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 tothe 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 overdrive
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 properly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for ap-
proximately 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 “Driving the vehicle” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section for failsafe before
visiting your NISSAN dealer.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
Transfer 4LO position indicator
light (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch
is set in the 4LO position with ignition key in the
ON position.
If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the light blinks, stop the vehicle, drive slowly
forward and the light will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle, move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to the N position, and press the 4WD
shift switch and move it in 4LO or 4H.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift
the switch while driving.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you have first
stopped the vehicle and moved the automatic
transmission shift lever to neutral. Make sure the
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transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on
when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the vehicle dynamic
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the vehicle dynamic control system and
traction control system are not operating. When
the vehicle dynamic control off indicator light and
slip indicator light come on with the vehicle
dynamic control system turned on, this light
alerts the driver to the fact that the vehicle
dynamic control system’s fail-safe mode is op-
erating, i.e. the vehicle dynamic control system
may not be functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked by your NISSAN dealer. If an
abnormality occurs in the system, the vehicle
dynamic control system function will be can-
celed but the vehicle is still driveable. For addi-
tional information, see “Vehicle dynamic control
system (VDC)” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe 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 chimeThe chime will sound when the front door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ignition switch.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 possible if the
warning sound is heard when the vehicle is
moving, whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed.Your vehicle may have two types of security
system, as follows:

Vehicle security system

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
The security condition will be shown by the
security indicator light.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEMThe vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are
disturbed.
IC0005
SECURITY SYSTEMS
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Security indicator lightThis light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security systems equipped on the
vehicle are operational.How to activate the vehicle security
system1. Close all windows.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.3. Close and lock all doors, hood, back door
and glass hatch. All doors can be locked
either with the keyfob, a key, the door lock
knobor the lock-unlock switch. See “Doors”
in the “3. Pre-driving checks and adjust-
ments” section for locking all doors simulta-
neously.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator light
comes on. The SECURITY light glows for
about 30 seconds and then begins to flash.
The system is now activated. If, during this 30
second time period, the door is unlocked by
the key or keyfob, or the ignition key is turned
to ACC or ON, the system will not activate.
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will activate
with all doors, hood, back door and back
door glass hatch locked and ignition key
off. Turn the ignition key to ACC to turn the
system off.
Vehicle security system operationThe vehicle security system will give the follow-
ing alarm:

The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.

The alarm automatically turns off after 1
minute, however, the alarm will reactivate if
the vehicle is tampered with again.The alarm is activated by:

Unlocking the door, back door or back door
glass hatch without using the key or keyfob.
(Even if the door is opened by releasing the
door inside lock knob, the alarm is activated.)

Opening the hood. (Even if the hood is
opened by the hood release handle, the alarm
is activated.)

Opening the back door glass hatch.

Connecting the battery connector after it has
been disconnected from the battery for more
than 1 second.
How to stop alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door, the
back door or the back door glass hatch with the
key or keyfob. The alarm will not stop if the
ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON.
The alarm may be activated when the glass
hatch is opened quickly with a key after the alarm
has been set.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SIC1442
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