2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
Seat belt warning light and chime
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission models only)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Tire carrier open warning light (if so
equipped)
Transfer 4LO position indicator light
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
4WD warning light
4WD indicator light
Low fuel warning light
4WD shift indicator light
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 the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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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Instruments and controls


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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.
Instruments and controls
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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
Instruments and controls
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


an accident. Use inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder to properly judge
distances to other objects.
Foldable outside mirrorsPush the mirror backward to fold it.
AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
OPERATIONThis system is designed so that the driver’s seat
will automatically move when the automatic
transmission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position. This allows the driver to get into and out
of the driver’s seat more easily.
When one of the following conditions is met, the
driver’s seat will slide backward:

When the key is removed from the ignition
switch.

When the driver’s door is opened with the
key turned to ACC or LOCK.

When the key is turned from ON to LOCK
with the driver’s door open.
When one of the following conditions is met, the
driver’s seat will return to the positions before
being set.

When the key is inserted into the ignition
switch.

When the driver’s door is closed with the key
turned to ACC or LOCK.

When the key is turned to ON.Procedure for storing memoryTwo positions can be stored in the automatic
M008
AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
(if so equipped)Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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drive positioner memory.Follow these proce-
dures to use the memory system.
1. Set the automatic transmission selector lever
to the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Adjust the driver’s seat to the desired posi-
tions by manually operating each adjusting
switch. For additional information, see
“Seats” in the “1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section.
During this step, do not turn the ignition to
any positions other than ON.
4. Push the SET switch and, within 5 seconds,push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The indicator light for the pushed memory
switch will come on and stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds after pushing the switch.
After the indicator light goes off, the selected
positions are stored in the selected memory
(1 or 2).
If memory is stored in the same memory
switch, the previous memory will be deleted.
Confirming memory storage
Turn the ignition ON and push the SET
switch. If the main memory has not been
stored, the indicator light will come on for
approximately 0.5 seconds. When the
memory has stored the position, the indicator
light will stay on for approximately 5 seconds.

If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse blows, the memory will be canceled. In
such a case, reset the desired positions
using the following procedures.
1. Open and close the driver’s door more than
two times with the ignition key in the LOCK
position.
2. Reset the desired position using the previous
procedure.
Selecting the memorized position1. Set the automatic transmission selector lever
to the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The driver’s seat will move to the memorized
position with the indicator light flashing, and
then the light will stay on for approximately 5
seconds.
When the memory switch 1 or 2 is pushed with
the driver’s door open and then the key inserted
into the ignition switch within approximately 1
minute, the driver’s seat will move to the memo-
rized position.System operationThe automatic drive positioner system will not
work or will stop operating under the following
conditions:

when the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h).

when any two or more of the memory
switches are simultaneously pushed while
the automatic drive positioner is operating.

when the adjusting switch for the driver’s
SPA1164
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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


Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.

Do not drive beyond the performance
of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.

If 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.

Always 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.
Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.

Avoid 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.

Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See “Peri-
odic maintenance” in the “Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the ignition
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
Starting and driving
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