2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER flat tire

SEAT BELT EXTENDERSIf, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available which is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The
extender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm)
of length and may be used for either the driver or
right passenger seating position. See your
NISSAN dealer for assistance if the extender is
required.
WARNING

Only NISSAN belt extenders, made
by the same company which made
the original equipment belts, should
be used with NISSAN belts.

Persons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result in
serious personal injury in the event
of an accident.

Never use seat belt extenders to in-
stall child restraints. If the child re-
straint is not secured properly, thechild could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
To clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.

If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.

Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING

Infants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.

Infants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.

Never install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental front air bag could se-
riously injure or kill your child. A rear
facing child restraint must only be
used in the rear seat.CHILD RESTRAINTS
1-32
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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-
2-12
Instruments and controls


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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.
Instruments and controls
2-13


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


dible reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates and the chime sounds for
about 10 seconds 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 possible.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four wheels and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure shown on
the tire placard. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. (See “Flat tire” in the “6. In
case of emergency” section for
changing a flat tire.)

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.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows.
This may cause poor reception of the
signals from the tire pressure sensors,
and the low tire pressure warning sys-
tem will not function properly.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONSUtility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than passen-
ger cars to make them capable of performing in
a variety of on-pavement and offroad applica-
tions. This gives them a higher center of gravity
than ordinary cars. An advantage of higher
ground clearance is a better view of the road,
allowing you to anticipate problems. However,
they are not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel drive ve-
hicles any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under offroad
conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
5-4
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.

Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and
waste fuel.

Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause increased tire
wear and lower fuel economy.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.


Use 4H or 4L position only when necessary.
Four wheel drive operation lowers fuel
economy.2H— (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use for driving under the same
conditions as standard 2WD vehicle, or state
dynamometer I/M testing.
4H— (4WD, high range) Four wheels are driven.
Use when driving on roads where it is difficult to
drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving at normal
speeds on snow covered, icy, wet, muddy or
sandy roads).
The 4H position provides greater power
and traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it
will cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperature, and could damage
drivetrain components. Speeds over 50MPH (80 km/h) in 4H are not recom-
mended.
4L— (4WD, low range) Four wheels are driven.
Use when climbing or descending steep hills, or
during hard driving in sand, mud or deep snow.
The 4L position provides maximum power
and traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed
excessively, as the maximum speed is ap-
proximately 30 MPH (50 km/h).
N— No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N position. Shift the lever
quickly and smoothly when moving across the N
position with the vehicle stopped.
WARNING

When parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and shift the transfer
control lever in the 2H, 4H or 4L
position.

Do not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the Nposition. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even
if the manual transmission is in any
gear or the automatic transmission in
the P position. If the ATP light is on,
this indicates that the automatic
SSD0128
USING PART TIME FOUR WHEEL
DRIVE (4WD)
Starting and driving
5-21


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


the chain manufacturer’s suggestions.Use
only SAE Class S chains.Class “S” chains
are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” chains are designed to meet the
SAE standard minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate
the use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due tosome overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
4. For four wheel drive:
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
four wheel drive model.SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:

A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.

A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drifts.

Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.

Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
5-38
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


6 In case of emergencyFlat tire ...................................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 6-2
Changing a flat tire .......................................................... 6-2
Jump starting ........................................................................... 6-9Push starting......................................................................... 6-11
If your vehicle overheats .................................................... 6-11
Towing your vehicle ............................................................ 6-12
Towing recommended by Nissan .............................. 6-14
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ............. 6-16


03.1.28/R50-D/V5