2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER oil

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
2-9


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,
2-10
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
2-11


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


To stop lowering the windows, release the UN-
LOCK button.
To start lowering the windows, press the UN-
LOCK button again for 3 more seconds.
This function will operate after the ignition switch
is off and 45 seconds passed or either the front
door is opened.Using the panic alarmIf you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the alarm to call attention as
follows:
1. Push the PANIC button on the keyfob for
longer than 0.5 seconds.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights will
stay on for 30 seconds.
3. The panic alarm stops when:

It has run for 30 seconds, or

The LOCK or the UNLOCK button is
pressed, or

The panic button is pushed on the keyfob for
more than 0.5 seconds.
BATTERY REPLACEMENTReplace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent
Make sure that the⊕side faces the bottom
case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the keyfobbutton two or three times to
check its operation.
See your NISSAN dealer if you need any assis-
tance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.

Be careful not to touch a circuit board
and a battery terminal.

An improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.

The keyfob is water-proof; however, if it
does get wet, immediately wipe com-
pletely dry.

When changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the keyfob.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
SPA1374
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, window washer fluid
as frequently as possible, at least whenever
you refuel.

Check to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check 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 posi-
tion), 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.

If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress theaccelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/5
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.

If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith 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.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 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 moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-10
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


*1:
The transfer 4LO position indicator light
may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to
shift the 4WD shift switch after the auto-
matic transmission lever has been shifted
to the N position. If the indicator light
keeps blinking after the 4WD shift proce-
dure in the previous page, drive slowly
without abrupt maneuvers for a while.
Then the light will turn on or off.

Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while
shifting to 4LO. Otherwise gears may
grind, damaging the drive system.
*2: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift
switch to 4LO.
The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are four types of drive
modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H
and 4LO.
You must push the switch in to select 4LO,
and the vehicle MUST be stationary and
the automatic transmission selector lever
is in the Nposition when changing into or
out of 4LO.
WARNING
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is
on and the ATP warning light goes off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect-
edly move even if the automatic trans-
mission is in the P position.
CAUTION

Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

The 4H position provides greater
power and traction. Avoid excessive
speed, as it will cause increased fuel
consumption and higher oil tempera-
ture, and could damage drivetrain
components. Speeds over 50 MPH
(80 km/h) in 4H are not recom-
mended.

The 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 30 MPH
(50 km/h).

When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or revers-
ing.

Do not shift the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake.

Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) with
the rear wheels spinning.

Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driv-
ing on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise and
tire wear. We recommend driving in
the 2WD or AUTO position under
these conditions.

Vehicles equipped with a limited slip
differential (LSD) have improved driv-
Starting and driving
5-27


03.1.28/R50-D/V5