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cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch 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 reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-30Starting and driving
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cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Tow mode
Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the tow button
to activate the tow mode. The tow indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates when the tow mode is
selected. Press the Tow button again to turn the
tow mode OFF. The Tow mode is automatically
cancelled when the key is turned OFF.
The Tow mode does the following:
cReduces transmissions shifts when pulling a
trailer or hauling a load.
cProvides similar shift feel to driver when the
vehicle is towing.
The Tow mode should be used when the vehicle
and trailer weight is at least 75% of the vehicle’s
GCWR. Tow mode is most useful in the following
driving conditions when towing a heavy trailer or
hauling a heavy load:
cRolling terrain.
cStop and go traffic.
cBusy parking lots.Driving the vehicle in the Tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-17
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-59
Child restraints.......1-34, 1-35, 1-41, 1-57
Precautions on child restraints.......1-41
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-59
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-19
Cigarette lighter.................2-33
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-28, 4-33
(models with navigation system)......4-9
Cold weather driving..............5-28
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-30
Compass display.................2-8
Console box...............2-34, 2-41
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-38
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-12, 4-21
Rear audio controls.............4-40
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-27D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-27
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-24
Digital video disc DVD.............4-41
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belts....................8-14
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-20
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-28
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-4
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-36
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-28
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-28
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel filler cap................3-15
10-2
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Pathfinder Armada
(wzw)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/21/04Ðtbrooks
X