
cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. For tire placard location in-
formation, refer to “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this
manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect
these movements and control the braking and
engine output to help improve vehicle stability.
cWhen the vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system is operating, the slip indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.
cWhen only the traction control system (TCS)
portion of the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem is operating, the slip indicator will also
blink.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section.
cIndicator light
If malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come
on in the instrument panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. TheABLS system brakes the spinning wheel which
distributes the driving power to the other drive
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle
dynamic control system off using the VDC OFF
switch, all VDC and TCS functions will be turned
off. The ABLS system and ABS will still operate
with the VDC system OFF. If the ABLS system is
activated, the slip indicator light will blink and you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
5-26Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Pathfinder Armada
(wzw)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/04Ðtbrooks
X

cThe system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the ve-
hicle. The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and may not
detect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
cIf your vehicle sustains damage to the
rear bumper fascia, leaving it mis-
aligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measure-
ment of obstacles or false alarms.
The Rear Sonar System (RSS) sounds a tone to
warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper
when R (Reverse) is selected. The system may
not detect objects at speeds above 3 mph (5
km/h) and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The RSS detects obstacles up to 6 ft. (1.8
meters) from the rear bumper with a decreased
coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the illustration for approximate zone cov-
erage areas) . As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle
is less than 10 in. (25.0 cm) away, the tone will
sound continuously. If the RSS detects a station-
ary or receding object further than 10 in. (25.0
cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone willsound for only three seconds. Once the system
detects an object approaching, the tone will
sound again.
The RSS automatically turns on when the gear
selector is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition
is ON. The RSS OFF switch on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the RSS on and off.
To turn the RSS off, the ignition must be ON, and
the gear selector in R (Reverse) . An indicator
light on the switch will illuminate when the system
is turned off. If the indicator light illuminates when
the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate a failure
in the RSS.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear
bumper fascia) free from snow, ice and large
accumulations of dirt (do not clean the sensors
with sharp objects) . If the sensors are covered, it
will affect the accuracy of the RSS.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-28Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Pathfinder Armada
(wzw)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/04Ðtbrooks
X

LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of
all tires except the spare. When the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light is lit, one or more
of your tires is significantly underinflated. If
equipped, the system also displays pressure of
all tires (except the spare tire) on the display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is being
driven with low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi,
193 kPa) , the low tire pressure warning system
will activate and warn you of it by the low tire
pressure warning light. This system will activate
only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
20 MPH (32 km/h) . For more details, please refer
to “Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
“Tire pressure information” in the “Display screen,
heater, air conditioner and audio systems” sec-
tion and “Low tire pressure warning system” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning light
flashes 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 injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If you have
a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as
soon as possible.
cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated and the low tire pressure
warning system will not function. Con-
tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
cDo not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the automatic transmission
is shifted into P (Park) .
cNever change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Pathfinder Armada
(wzw)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/04Ðtbrooks
X