2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine overheat

the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If
the engine is overheated, continued op-
eration of the vehicle may seriously
damage the engine. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section for immediate action re-
quired.
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE fuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to move to the E
(Empty) position when the ignition key is turned
to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters Empty.
There will be a small reserve of fuel in thetank when the fuel gauge needle reaches
E.
The
indicates that the fuel filler lid is lo-
cated on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION

If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.

For additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)”
later in this section.
SIC1781
Instruments and controls
2-5


04.3.9/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)
This light warns of a low tire pressure.
NISSAN’s low tire pressure warning system is a
tire pressure monitoring system. It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warn-
ing light is lit, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure as indicated on the
vehicle’s tire information placard. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Each tire, including
the spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended inflation pres-
sure as specified in the vehicle placard and
owner’s manual.
The recommended inflation pressure may also
be found on the Tire and Loading Information
label.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the light will illuminate. Also a chime will
sound for about 10 seconds.
2-12
Instruments and controls


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


The power outlet is for powering electrical ac-
cessories such as cellular telephones.
CAUTION

Use caution as the outlet and plug
may be hot during or immediately
after use.

This power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.

Do not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power
draw. Do not use double adapters or
more than one electrical accessory.

Use only one power outlet at a time.

Use this power outlet with the engine
running. (If the engine is stopped,
this could result in a discharged bat-
tery.)

Avoid using when the air conditioner,
headlights or rear window defogger
is on.

Before inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure to turn off the powerswitch of electrical accessory being
used or the ACC power of the vehicle.

Push the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tem-
perature fuse may blow.

When not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact
the socket.
SIC2017
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND
ASHTRAY (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-29


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


dehumidifying functions will be added to the
heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.CoolingThis mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.

For quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, push the air recirculation button
to the on position. Be sure to return the air
recirculation button to the off position for
normal cooling.
Dehumidified heatingThis mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defoggingThis mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
Keep windows and sun roof closed while theair conditioner is in operation.

After parking in the sun, drive for two or three
minutes with the windows open to vent hot air
from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This will allow the air
conditioner to cool the interior more quickly.

The air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at least
once a month. This helps prevent dam-
age to the system due to lack of lubri-
cation.

If the coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
hot position, turn the air conditioner off. For
additional information, see “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
AIR FLOW CHARTSThe following charts show the button and dial
positions formaximum and quickheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
switch should always be in the off position
for heating and defrosting.Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-5


04.3.9/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).
Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the
outside air temperature. Low outside air tem-
perature can lower the temperature of the air
inside the tire which can cause a lower tire
inflation pressure. This may cause the low tire
pressure warning light to illuminate.
If the warning light illuminates in low outside air
temperatures as described above, check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light off.
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
Starting and driving
5-3


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


road driving and extrication when stuck in deep
snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING

Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.

Before driving up or down grades,
check the road surface for bumps or
potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle
slope and descend a gentle slope.

Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.

Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you maystall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.

Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.

Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.

Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.

If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed (manual
transmission vehicles), using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.
Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.

Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.

To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy
loads in the cargo area as far forward
and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving of-
froad. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and5-6
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakeThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out
the brake linings and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, before going down a
slope or long grade, reduce speed and down-
shift to a lower gear.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the drivermaintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
BRAKE SYSTEM5-34
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.

Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the gearshift lever to
the neutral position (automatic transmission
to P (Park)).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5