2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine

Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically reset to overdrive on.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive switch
is engaged. The transmission is up-
shifted into overdrive as the vehicle
speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking would be advan-
tageous, push the overdrive switch. The
O/D OFF light illuminates. When cruis-ing at a low speed or climbing a gentle
slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts be-
tween 3rd and overdrive repeatedly. In
this case, press the overdrive switch.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on
at this time.
When driving conditions change, press the over-
drive switch again. The O/D OFF indicator light
goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the O/D OFF light
illuminated. This reduces the fuel economy.
Fail-safeWhen the Fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
O/D OFF light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the auto-
matic transmission may be locked in third gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn thekey back to the ONposition. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Shifting
WARNING

Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or enginedamage.
To change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever.
If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before
the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd
and 4th up to 5th gear in sequence according to
the vehicle speed.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
Reverse. First shift into the Neutral position, then
into Reverse.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into Reverse
or 1st, shift to Neutral, then release the clutch
pedal. Fully depress the clutch pedal again and
shift into Reverse or 1st. If your vehicle is
equipped with four wheel drive, see “Using four
wheel drive” later in this section.
Suggested up-shift speedsThe table below provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These
suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift ranges should be ad-
justed for specific road conditions, weather con-
ditions and individual driving habits.
Two wheel drive models and four wheel drive
models (2H and 4H position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)

Four wheel drive model (4L position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (20)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (36)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gearDownshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions which will
ensure safe operation. Do not overrev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
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4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING

Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.

Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.

Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.

Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:

when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.

in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.

on winding or hilly roads.

on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.)

in very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N(Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switchoff immediately. Failure to do so may
cause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will automatically be canceled.

If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
in the instrument panel then blinks to warn
the driver.

If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/
SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
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To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).Precautions
The CRUISE indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control switch (Main switch)
is turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/RES
switch or SET/COAST switch or CANCEL
switch (located on the steering wheel). To
properly set the cruise control system per-
form the steps above in the order indicated.
(This is a fail-safe mode. Turn the main switch
OFF and turn it ON again without pushing the
set switch to return to normal operation.)

If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The SET indicator in
the meter assembly will then blink to warn the
driver.

When the SET indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control switch (Main switch) OFF and
have the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum en-
gine performance and ensure the future reliability
and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
shortened engine life and reduced engine per-
formance.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.

Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

Avoid quick starts.

Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.

Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.

Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear
as soon as possible.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep your engine tuned up.

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
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector lever
to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector lever
to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H or 4L to 4L or
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
When moving the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H, you must always move it quickly through the N position. If you are slow to shift, the engine idle speed
will allow the transfer gears to speed up and gear clashing will occur.
Do not move the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H, from 2H to 4L and from 4L to 2H with the engine turned off. Otherwise, you will have difficulty moving
the transfer lever to the desired position.
Do not leave the transfer lever in the N position with the engine running. Stopping in the N position of the transfer case may cause gear grinding when selecting
another gear. Changing the transfer case gear quickly and smoothly will eliminate this.5-24
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*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-
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ing performance on rough roads.
They have increased traction perfor-
mance, so when making a turn on
paved roads, vibration and tire
squealing may occur.

The 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the trans-
fer 4LO position indicator light may
blink even when the 4WD shift switch
is shifted. After driving for a while
you can change the 4WD transfer
case between 4H and 4LO.
When driving on rough roads,

Set the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or
4LO.

Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,

Place stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.

Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.

If it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeatforward and backward movement to increase
the movement.

If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire chains
may be effective.
CAUTION

Do not increase the tire rotation ex-
cessively. Tires will sink deep into the
mud, making it difficult to free the
vehicle.

Avoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.4WD shift switch operations
Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
With the switch set to the AUTO position,
distribution of torque to the front and rear
wheels changes automatically, depending on
road conditions encountered [ratio;0:100
(2WD)→50 : 50 (4WD)]. This results in
improved driving stability.

If the 4WD shift switch is operated while
making a turn, accelerating or deceler-
ating or if the key switch is turned off
while in the AUTO, 4H or 4LO, you may
feel a jerk. This is not abnormal.

When the vehicle is stopped after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt after
the selector lever is shifted to Nor P.
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This occurs because the transfer clutch
is released and not because of a mal-
function.
CAUTION

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
while driving on steep downhill
grades. Use the engine brake.

Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.

Before placing the 4WD shift switch
in the 4H position from 2WD or
AUTO, ensure the vehicle speed is
less than 50 MPH (80 km/h). Failure
to do so can damage the 4WD sys-
tem.

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

Engine idling speed is high whilewarming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the 4WD shift
switch set in AUTO.
4WD shift indicator lightThe 4WD shift indicator light is located in the
tachometer.
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator light will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.

The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shifting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shift indicator light will
come on. If the indicator light does not
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