2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER manual transmission

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Vehicle dy-
namic control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
cNever rely solely on the hill descent
control system to control vehicle speed
when driving on steep downhill grades.
Always drive carefully when using the
hill descent control system and decel-
erate the vehicle speed by depressing
the brake pedal if necessary. Be espe-
cially careful when driving on frozen,
muddy or extremely steep downhill
roads. Failure to control vehicle speed
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.cThe hill descent control may not control
the vehicle speed on a hill under all load
or road conditions. Always be prepared
to depress the brake pedal to control
vehicle speed. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
CAUTION
When the hill descent control system op-
erates continuously for a long time, the
temperature of the brake pads may in-
crease and the hill descent control system
may be temporarily disabled (the indicator
light will blink) . If the indicator light does
not come on continuously after blinking,
stop using the system.
The hill descent control system is designed to
reduce driver workload when going down steep
hills. The HDC system helps to control vehicle
speed so the driver can concentrate on steering
the vehicle.
To activate the HDC system:
cthe automatic transmission selector lever
must be in forward or reverse gear,
cthe 4WD switch must be in the 4L position
and the vehicle speed must be under 15
mph (25 km/h) or
WIC0534LIC0743
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCHHILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC)
SWITCH (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-33
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The automatic drive positioner system has two
features:
cMemory storage function
cEntry/exit function
MEMORY STORAGE FUNCTION
Two positions for the driver’s seat, accelerator
and brake pedals, and outside mirrors can be
stored in the automatic drive positioner memory.
Follow these procedures to use the memory sys-
tem.
1. Set the automatic transmission selector le-
ver to the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition ON.3. Adjust the driver’s seat, accelerator and
brake pedals, and outside mirrors to the
desired positions by manually operating
each adjusting switch. For additional infor-
mation, see “Seats” in the “Safety—Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
tem” section and “Pedal position adjust-
ment” and “Outside mirrors” earlier in this
section.
During this step, do not turn the ignition to
any position other than ON.
4. Push the SET switch and, within 5 seconds,
push the memory switch (1 or 2) fully for at
least 1 second.
The indicator light for the pushed memory
switch will come on and stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds after pushing the switch.
After the indicator light goes off, the se-
lected positions are stored in the selected
memory (1 or 2) .
If a new memory is stored in the same memory
switch, the previous memory will be deleted.
Linking a keyfob to a stored memory
position
Each keyfob can be linked to a stored memory
position (memory switch 1 or 2) with the follow-
ing procedure.
1.
Follow the steps for storing a memory position.
LPD0306
AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER (if
so equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-17
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2. While the indicator light for the memory
switch being set is illuminated for 5 sec-
onds, press the
button on the keyfob.
The indicator light will blink. After the indica-
tor light goes off, the keyfob is linked to that
memory setting.
With the key removed from the ignition switch,
press the
button on the keyfob. The driv-
er’s seat, accelerator and brake pedals, and out-
side mirrors will move to the memorized position.
NOTE:
If a new memory position is saved to the
memory switch, the keyfob automatically
re-links.
Confirming memory storage
cTurn the ignition ON and push the SET
switch. If the main memory has not been
stored, the indicator light will come on for
approximately 0.5 seconds. When the
memory has stored the position, the indica-
tor light will stay on for approximately 5 sec-
onds.
cIf the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse opens, the memory will be canceled. In
such a case, reset the desired positions
using the following procedures.1. Open and close the driver’s door more than
two times with the ignition key in the LOCK
position.
2. Reset the desired position using the previ-
ous procedure.
Selecting the memorized position
Set the automatic transmission selector lever to
the P (Park) position, then:
cWithin 45 seconds of opening the driver’s
door, push the memory switch (1 or 2) fully
for at least 1 second, or
cTurn the ignition switch to the ON position
and push the memory switch (1 or 2) fully for
at least 1 second.
The driver’s seat, accelerator and brake pedals,
and outside mirrors will move to the memorized
position with the indicator light blinking, and then
the light will stay on for approximately 5 seconds.
ENTRY/EXIT FUNCTION
This system is designed so that the driver’s seat
will automatically move when the automatic
transmission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position. This allows the driver to get into and out
of the driver’s seat more easily.The driver’s seat will slide backward:
cWhen the key is removed from the ignition
switch and the driver’s door is opened.
cWhen the driver’s door is opened with the
ignition key turned to LOCK.
cWhen the ignition key is turned from ACC to
LOCK with the driver’s door open.
The driver’s seat will return to the previous posi-
tion:
cWhen the key is inserted into the ignition
switch and the driver’s door is closed.
cWhen the driver’s door is closed with the key
turned to LOCK.
cWhen the key is turned from ACC to ON
while the automatic transmission selector
lever is in the P (Park) position.
The entry/exit function can be adjusted or can-
celed. For vehicles with navigation system, see
“Vehicle electronic systems” in the “Display
screen, heater, air conditioner and audio sys-
tems” section of this manual. For vehicles without
navigation system, see your NISSAN dealer.
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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SYSTEM OPERATION
The automatic drive positioner system will not
work or will stop operating under the following
conditions:
cWhen the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h) .
cWhen any of the memory switches are
pushed while the automatic drive positioner
is operating.
cWhen the adjusting switch for the driver’s
seat is turned on while the automatic drive
positioner is operating.
cWhen the memory switch (1 or 2) is not
pushed and held for at least 1 second.
cWhen the seat has been already moved to
the memorized position.
cWhen no seat position is stored in the
memory switch.
cWhen the automatic transmission selector
lever is moved from P (Park) to any other
position.
cWhen the driver’s door remains open more
than 45 seconds and the ignition switch is
not in the ON position.The automatic drive positioner system can be
adjusted and canceled. For vehicles with naviga-
tion system, see “Vehicle electronic systems” in
the “Display screen, heater, air conditioner and
audio systems” section of this manual. For ve-
hicles without navigation system, see your
NISSAN dealer.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-19
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving precau-
tions..........................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Driving safety precautions.......................5-6
Ignition switch.....................................5-7
Automatic transmission..........................5-7
Key positions..................................5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-8
Before starting the engine..........................5-9
Starting the engine................................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-14
Cruise control....................................5-15
Precautions on cruise control...................5-15
Cruise control operations.......................5-15Break-in schedule................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-17
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-17
Parking/parking on hills............................5-27
Power steering...................................5-28
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)...................5-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system (if so
equipped).......................................5-30
Hill descent control (HDC) system (if so equipped) . . . 5-32
Hill start assist (HSA) system (if so equipped).......5-32
Cold weather driving..............................5-33
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-33
Anti-freeze....................................5-33
Battery.......................................5-33
Draining of coolant water.......................5-33
Tire equipment................................5-33
Special winter equipment.......................5-34
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-34
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-35
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DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal and
off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep wa-
ter or mud as your NISSAN is mainly designed for
leisure use, unlike a conventional off-road ve-
hicle.
Remember that two-wheel drive models are less
capable than four-wheel drive models for rough
road driving and extrication when stuck in deep
snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
cDrive 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.
cDo not drive across steep slopes. In-
stead 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.cMany hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If
you drive down them, you may not be
able to control your speed. If you drive
across them, you may roll over.
cDo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
cStay 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.
cIf your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt 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.
cHeavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed. Use the Hill
Descent Control feature (if so
equipped) .cUnsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
cTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capactiy of the roof rack/gear bin (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as pos-
sible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
cAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
5-6Starting and driving
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cLower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the performance
capablity of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
cAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your NISSAN four-wheel drive vehicle
has a higher center of gravity than a
two-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. See
“Brake system” later in this section for
“Wet brakes”.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. See “Periodic mainte-
nance” in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.”
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to the LOCK position and removed until
the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved to the LOCK
position.
WSD0041
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-7
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cIf 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 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the enginewith your
foot off the accelerator pedalby turn-
ing 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, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 3, 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before attempting to move
the shift selector lever out of the P (Park)
position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-10Starting and driving
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