2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER traction control

The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(A/T model) (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
For additional information, see “Driving the ve-
hicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or does
not go off, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the trac-
tion control system is disabled and the slip indi-
cator light will not turn off after 2 seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
To reset the system, you must perform the reset
procedure. Refer to “Vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Transfer 4LO position
indicator light (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is
set in the 4LO position with the ignition key in the
ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
All mode 4WD (if so equipped)
If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the light blinks, stop the vehicle, drive slowly
forward and the light will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle and shift the transmission selector lever
to the N position with the brake pedal depressed,
then depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to
4LO or 4H.
2-20Instruments and controls
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You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the transmission selector lever to the N
position with the brake pedal depressed.
Part time 4WD (if so equipped)
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the transmission selec-
tor lever is shifted from the N position to any other
gear when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle and shift the transmission selector lever
to the N position with the brake pedal depressed,
then depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to
4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the transmission selector lever to the N
position with the brake pedal depressed.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to OFF, the
transfer case is in the 4LO position (
model) , or when the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem is not functioning properly. This indicates the
vehicle dynamic control system is not operating.
Push the vehicle dynamic control off switch again
or restart the engine and the system will operate
normally. See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the vehicle dynamic
control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the ve-
hicle dynamic control system is disabled and the
VDC indicator light will not turn off after 2 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. To reset the system, you must perform
the reset procedure. Refer to “Vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the vehicle dynamic control system is op-
erating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the
system working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened while
the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove the key
and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-21
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2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift
Switch PositionWheels
DrivenIndicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
AUTORear
wheels or 4
wheels
For driving on paved or slippery
roadsMove the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> AUTO <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift position en-
gaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE TRANSMISSION SE-
LECTOR TO THE (N) POSITION IN THIS OPERATION. PER-
FORM THIS OPERATION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT.
2WDRear
wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive) or state dyna-
mometer I/M testing
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or
snow-covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blinkNeutral disengages the automatic
transmission mechanical parking
lock, which will allow the vehicle
to roll. Do not leave the transfer
shift position in Neutral.*21. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission selector to the (N) position.
3. Depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to 4LO or 4H with
the brake pedal depressed.
YOU CANNOT MOVE THE TRANSFER 4WD SHIFT SWITCH
BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU
FIRST STOP THE VEHICLE DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND
SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER TO THE
NEUTRAL (N) POSITION, THEN DEPRESS AND TURN THE
4WD SHIFT SWITCH TO 4LO OR 4H. *3
4LO4 wheels
IlluminatedFor use when maximum power
and traction is required (for ex-
ample: on steep grades or rocky,
sandy, muddy roads)
*1: The transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to shift the 4WD shift switch after the transmission selector has been shifted
to the N position. If the indicator light keeps blinking after the 4WD shift procedure in the previous page, drive slowly without abrupt maneuvers for awhile.
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: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator
lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light (if so equipped) will
also turn on when 4LO is selected. See “Vehicle dynamic control system” later in this section.
5-22Starting and driving
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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 depress the switch to select 4LO,
and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
automatic transmission selector lever in
the N position 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 unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the P
position.
CAUTION
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
cThe 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62.5 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H
is not recommended.
cThe 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed ex-
cessively, as the maximum speed is ap-
proximately 31 MPH (50 km/h) .
cWhen 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 reversing.
cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving
on steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low automatic transmis-
sion gears (D1 or D2) for engine
braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) with the
rear wheels spinning.cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD or AUTO position under these
conditions.
cThe 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
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,
cSet the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or
4LO.
cDrive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,
cPlace stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.
cSet the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
Starting and driving5-23
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2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift
Switch PositionWheels DrivenIndicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
2WDRear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive) or state dynamom-
eter I/M testingMove the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift
position engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMIS-
SION SELECTOR LEVER TO THE N POSITION IN
THIS OPERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERATION
WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT.
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or
snow-covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blinkNeutral disengages the automatic
transmission mechanical parking
lock, which will allow the vehicle to
roll. Do not leave the transfer shift
position in Neutral.*21. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission selector to the (N) posi-
tion with the brake pedal depressed.
3. Depress and turn the 4WD shift switch to 4LO
or 4H with the brake pedal depressed.
THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT ENGAGE BE-
TWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UNLESS
YOU HAVE FIRST STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DE-
PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE
TRANSMISSION SELECTOR TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO4 wheelsIlluminatedFor use when maximum power and
traction is required (for example: on
steep grades or rocky, sandy,
muddy roads)
*1: Before moving the transmission selector shift lever from neutral, wait until the 4LO indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift
procedure is completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady,the
transfer gear may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the neutral position.
- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switch9OFF9.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD light illuminates, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the transmission selector lever to Neutral position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed, move the 4WD shift switch to desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the transmission selector lever from Neutral position.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator
lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light (if so equipped) will
also turn on when 4LO is selected. See “Vehicle dynamic control system” later in this section.
Starting and driving5-25
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The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are three types of drive
modes available, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, shift the transmission
selector to Neutral (N) , and depress the
brake pedal. The switch must be depressed
and turned when changing into or out of
4LO.
WARNING
cWhen 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.cThe 4LO indicator light must stop blink-
ing and remain illuminated or turn off
before shifting the transmission into
gear. If the transmission selector is
shifted from the (N) position to any
other gear when the 4LO indicator light
is blinking, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly.
CAUTION
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
cThe 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62.5 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H
is not recommended.
cThe 4LO position provides maximum
traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed ex-
cessively, as the maximum speed is ap-
proximately 31 MPH (50 km/h) .
cWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing.cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low automatic transmission
gears (D1 or D2) for engine braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.
cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD position under these conditions.
cThe 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
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,
cSet the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
cDrive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
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pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.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, theSLIPindicator in
the instrument panel blinks.
cIf the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. See
“Transfer case shifting procedures” earlier in
this section.
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 (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the trac-
tion control system may be disabled and the
SLIPand
indicator lights will not turn off
after 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Perform the following procedure to reset the
system:
cStart the engine and set the steering wheel
in the straight forward position.cDrive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph
(15 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
cThe VDC OFF indicator light should go off
indicating the traction control system is op-
erational.
cIf you interrupt the reset procedure by turn-
ing the ignition off, you will need to restart
the reset procedure.
If after driving the vehicle for more than 10 min-
utes and theSLIPand
lights remain illumi-
nated in the instrument panel, have the vehicle
dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamic
control system off using the VDC OFF switch,
most VDC functions will be turned off. The VDC
system will still try to transfer power from a slip-
ping drive wheel to one with more traction when
the VDC system switch is OFF. TheSLIPindica-
tor will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS
will still operate with the VDC system off.
When 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-33
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cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
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.ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
cDisconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
cUse a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop-
erly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
Starting and driving5-37
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