2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER ignition

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-6
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Driving safety precautions.......................5-7
Ignition switch.....................................5-9
NISSSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped).......5-10
Ignition switch positions........................5-10
Automatic transmission.........................5-11
Key positions.................................5-12
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-12
Before starting the engine.........................5-13
Starting the engine...............................5-13
Driving the vehicle................................5-14
Automatic transmission.........................5-14
Parking brake....................................5-19
Cruise control....................................5-20
Precautions on cruise control...................5-20Cruise control operations.......................5-20
Break-in schedule................................5-21
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-22
Parking/parking on hills............................5-32
Power steering...................................5-33
Brake system....................................5-33
Brake precautions.............................5-33
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-34
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system.............5-35
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-36
Traction Control System (TCS).....................5-37
Hill descent control system (if so equipped).........5-38
Hill start assist system (if so equipped)..............5-39
Cold weather driving..............................5-39
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-39
Anti-freeze....................................5-39
Battery.......................................5-39
Draining of coolant water.......................5-40
Tire equipment................................5-40
Special winter equipment.......................5-40
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-40
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-41
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Pathfinder(pat)
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THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, animals
or flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.cKeep 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 driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
Starting and driving5-3
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cDo not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
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
passenger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as passenger cars. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could re-
sult 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.”WARNING
cNever remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
cNever turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-9
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NISSSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK until the shift
selector is moved to the P (Park) position.
When turning the ignition switch, make sure the
shift selector is in the P (Park) position.
If the shift selector is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved
toward LOCK.When the ignition switch cannot be turned to-
ward the LOCK position when the Intelligent Key
is in range, proceed as follows:
1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
The shift selector can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the foot brake pedal is
depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK and
ACC, although it does not show on the lock
cylinder. When the ignition switch is OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counterclock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. To unlock the
steering wheel, push the ignition switch in
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.If the battery of the vehicle equipped with
the Intelligent Key system is discharged,
the ignition switch cannot be turned from
the LOCK position, even using the me-
chanical key.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
Push in the ignition switch to thesBposition
when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position)
sA:
The ignition switch can only be locked in the
LOCK position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed in, and turned to the ACC position
sC
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
sC:
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position)
sD:
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START
sE:
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the knob immediately.
It will automatically return to the ON position.
LSD0171
5-10Starting and driving
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The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the
LOCK position unless the shift selector is in the P
(Park) position. (It can be turned only to the
sB
position.)
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended pe-
riod. This can discharge the battery.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and the key removed until the shift selector is
moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shift selector is not returned to P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to
the LOCK position.To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion with the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift selector is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or when the ignition switch cannot
be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as
follows to remove the key.
1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the
ON position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector is designed so it cannot moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or if the key is removed from the
switch.
WSD0041
Starting and driving5-11
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The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK posi-
tion, turn the steering wheel to the left or
right while turning the key to unlock the
key cylinder.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.
5-12Starting and driving
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cCheck that all doors are closed.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraint.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON (3)
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
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 five to six seconds.
After cranking the engine, release the ac-celerator pedal. Crank the enginewith
your foot off the accelerator pedalby
turning 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13
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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 moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector 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 cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is
removed.
Type A
LSD0151
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving
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