2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER parking brake

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 (for models with a
steering lock mechanism) . This may
cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle and could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.
cNever place the ignition switch in the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock (for models with a
steering lock mechanism) . This may
cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle and could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-9

NISSAN 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 switch 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 ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked (for models with a
steering wheel lock mechanism) .
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 ignition switch
immediately. It will automatically return to the ON
position.
LSD0171
5-10Starting and driving

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. For
models with steering wheel lock mecha-
nism: 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 ignition
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 in 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

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 and
headrests (if so equipped) .
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 placed in the ON
sD
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 switch 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 is in any of the driving
positions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby placing the ignition
switch in the START position. 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 5 to 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13

To move the shift selector:
: Push the button while depressing the
brake pedal
: Push the button to shift
: Shift without depressing brake pedal or
pushing the button
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector out of the P
(Park) position while pressing the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift selec-
tor is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the ignition switch is turned to the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the vehicle is in N
(Neutral) , or any D (Drive) position, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
and the key (if so equipped) cannot be removed
from the ignition switch. Move the shift selector to
the P (Park) position, then the ignition switch can
be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) .Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply theparking brake first, then move the shift selector
into the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position.The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
3 (Third gear) Type A only:
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
Type B
WSD0213
Starting and driving5-15

To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key (if so equipped)
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Press the shift selector button and move the
shift selector to the N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
to unlock the steering wheel (for models with
a steering lock mechanism) . Now the vehicle
may be moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift selector cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch (if so equipped)
Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and the
shift selector in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission upshifts
into Overdrive as vehicle speed
increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
Type B
WSD0214LSD0142
5-18Starting and driving

OFF: For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
cDo not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the shift selector in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully engaged.
cDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
3. Firmly depress the parking brake pedal and it
will release.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
LSD0158
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-19

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
engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE TRANSMISSION
SELECTOR TO THE (N) POSITION IN THIS OPERATION.
PERFORM THIS OPERATION WHEN DRIVING
STRAIGHT.
2WDRear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive)
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blinkNeutral disengages the automatic trans-
mission 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) UN-
LESS YOU FIRST STOP THE VEHICLE DEPRESS THE
BRAKE AND SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELEC-
TOR TO THE NEUTRAL (N) POSITION, THEN DEPRESS
AND TURN THE 4WD SHIFT SWITCH TO 4LO OR 4H. *3
4LO4 wheelsIlluminatedFor use when maximum power and trac-
tion is required (for example: 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 beenshifted
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 switch 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 will also turn on when
4LO is selected. See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system” later in this section.
5-24Starting and driving