2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

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
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-8
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Push-Button Ignition Switch .......................5-10
Operating range ............................... 5-11
Push-button ignition switch positions . . . .........5-11
Emergency engine shut off .....................5-12
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge .......5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System .............5-13
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-13
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Remote start (if so equipped) ...................5-14
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-15
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ........5-15
Parking brake .................................... 5-18Blind Spot Warning (BSW) System
(if so equipped)
.................................. 5-19
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system ..............5-19
BSW system operation ........................ 5-20
BSW system precautions ......................5-22
BSW driving situations ......................... 5-23
Radar maintenance ............................ 5-26
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-27
RCTA system operation ........................ 5-27
RCTA system precautions ......................5-28
RCTA system operation ........................ 5-30
Radar maintenance ............................ 5-31
Cruise control .................................... 5-32
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-32
Cruise control operations .......................5-33
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-34
Fuel
efficient driving tips ........................... 5-34
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-36
Intelligent 4WD (if so equipped) ....................5-36
4x4–i system operation ........................ 5-36
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-40
Power steering ................................... 5-41

●Do 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
● Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
● Keep 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.
● Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
● Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
● Do 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 all four tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat 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
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information:
● The TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Starting and driving5-3

Be attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or over-
the-counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness) . Always wear your seat belt as outlined in
the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course. 4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap-
propriate driving lane.
● If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect the tires for wear and damage. For additional
information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual. If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or
“blows-out” while driving, maintain control of the
vehicle by following the procedure below. Please
note that this procedure is only a general guide.
The vehicle must be driven as appropriate based
on the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
●
The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
● Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
● Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
Starting and driving5-7

●Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
could result in loss of control and/or a
rollover accident.
● Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all 4
wheels. Install tire chains on the front
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
● Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. For
additional information, refer to “Brake
system” in this section for “Wet
brakes”.
● Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
● Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Periodic maintenance”
in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.”WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in
an emergency. (The engine will stop when
the ignition switch is pushed three con-
secutive times in quick succession or the
ignition switch is pushed and held for
more than 2 seconds.) If the engine stops
while the vehicle is being driven, this
could lead to a crash and serious injury.
When the ignition switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch will
illuminate.
Push the ignition switch center:● Once to change to ACC.
● Two times to change to ON.
● Three times to return to OFF.
The ignition switch will automatically return to the
LOCK position when any door is either opened or
closed with the switch in the OFF position.
LSD2014
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
5-10Starting and driving

Illustration 8:Illustration 8: If the driver acti-
vates the turn signal while another vehicle is in the
detection zone the Blind Spot Warning indicator
light flashes and a chime will sound twice.
NOTE:
If the driver activates the turn signal before
a vehicle enters the detection zone, the
Blind Spot Warning indicator light will flash
but no chime will sound when another ve-
hicle is detected.RADAR MAINTENANCE
The two radar sensors1for the BSW system
are located near the rear bumper. Always keep
the area near the radar sensors clean.
The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused by
objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
radar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing the
area around the radar sensors. Do not attach stickers (including transparent ma-
terial) , install accessories or apply additional
paint near the radar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
radar sensors. See a NISSAN dealer if the area
around the radar sensors is damaged due to a
collision.
Radio frequency statement
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warning
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
Illustration 8– Entering from the side
SSD1038LSD2221
5-26Starting and driving

2. Select “Driver Aids”, and press the ENTERbutton.
3. To set the BSW/RCTA system to on or off, use the buttons to navigate in the menu and
use the ENTER button to select or change
an item.
● Select “Blind Spot” and press the ENTER
button.
– To turn on the warning, use the ENTER button to check box for “BSW/RCTA”
RCTA temporarily not available
When radar blockage is detected, the system will
be deactivated automatically. The “Side Radar
Obstruction” warning message will appear and
the Blind Spot indicator (white) will blink in the
vehicle information display. The Blind Spot Warn-
ing and Rear Cross Traffic Alert switch indicators
will also blink.
The systems are not available until the conditions
no longer exist.
The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog. The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing
the radar sensors. Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist, the
system will resume automatically.
RCTA malfunction
If the RCTA system malfunctions, the system will
turn off automatically. The system malfunction
warning message with the Blind spot indicator
(orange) will appear in the vehicle information
display. If the BSW system fails, the RCTA sys-
tem will also fail.
Action to take:
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, turn the engine
off and restart the engine. If the message contin-
ues to appear, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
RADAR MAINTENANCE
The two radar sensors1for the BSW and
RCTA systems are located near the rear bumper.
Always keep the area near the radar sensors
clean.
The radar sensors may be blocked by temporary
ambient conditions such as splashing water, mist
or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused by
objects such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
radar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing the
area around the radar sensors.
LSD2217
Starting and driving5-31

●The system is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary ob-
jects to help avoid damaging the ve-
hicle. The system will not detect small
objects below the bumper, and may not
detect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
● If your vehicle sustains damage to the
rear bumper fascia, leaving it mis-
aligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measure-
ment of obstacles or false alarms.
The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the shift
lever is in R (Reverse) . The system may not
detect objects at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
The RSS detects obstacles up to 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
from the rear bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to
the illustration for approximate zone coverage
areas) . As you move closer to the obstacle, the
rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle is
less than 10 in (25.0 cm) away, the tone will
sound continuously. If the RSS detects a station-
ary or receding object further than 10 in.
(25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone will sound for only 3 seconds. Once the system
detects an object approaching, the tone will
sound again.
The RSS automatically turns on when the shift
lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. The RSS
OFF switch on the instrument panel allows the
driver to turn the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS
off, the ignition switch must be placed in the ON
position. An indicator light on the switch will
illuminate when the system is turned off. If the
indicator light illuminates when the RSS is not
turned off, it may indicate a malfunction in the
RSS.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bum-
per fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumu-
lations of dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects) . If the sensors are covered, it will affect
the accuracy of the RSS.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole, or use the NISSAN Intelligent Key®.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For additional information, refer to “Bat-
tery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For additional information, refer to “Changing
engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-48Starting and driving

NOTE:
If the lug nut wrench/jack handle contacts
the ground while raising the vehicle, disas-
semble the lug nut wrench from the jack
extension rod, rotate it 90 degrees and re-
assemble.5. Remove the wheel nuts and then remove the tire.Installing the spare tire
The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. For additional information, refer to
“Wheels and tires” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be- tween the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly as illustrated until
they are tight (
A,B,C,D,E). 4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated (
A,B,C,D,
E) . Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
●Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
● Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
LCE2043WCE0056
6-8In case of emergency