2020 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owner´s Manual

10.Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem. ∙ Keep your engine tuned up.
∙ Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.I–4X4 SYSTEM OPERATION
WARNING
∙ Do not drive beyond the performancecapability of the tires. Accelerating
quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or
sudden braking may cause loss of
control, even with I-4x4 engaged.
∙ For 4–Wheel Drive (4WD) equipped ve- hicles, do not attempt to raise two
wheels off the ground and shif t the
transmission to any drive or reverse
position with the engine running. Do-
ing so may result in drivetrain dam-
age or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious personal
injury or vehicle damage.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INTELLIGENT 4X4 (I-4x4) (if so
equipped)
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∙ Do not attempt to test a 4WDequipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (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 that you inform
the 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 unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious personal injury or vehicle
damage.
CAUTION
∙ Do not operate the engine on a freeroller when any of the wheels are
raised.
∙ If you use the free roller, rotate four wheels with the same speed without
raising any wheels. ∙ If a 4WD warning message is dis-
played while driving there may be a
malfunction in the 4WD system. Re-
duce the vehicle speed immediately
and have your vehicle checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
∙ If the 4WD high temperature message is displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. The driving mode will change
to 2WD to prevent the 4WD system
from malfunctioning. If the warning
message turns off, you can drive
again.
∙ If the incorrect tire size message is displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area with the
engine idling. Check that all tire sizes
are the same, that the tire pressure is
correct and that the tires are not ex-
cessively worn.
∙ If a warning message continues to be displayed af ter the above operations,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
4WD shif t switch
The 4WD system is used to select the 2WD,
AUTO or LOCK mode depending on the
driving conditions.
Turn the 4WD mode switch, located on the
center console, to select 2WD, AUTO, or
LOCK.
∙ 2WD – Turn the 4WD mode switch to the 2WD position. The 2WD indicator in the
vehicle information display illuminates.
LSD2496
5-68Starting and driving

∙ AUTO – Turn the 4WD mode switch tothe neutral (AUTO) position. The 4WD
AUTO indicator in the vehicle informa-
tion display illuminates.
∙ LOCK – To engage the LOCK mode, turn the 4WD mode switch to the LOCK po-
sition. The switch will return to the AUTO
position automatically and the 4WD
LOCK indicator in the vehicle informa-
tion display illuminates. To disengage
the LOCK mode, turn the switch to the
LOCK position again. The switch will re-
turn to the AUTO position automatically,
and the 4WD LOCK indicator turns into
the AUTO indicator. The LOCK mode will
automatically be canceled when the ig-
nition switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion.4WD mode Wheels driven 4WD mode indicator Use conditions
2WD Front only – This
mode is used when
driving on a normal
road *1 2WD
For driving on dry
paved roads.
AUTO Distribution of torque
to the front and rear
wheels changes au-
tomatically depend-
ing on road condi-
tions encountered.
This results in im-
proved driving
stability. AUTO
For driving on paved
or slippery roads.
LOCK 4-Wheel Drive *2 *3
LOCKFor driving on rough
roads.
*1 The 2WD mode may change to the 4WD mode automatically depending on the driving
conditions.
*2 The LOCK mode will change to the AUTO mode automatically when the vehicle has
been driven at a high speed. The 4WD LOCK indicator turns into the AUTO indicator.
*3 The LOCK mode will automatically be canceled when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position.
Starting and driving5-69

4WD shif t tips
∙ If the 4WD mode switch is operatedwhile making a turn, accelerating or de-
celerating, or if the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position while in the
AUTO or LOCK mode, you may feel a jolt.
This is normal.
∙ The oil temperature of powertrain parts will increase if the vehicle is continu-
ously operated under conditions where
the difference between the front and
rear wheels is large (wheel slip), such as
when driving the vehicle on rough roads
through sand or mud or when freeing a
stuck vehicle. In these cases, the 4WD
mode changes to the 2WD mode to
protect the powertrain parts.
∙ Brake distance in the 4WD mode is the same as 2WD.
CAUTION
∙ Depending on the driving condition,the 4WD mode may automatically
change from 2WD to 4WD even when
the 2WD mode is selected. If this oc-
curs while driving, the 4WD mode indi-
cator will not illuminate.
∙ Do not start the engine with the 4WD mode switch in any mode in the fol-
lowing cases:
– When the vehicle is placed on a fre- eroller or jacking up the vehicle
with the front tires raised and the
rear tires on the ground.
– When towing the vehicle with the rear tires raised from the ground.
∙ Operate the 4WD mode switch only when driving straight. Do not operate
the 4WD mode switch when making a
turn or backing up.
∙ Do not operate the 4WD mode switch with the front wheel spinning.
∙ Engine idling speed is high while warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the 4WD mode
switch set in the AUTO mode.
4WD mode indicators
The 2WD, 4WD AUTO and LOCK mode indi-
cators are located in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
The 4WD mode indicators will display the
mode selected by the 4WD mode switch
while the engine is running.
The 4WD AUTO indicator illuminates when
selecting the AUTO mode.
The 4WD LOCK indicator illuminates when
selecting the LOCK mode and the 2WD in-
dicator illuminates when selecting the 2WD
mode.
5-70Starting and driving

WARNING
∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle overflammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
∙
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park). Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and re-
sult in an accident. Make sure the shif t
lever has been pushed as far forward as
it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.
∙ Never leave the engine running while the vehicle is unattended.
∙ Do not leave children unattended in- side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls or
make the vehicle move. Unattended
children could become involved in se-
rious accidents. ∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shif t lever to the P (Park) po- sition.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB
A:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
B:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
WSD0050
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-71

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NOCURB
C:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or isturned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle, but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and protect it from getting
damaged. While the power assist is re-
duced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. When the temperature of the
power steering system goes down, the
power assist level will return to normal.
Avoid repeating such steering wheel op- erations that could cause the power steer-
ing system to overheat.
You may hear a sound when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, there will
be no power assist for the steering, but you
will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
POWER STEERING
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The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance will
be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
∙ While driving on a slippery surface, becareful when braking, accelerating or
downshif ting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating could cause the wheels to
skid and result in an accident.
∙ If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain
a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
∙ Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-73

– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates 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 ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds abov
e3-6mph(5-
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
5-74Starting and driving