2001 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 154

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ¼ Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear. ¼ Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer fluid as frequently as possible, at least whenever you refuel. ¼ Check to be sure that all windows and light lenses are clean. ¼ Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation. ¼ Lock all doors. ¼ Position seat and adjust head restraints. ¼ Adjust inside and outside mirrors. ¼ Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise. ¼ Check the operation of warning lights when key is turned to the ON (3) position. STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Automatic transmission: Move the selector lever to P (Park position) or N (Neutral position). (P preferred) The selector lever cannot be moved out of P and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed from the switch. The starter is designed not to operate if the selector lever is in one of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral position), and depress the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. 3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by 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. - If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold or hot weather - Starting and driving Use the accelerator pedal to help start the engine. 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. Warm-up Always allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather. 5-9