EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Emission control system
maintenanceDrive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated underextremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filter
might become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Timing belt
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission, trans-
fer & differential gear oilVisually inspect for
signs of leakage and replace oil for limited-slip
differential. Under severe driving conditions,
the oil should be replaced at the specified
interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts & drive axle shaft bootsCheck for
damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, more
frequent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage. Under
severe driving conditions, more frequent in-
spection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving condition
(
only).
9-10
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmissionÐ Ð Ð API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)Ð Ð Ð API GL-5*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil Ð Ð ÐOnly LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*2 approved for Nissan
LSD*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental US and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada).*6
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent
Transfer fluidNissan Matic ªDº or Equivalent Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid*6 or API GL-4*1
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease Ð Ð ÐNLGI No. 2 (Molybdenum disulphide lithium soap
base)
Multi-purpose greaseÐ Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricantsÐ Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For further details, see recommended SAE viscosity number chart.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: See ªVehicle identificationº later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*6: Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Technical and consumer information
10-3
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
IWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lb (454
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load Speci-
fication Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties.
Information on trailer towing and re-quired towing equipment should be ob-
tained from dealers who specialize in
providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label. The gross vehicle weight
equals the combined weight of the unloaded
vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other optional equipment.
In addition, front or rear gross axle weight must
not exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
CA0036
10-16
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VG33E (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,308)
RECOMMENDED EQUIP-
MENT*2Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use
of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices
are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway
control device for your trailer.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchCheck the towing capacity of your receiver
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle,
to help avoid personal injury or property dam-
age due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and Pathfinder models are
available at your Nissan dealer.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.Technical and consumer information
10-17
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
ICheck regularly to make sure that all
trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use.Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (affixed to the
glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P position. If you move the selector
lever to the P position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
10-18
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
11 Index
A
ABS ................................................................. 5-25
Adjusting the time ........................................... 2-33
Adjustment
Front manual seat ....................................... 1-2
Front power seat ......................................... 1-4
Head restraint .............................................. 1-8
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-5
Shoulder belt ............................................. 1-22
Air bag
System....................................................... 1-13
Warning label ............................................ 1-15
Warning light .................................... 1-15, 2-10
Air cleaner....................................................... 8-16
Air conditioner
Manual ......................................................... 4-3
Operation, Manual ....................................... 4-5
Operation, Semiautomatic ......................... 4-11
Semiautomatic ............................................. 4-9
Servicing .................................................... 4-13
Specification label ................................... 10-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-8
Aluminum alloy wheels, Cleaning ..................... 7-3
Anchor point location, Top strap..................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-25
Anti-freeze, Cold weather ............................... 5-26
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-25Appearance care
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8
Ashtray ............................................................ 2-22
Audio system .................................................. 4-14
Automatic
Sunroof, Operation .................................... 2-32
Transmission fluid ....................................... 8-9
Transmission, Driving .................................. 5-9
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Back door.......................................................... 3-9
Battery
Cold weather ............................................. 5-26
Maintenance .............................................. 8-13
Replacement, Multi-remote control ............. 3-6
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-8
Belt
Drive .......................................................... 8-14
Extender, Seat........................................... 1-25
Height adjustment, Shoulder ..................... 1-22
Maintenance, Seat .................................... 1-25
Seat ........................................................... 1-17
Brake
Booster ...................................................... 8-19
Fluid ........................................................... 8-11Parking ...................................................... 5-15
Pedal ......................................................... 8-18
System....................................................... 5-24
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-18
Bulb
Checking...................................................... 2-9
Indicator ..................................................... 2-12
Replacement ............................................. 8-22
Warning light ............................................... 2-9
Buzzer ............................................................. 2-13
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricant .. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-26
Carbon monoxide, Exhaust gas ....................... 5-2
Cassette tape player operation....................... 4-16
Cassette tape player operation, with
compact disc (CD) player type ....................... 4-22
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-26
Certification label, F.M.V.S.S. ....................... 10-13
Chain, Tire ...................................................... 8-27
Changing
A flat tire ...................................................... 6-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-8
Engine oil filter............................................. 8-9
Tire and wheel........................................... 8-28
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
Checking
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Bulb ............................................................. 2-9
Engine coolant level .................................... 8-4
Engine oil level ............................................ 8-7
Parking brake ............................................ 8-18
Seat belt operation, Three-point ............... 1-21
Child restraint.................................................. 1-25
Installation on front seat ............................ 1-36
Installation on rear seat center ................. 1-27
Installation on rear seat outboard ............. 1-30
Precaution ................................................. 1-25
Top strap ................................................... 1-34
Child safety
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-3
Seat belt .................................................... 1-18
Chrome parts, Cleaning .................................... 7-3
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-22
Cleaner, Air ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-33
Adjusting .................................................... 2-33
Operation ................................................... 2-34
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-11
Housing drain,
................................. 8-30
Pedal ......................................................... 8-20
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-26
Compact disc (CD) player operation, with
cassette player type........................................ 4-23
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-25Controls, Heater and manual air conditioner.... 4-3
Controls, Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-9
Cooling system, Engine .................................... 8-4
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau .............................................. 2-29
Cruise control.................................................. 5-16
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24
D
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror............................................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights, Vehicle ................. 10-11
Door .................................................................. 3-2
Door open warning light ................................. 2-10
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 5-4
Drive belt......................................................... 8-14
Driving
Cold weather ............................................. 5-26
On snow or ice .......................................... 5-28
On-pavement and offroad ........................... 5-4
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
The vehicle .................................................. 5-9
Drugs ................................................................ 5-4
EEconomy, Fuel ................................................ 5-19
Emission control
Information label ...................................... 10-13
System warranty...................................... 10-19
Engine
Block heater .............................................. 5-28Compartment check location....................... 8-3
Coolant heater ........................................... 5-28
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Cooling system ............................................ 8-4
Oil ................................................................ 8-7
Oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 10-6
Overheat ...................................................... 6-9
Serial number .......................................... 10-12
Specifications ............................................ 10-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .......... 9-2, 9-10
Exterior and interior light, Replacement ......... 8-23
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-13
Fastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-20
Two-point ................................................... 1-23
Filling, Fuel filler lid ......................................... 3-11
Filter, Air ......................................................... 8-16
Flasher switch, Hazard warning ..................... 2-19
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mats, Cleaning ........................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission ............................... 8-9
Brake ......................................................... 8-11
Engine ......................................................... 8-7
Power steering .......................................... 8-11
Window washer ......................................... 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-19
Four by four clutch housing drain ................... 8-30
Four wheel drive, Using .................................. 5-20
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
11-2
Key .............................................................. 3-2
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-3
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-11
Lubricant, Capacities and recommended ....... 10-2
Luggage
Hook .......................................................... 2-27
Net ............................................................. 2-28
Rack .......................................................... 2-30
Storage ...................................................... 2-26
M
Maintenance
General ........................................................ 9-2
Item .................................................... 9-2, 9-10
Periodic........................................................ 9-5
Precaution ................................................... 8-2
Seat belt .................................................... 1-25
Manual
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-2
Transmission, Driving ................................ 5-14
Meter
And gauge ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
Mirror............................................................... 3-14
Inside ......................................................... 3-14
Outside ...................................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4
NNet, Luggage .................................................. 2-28New vehicle, Break-in ..................................... 5-18
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Automatic transmission ............................... 8-9
Brake ......................................................... 8-11
Engine ......................................................... 8-7
Filter recommendation............................... 10-6
Power steering .......................................... 8-11
Opener operation
Back door .................................................. 3-11
Fuel filler lid ............................................... 3-11
Rear window.............................................. 3-11
Trunk lid..................................................... 3-11
Operating tips, Automatic air
conditioner .............................. 4-5, 4-6, 4-11, 4-12
Operation, Clock ............................................. 2-34
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-14
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overheat ........................................................... 6-9
PParking
Brake ......................................................... 5-15
Brake and brake pedal .............................. 8-18
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-23
Pedal
Brake ......................................................... 8-18
Clutch ........................................................ 8-20
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-35Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Seat operating tips ...................................... 1-4
Socket........................................................ 2-21
Steering ..................................................... 5-24
Steering fluid ............................................. 8-11
Window ...................................................... 2-30
Precaution
Maintenance ................................................ 8-2
On child restraint ....................................... 1-25
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On-pavement and offroad ........................... 5-4
When starting and driving ........................... 5-2
Pregnant women, Seat belt ............................ 1-19
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Rack, Luggage................................................ 2-30
Radio............................................................... 4-14
With cassette player .................................. 4-15
With cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player.......................... 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-20
Rear
Door lock, Child safety ................................ 3-3
Seat adjustment .......................................... 1-5
Window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-16
Window wiper and washer switch ............. 2-16
Window, Lock ............................................ 3-10
Recommended
Fuel/lubricant ............................................. 10-2
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
11-4