2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER start

uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from
the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure it has the proper distance under it
when depressed fully. Check the brake
booster function. Be certain to keep floormats
away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check that the lever has the proper travel and
confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is
held securely with the selector lever in the P
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure
to wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain
back into the sump.)
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level
is between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever
in P (Park) with the engine idling.Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off
any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have
accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no
cracks, deformation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks
or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems
unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes,
immediately locate the trouble and correct it.
See ªPrecautions when starting and drivingº in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for exhaust
gas (carbon monoxide).
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy
9-4
Maintenance
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FUEL RECOMMENDATIONVG33E engine:
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).
VQ35DE engine:
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
NISSAN supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggest that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. Nissan does not recommend the use of
fuels of which the oxygenate content and the
fuel compatibility for your Nissan cannot be
readily determined.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that rec-
ommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e.: fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
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Technical and consumer information
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IAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
IRegularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
INever connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.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 chainsAlways use a suitable chain between yourvehicle 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.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding ofthe 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.
Technical and consumer information
10-19
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You may notify NISSAN by contact-
ing our Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ready condition can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a not ready condition. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needlepoints between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle (shift lever in the ªPº or ªNº
position).
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator pedal
completely.
10.Wait 5 second at idle.
11.Rev the engine up between 2,000 andREADINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
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11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-32
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-16
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-18
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-20
Air bag warning light.............................. 1-21, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-2, 4-8
Air conditioner service ................ 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Air conditioner specification
label .......................................... 4-2, 4-8, 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ............... 4-2, 4-8
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (if so
equipped)..................................................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-2
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 10-8
Air flow charts ............................................ 4-5, 4-8
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player....................................................... 4-11
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-11Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-41
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-26
Power ........................................................ 4-26
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-32
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-3
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) .... 2-26
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-15
Audio system .................................................. 4-11
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) .................. 4-24
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-13
Drive positioner ......................................... 3-16
Driving with automatic transmission.......... 5-10
Seat positioner, seat ................................. 3-16
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-13
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Battery............................................................. 8-18
Battery saver system................................. 2-20
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8Before starting the engine ................................ 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-19
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-32
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-15
Brake booster ............................................ 8-23
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-15
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-22
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-23
Parking brake check ........................ 5-16, 8-22
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
System....................................................... 5-32
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-28
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-28
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-32
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-32
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-22
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-11
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-19
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Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-42
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
Installation on rear seat center position .... 1-33
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-41
With top tether strap.................................. 1-40
Child safety ..................................................... 1-24
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-26
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-25
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-24
Fluid ........................................................... 8-15
Housing drain (4x4 only) ........................... 8-37
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-34
Compact Disc (CD) autochanger operation ... 4-24
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-17
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-11
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-36
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-29
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-11
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-11
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-8Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-6
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cruise control.................................................. 5-17
Cup holders .................................................... 2-28
D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-21
Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-19
Dimensions and weights ............................... 10-11
Door open warning light ................................. 2-11
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-19
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-34
Driving with automatic transmission.......... 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-14
On-pavement and offroad driving ............... 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Safety precautions....................................... 5-4
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-19
Electric sunroof ............................................... 2-36
Emission control information label ................ 10-14
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-21Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Block heater .............................................. 5-35
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-6
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-6
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Engine serial number .............................. 10-13
Engine specifications................................. 10-9
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-20
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-23
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-15
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11-2

Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-6
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-17
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-22
4WD shift switch operations ........................... 5-26
Four wheel drive (4WD) ........................ 5-20, 5-23
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-16
Front fog light switch ...................................... 2-23
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-12
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-12
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-19
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-4
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-4
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-24
Fusible links .................................................... 8-25
G
Garage door opener, Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ..................................... 2-40
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-3
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ....................................... 9-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-19
Glass hatch lock ............................................. 3-11
Glass hatch opener ........................................ 3-11
Glasses case .................................................. 2-27
Glove box........................................................ 2-29
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-29
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-23
Head restraints ................................................. 1-9
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-28
Headlights
(Bulb replacement) .................................... 8-28
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Heated seats................................................... 2-24
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-35
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (if so
equipped)..................................................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater operation.......................................... 4-2
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-40
Hood, release ................................................... 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ...................................... 2-31
Horn ................................................................ 2-24
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ............... 2-16I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models .................. 5-6
Key positions ............................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models....................... 5-7
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-16
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/indicator
lights and chimes) ........................................... 2-13
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-15
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-22
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-40
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-9
K
Keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-14
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-14
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-20
Air conditioner specification label ........ 4-2, 4-8
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11-3

Engine serial number .............................. 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)......... 10-12
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-21
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-26
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-28
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-20
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-28
Personal lights ........................................... 2-39
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-40
Warning/indicator lights and
chimes ................................................ 2-9, 2-13
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-15
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ........................................ 3-11
Glove box lock........................................... 2-29
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Rear door lock ........................................... 3-10
Rear door opener ...................................... 3-10
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-12
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-31
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-34
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-18
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 9-10
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 9-2Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle...................................... 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirror............................................ 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-33
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-19
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start ................................................................... 5-8
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6Outside mirror ................................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-15
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-11
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-22
Parking brake check.................................. 5-16
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-30
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal lights ................................................ 2-39
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-25
Power steering fluid................................... 8-15
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Power windows ......................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-32
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-17
Driving safety............................................... 5-4
Maintenance precautions ..................... 8-2, 9-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-31
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-23
On supplemental restraint system ............ 1-10
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