2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER tires

clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
IThe use of retread tire is not rec-
ommended.
Four wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size, brand,
construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel
alignment should also be checked and cor-
rected as necessary. Contact your NISSAN
dealer.Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performedwith the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the rear wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
Care of wheelsIWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. This may cause loss of pressure
or damage the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
(if so equipped)U.S. only. Canadian vehicles are equipped
with a full size spare tire.
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
Do-it-yourself
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WARNING
IThe TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire should be used only for emer-
gency. It should be replaced by the
standard tire at the first opportunity.
IDrive carefully while the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
IPeriodically check the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 28 psi (190
kPa, 1.9 bar).
IAlways keep the pressure of the full
size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the tire placard.
For tire placard location, see ªTire
placardº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section.
IDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).IWhen driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the small size spare tire
should be used on the rear wheel and
the original tire used on the front
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains
only on the front two original tires.
ITire tread of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster
rate than the original tire. Replace the
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
IDo not use the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire on other vehicles.
IDo not use more than one TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire at the
same time.
IDo not tow a trailer while the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled.
CAUTION
IDo not use tire chains on a TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire
chains will not fit properly on the
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
and may cause damage to the ve-
hicle.
IBecause the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire is smaller than the original
tire, ground clearance is reduced. To
avoid damage to the vehicle do not
drive over obstacles. Also do not
drive the vehicle through an auto-
matic car wash since it may get
caught.
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Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day-to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives the
proper maintenance care. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. It is your responsibility to perform
these procedures regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance:
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.However, under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and tuned by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to work
on NISSAN's vehicles before they work on
your vehicle, rather than after they have
worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN deal-
er's service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle Ð in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCEAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:
Check the pressure with a gauge periodically
when at a service station, including the spare,
and adjust to the specified pressure if neces-
sary. Check carefully for damage, cuts or
excessive wear.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS GENERAL MAINTENANCE9-2
Maintenance
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Wheel nuts*:
When checking the tires, make sure no nuts
are missing, and check for any loose nuts.
Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km). However, the timing for tire rota-
tion may vary according to your driving habits
and road surface conditions.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe
properly.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors and the engine hood,
operate properly. Also ensure that all latches
lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from openingwhen the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleLights*:
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.INTERIOR MAINTENANCEThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or
strange noises.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and
that the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in
all latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system
(e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and retrac-
tors) operate properly and smoothly, and are
installed securely. Check the belt webbing for
cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure the pedal does not catch or require
Maintenance
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10 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................................... 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............ 10-6
Recommended SAE oil viscosity number .......... 10-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................... 10-8
Specifications .......................................................... 10-9
Engine ................................................................ 10-9
Wheels and tires ................................................... 10-11
Dimensions and weights .................................. 10-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country................................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification ............................................. 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ......... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ............................................................ 10-12
Engine serial number ....................................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............................ 10-13
Emission control information label ................... 10-14Tire placard ...................................................... 10-14
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-14
Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-15
Terms ............................................................... 10-15
Determining vehicle load capacity.................... 10-15
Loading tips ...................................................... 10-15
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-16
Maximum load limits ......................................... 10-16
Towing load/specification chart ........................ 10-18
Towing safety ................................................... 10-18
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 10-20
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-21
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-21
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ............................................................... 10-22
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................. 10-24
In the event of a collision ................................. 10-24
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Grade Road wheel/
offset in (mm)Tire Spare tire size
4x2 PATH-
FINDERXE 16x7JJ Aluminum/
1.97 (50)*1P245/70R16
106SP245/70R16 106S
215/80R16 103M*2
SE
LE
WIDE16x7JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)P255/65R16
106SP255/65R16 106S
215/80R16 103M*2
4x4 PATH-
FINDERXE 16x7JJ Aluminum/
1.97 (50)*1P245/70R16
106SP245/70R16 106S
SE
LE
WIDE16x7JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)P255/65R16
106SP255/65R16 106S
*1: Option
*2: If so equipped (for US)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTSPATHFINDER
Overall length*1 in (mm) 182.7 (4,640)
Overall width in (mm) 69.7 (1,770)
71.7 (1,820)*2
Overall height in (mm) 68.1 (1,730)
67.9 (1,725)*2
Front tread in (mm) 58.3 (1,480)
60.6 (1,540)*2
Rear tread in (mm) 58.5 (1,485)
60.8 (1,545)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 106.3 (2,700)
Gross vehicle weight rating
lb (kg)See the ªF.M.V.S.S. certification
labelº on the driver's side lock
pillar.
Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: On spare tire carrier equipped models, the spare tire carrier adds 9.45 in (240
mm) to the overall length.
*2: SE and LE wide models
WHEELS AND TIRES
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
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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
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADINGDOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tire must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades.Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified government
test courses. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded
100. However, relative tire performance de-
pends on actual driving conditions, and may
vary significantly due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades from highest to lowest are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause tire mate-
rial to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive
temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a performance level
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of
performance on laboratory test wheels than
the minimum required by law.
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