2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the performance
of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional two wheel drive vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of controland/or a roll over accident.
IAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the rear wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See ªBrake systemº later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.
IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See ªPeriodic
maintenanceº in the ªService and
Maintenance Guideº.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park),
the key cannot be moved toward LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine cooling systemº in the ª8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourselfº section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº in
the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sectionfor Changing Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. TIRE CHAINS may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed ac-
cording to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions. Use of tire chains may be prohib-
ited according to location. Check the local
laws before installing tire chains. Wheninstalling tire chains, make sure they are of
proper size for the tires on your vehicle and
are installed according to the chain manu-
facturer's suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed
to prevent the possibility of whipping action
damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle
when using tire chains. In addition, drive at
a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
4. For four wheel drive:
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-34
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WARNING
Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
5. Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
Stowing the damaged tire and toolsSecurely store the tire and jacking equipment
in the vehicle as illustrated.
WARNING
IAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
IThe small size spare tire is designedfor emergency use. See ªTires and
wheelsº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section.
SCE0339C
In case of emergency
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Interior maintenance............................................. 8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................... 8-10
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-13
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-13
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-14
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-15
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-16
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-17
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-18
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-18
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-18
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-20
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................... 8-20
Battery ..................................................................... 8-21
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-21
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-22Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-23
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-23
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-24
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-24
Replacing............................................................ 8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-25
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-25
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-26
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-26
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-27
Checking clutch pedal ........................................ 8-27
Fuses....................................................................... 8-27
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-27
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-28
Keyfob battery replacement ............................... 8-29
Lights ....................................................................... 8-30
Headlights........................................................... 8-31
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-34
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-34
Types of tires...................................................... 8-35
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-37
Clutch housing drain............................... 8-40Z
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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 scheduled maintenance, as well as gen-
eral 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.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your ªService and Main-
tenance Guideº. You must refer to that guide to
ensure that necessary maintenance is per-
formed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
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.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quire minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
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 vehiclesbeforethey 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 of 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 check it promptly. In
addition, you should notify your NISSAN
dealer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the ªMaintenance pre-
cautionsº later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found later in this 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 at least once
a month and always prior to long distance
trips, including the spare, and adjust to the
specified pressure if necessary. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
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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.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.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 opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleLights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make
sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights,
turn signal lights, and other lights are all oper-
ating 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-
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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
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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
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.
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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
roads or to control dust. It is very important to
remove these substances, otherwise rust will
form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and
around the exhaust system. At the end of
winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see ªCleaning
exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and careº sec-
tion.
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or
other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
belts and any other moving parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IOn gasoline engine models with theMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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