2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER steering wheel

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-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X

This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITYThe payload weight capacity is the maximum
total weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that
you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See ªVehicle
loading informationº earlier in this section for
details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid.
Payload Weight Capacity Unit: lb (kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada Ð 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale
and weight the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads. Individual
axle loads should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). The total of
the axle loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These ratings
are given on the vehicle certification label that
is located on the driver's door lock pillar. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the ratings.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (US only)is
available from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer tow-
ing ability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
9-17
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X

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.
9-20
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X

10 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 ................................. 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-2, 4-8
Air conditioner service ................ 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ................ 4-10, 9-8
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ....... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-2
Air conditioner operation, Semiautomatic ......... 4-5
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-41
Antenna........................................................... 4-31
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-32
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-3
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) .... 2-26
ATP warning light ........................................... 2-10
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-15
Audio operation precautions ........................... 4-12
Audio system .................................................. 4-11
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-16
Drive positioner ......................................... 3-16
Driving with automatic
transmission ....................................... 5-6, 5-10
Seat positioner, seat ................................. 3-16
Transmission park warning light ............... 2-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .. 5-13
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Battery............................................................. 8-21
Battery saver system................................. 2-20
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-22Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-32
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-18
Brake booster ............................................ 8-26
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-18
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-25
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-26
Brake system............................................. 5-32
Parking brake check ........................ 5-16, 8-25
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-33
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .... 4-16, 4-23,
4-28
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-26
Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-42
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X

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
Chimes, Audible reminders............................. 2-15
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-26
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-28
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-27
Fluid ........................................................... 8-18
Clutch housing drain (4x4 only) ...................... 8-40
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-34
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-17
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-39
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-30
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-8
Heater and semiautomatic air conditioner .. 4-3
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant .......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-9
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cover, Tonneau cover .................................... 2-33Cruise 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 ................................. 9-11
Door open warning light ................................. 2-11
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-22
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-34
Driving with automatic transmission .. 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-7, 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 .................. 9-14
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Block heater .............................................. 5-35
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant .......................... 8-10
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-14Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-15
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-13
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-9
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Engine specifications................................... 9-9
If your vehicle overheats ........................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-23
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-23
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-16
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-18
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-9
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Power steering fluid................................... 8-18
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-20
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X
10-2

Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-40
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ........................................... 2-9, 2-13
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ..................................................... 9-15
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 ............................................... 2-32
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-34
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-21
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
Outside the vehicle...................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15N
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 ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-14
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-15
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-13
Engine oil................................................... 8-13
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-6
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............................................... 8-25
Parking brake check.................................. 5-16
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-30Personal lights ................................................ 2-39
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ....................... 4-32
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-25
Power steering fluid................................... 8-18
Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Power windows ......................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation precautions ..................... 4-12
Braking precautions................................... 5-32
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-17
Driving safety............................................... 5-4
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
On child restraints ..................................... 1-31
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-23
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions .................................................. 5-3
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-10
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ................................................... 6-10
R
Rack, Luggage rack ........................................ 2-34
Radio
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-32
Steering wheel audio controls ................... 4-30
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ......................................................... 9-23
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X
10-4

Rear door ........................................................ 3-10
Rear door lock ................................................ 3-10
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Rear door opener ........................................... 3-10
Rear power point ............................................ 2-25
Rear seat adjustment ....................................... 1-7
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 2-18
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 9-12
Reporting safety defects (US only)................. 9-22
Rollover ............................................................. 5-4
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ........... 9-22
Towing safety ............................................ 9-19
Seat
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-22
Belt warning light and chime ..................... 2-12
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Rear seat adjustment .................................. 1-7
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-24
Infants and small children ......................... 1-25
Injured persons.......................................... 1-25
Larger children .......................................... 1-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-23
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-25
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-4
Seat belt extenders ................................... 1-30Seat belt hook ........................................... 1-28
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Seat belts .................................................. 1-22
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-25
Two-point type without retractor (rear center
lap belt)...................................................... 1-29
Seat(s)
Heated seats ............................................. 2-24
Seats ........................................................... 1-2
Security system, vehicle security system ....... 2-15
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-17
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ........................................................... 2-15
Servicing air conditioner................... 4-2, 4-8, 4-10
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission ...................... 5-6, 5-10
Manual transmission .......................... 5-7, 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-28
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-18
Spare tire carrier ............................................. 3-10
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-23
Speedometer .................................................... 2-3
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Jump starting ............................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................. 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-18Power steering system .............................. 5-31
Steering wheel switch for audio controls .. 4-30
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-14
Storage ........................................................... 2-27
Sun shade....................................................... 2-37
Sun visors ....................................................... 3-14
Sunroof ........................................................... 2-36
Electric sunroof.......................................... 2-36
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light ....... 1-21, 2-12
Supplemental front air bag system ................. 1-16
Supplemental restraint system ....................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-10
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-18
Switch
4WD shift switch operations...................... 5-26
Audio control ............................................. 4-30
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-23
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-23
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-23
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-20
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models................................................ 5-6, 5-10
Ignition switch manual transmission
models................................................ 5-7, 5-14
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-13
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-4
Turn signal switch ..................................... 2-22
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X
10-5

T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature display ......................................... 2-6
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge ................................................................ 2-4
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start..................................................... 2-17
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 3-14
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-21
Tires
Spare tire ................................................... 8-39
Tire chains ................................................. 8-36
Tire placard ............................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-34
Tire rotation ............................................... 8-37
Types of tires............................................. 8-35
wheel/tire size............................................ 9-11
Wheels and tires ....................................... 8-34
Tonneau cover ................................................ 2-33
Top tether strap child restraints ...................... 1-40
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 6-12
Towing a trailer.......................................... 9-17
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-17
Towing safety ............................................ 9-19
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-17
Transfer case shifting procedures ......... 5-21, 5-23
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-16Driving with automatic
transmission ....................................... 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-7, 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release .. 5-13
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 9-12
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-22
U
Underbody cleaning .......................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-21
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 2-40
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ........................... 9-11
Identification number (VIN) ....................... 9-12
Loading information ................................... 9-15
Security system ......................................... 2-15
Vehicle recovery, (freeing a stuck vehicle)..... 6-15
Ventilators ......................................................... 4-2
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .......... 1-20
Warning light
4WD warning light ..................................... 5-28
Air bag warning light ........................ 1-21, 2-12
Anti-lock brake............................................. 2-9
Automatic transmission park warning
light ............................................................ 2-10Brake warning light.................................... 2-10
Door open.................................................. 2-11
Low fuel warning light ............................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime............. 2-12
Warning lights ................................................... 2-9
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ........ 2-23
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .......................................................... 2-9
Warranty, Emission control system warranty . 9-22
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch ..... 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-18
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ......... 9-11
Wheel/tire size ................................................ 9-11
Wheels and tires ............................................. 8-34
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels................. 7-3
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-20
Window(s)
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-3
Power windows ......................................... 2-35
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-18
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switch ..... 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-18
Wiper blades ............................................. 8-24
Z
01.9.21/R50-D/V5
X
10-6