2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER parking brake

12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.

Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other
metal jewelry. Do not lean over bat-
tery when jump starting.

Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.

Your vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. Position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other if the
booster battery is in another vehicle.Do not
allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brakes. Move the shift lever toNeutral position (On automatic transmission
models, move the selector lever to P (Park)).
Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated.
CAUTION

Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground, (for example, strut mounting
bolt, engine lift bracket, etc. — not to
the battery).

Make sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let it
run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle at
about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in the
normal manner.
SCE0390
6-10
In case of emergency


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.

Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the gearshift lever to
the neutral position (automatic transmission
to P (Park)).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
Two wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as
illustrated.
CAUTION

Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission. If it is necessary
to tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised, always use towing
dollies under the rear wheels.

When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:

Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steeringwheel in a straightahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by turn-
ing the ignition key to the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism.

If you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground or four wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing
dollies):

Always release the parking brake.

Move the transmission shift lever
to the N(Neutral) position.

Observe the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances for manual
transmission models only:

Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)

Distance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before tow-
ing to prevent damage to the transmission.
Part time four wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be
placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
SCE0198
6-14
In case of emergency


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


CAUTION

Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.

When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:

Move the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.

Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by turn-
ing the ignition key to the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism.
If you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the ground:

Move the transfer case shift lever
to the 2H position.

Move the transmission shift lever
to the N(Neutral) position.

Always release the parking brake.

Observe the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances manual
transmission models only:

Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)

Distance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propeller
shafts before towing to prevent damage to the
transmission.
In case of emergency
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
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 ........................................................ 8-19
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-19
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-20
Window washer fluid reservoir .................................. 8-20
Battery .................................................................................... 8-21
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-21
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-22
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-23Replacing 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
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-27
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-27
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-28
Keyfobbattery replacement ........................................ 8-28
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


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


erate properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fray-
ing, 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 func-
tion. 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 ap-
plied.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 accumu-
lated. 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. See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” in the “5. Start-
8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


ing and driving” 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 ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the under-
body should be thoroughly flushed with plain
water, being careful to clean those areas where
mud and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see “Cleaning exterior” in the “7.
Appearance and care” section.
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 corrected imme-
diately.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING

Park 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.

Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.

If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
belts and any other moving parts.

It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.

Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.

If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.

Never 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.

Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.

Your 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 be-
fore working near the fan.

On gasoline engine models with theMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and Lmarks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
changes or during the break-in period, de-
pending on the severity of operating con-
ditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
SDI1114
SDI0420
SDI1141
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5