2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER spare tire

are considered COLD after the vehicle has been
parked for three or more hours, or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. COLD
tire pressures are shown on the tire placard
affixed to the inside of the glove box lid.Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire). For more details, refer to “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “2. Instruments and Con-
trols” section, “Low tire pressure warning sys-
tem” in the “starting and driving” section, and
“Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section. The low tire pressure warning system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WARNING

Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.

The vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operatingconditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.

Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you have loaded your vehicle
heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to
ensure that the tire pressure is at the
specified level.

Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
TYPES OF TIRES
CAUTION

When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (i.e., summer, all season or
snow) and construction. Your
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
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year around, including snowy and icy road con-
ditions. All season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be
substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires on four wheel drivemodels, they must also be the same size, brand,
construction and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW or ALL SEASON tire on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some provinces and
states prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains is prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class S chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factoryequipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer 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 perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tires.
Do not use tire 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 vari-
ous mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress. When driving on clear paved roads,
be sure to change to 2WD.
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CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationNISSAN recommends that tires be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). However, the timing
for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
See “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section for tire replacing procedures.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
98 ft-lb (133 N⋅m)
WARNING

After rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.

Retighten the wheel nuts after the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).

Do not include small size spare tire in
the tire rotation.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Tire wear and damage
WARNING

Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging or
objects caught in the tread. If exces-
sive wear, cracks, bulging or deep
cuts are found, the tire should be
replaced.

The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wear
SDI0724
MDI0004
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indicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.

Improper service for a TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire may result in
serious personal injury. If it is neces-
sary to repair the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire, contact your
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See “Specifications” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section for tires
and wheels.
WARNING

The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.

If 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.

When a spare tire is mounted or awheel is replaced, the low tire pres-
sure warning system will not func-
tion. Contact your NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting. (For models
with the low tire pressure warning
system)

Do 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.

The use of a retread tire is not rec-
ommended.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
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Four wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), 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 recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact your NISSAN dealer.Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
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 performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancingthe rear wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.

For additional information regarding tires, re-
fer to “Important Tire Safety Information” in
the Warranty Information Booklet (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet (Canada).
Care of wheels
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.

Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.

Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.

Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. This may cause loss of pressure or
damage the tire bead.

NISSAN 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.
WARNING

The TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire should be used only for emer-
gency. It should be replaced by the
standard tire at the first opportunity.

Drive carefully while the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.

Periodically check the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi (420
kPa, 4.2 bar).

Always 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 “Tire
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placard” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.

Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on
the front axle and original tire used
on the rear axle (drive wheels). Use
tire chains only on the rear (original)
tires.

Tire 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 indica-
tors appear.

Do not use the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire on other vehicles.

Do not use more than one TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire at the
same time.

Do not tow a trailer while the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire is
installed.
CAUTION

Do 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.

Because the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is smaller than the
original tire, ground clearance is re-
duced. To avoid damage to the ve-
hicle do not drive over obstacles.
Also do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash since it may
get caught.
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Grade Road wheel/
offset in (mm)Tire Spare tire size
XE 16x7JJ Aluminum/
1.97 (50)P245/70R16 106S P245/70R16 106S
215/80R16 103M*2
SE
WIDE16x7JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)*1P255/65R16 106S*1 P255/65R16 106S*1
LE
WIDE17x8JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)P245/65R17 105S P245/65R17 105S
255/65R16 106S*1
*1: Option for XE
*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 “F.M.V.S.S. certification
label” 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
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WARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed.

Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:

CurbWeight (actual weight of your vehicle) -
vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curbweight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified for
the vehicle.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE PAYLOAD
CAPACITYThe payload capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo space.
For example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
payload carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle payload capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a
scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curbweight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curbweight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle can
carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove cargo
as necessary. If either the front or rear GAWR
is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo
as necessary.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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