2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER steering wheel

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
6-15


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


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 rotation
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
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check
the windshield at least every six months for
cracks or other damage. Have a damaged wind-
shield 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 oper-
ate 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 frequently.
Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make
sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights,
turn signal lights, and other lights are all operat-
ing properly and installed securely. Also check
headlight aim.
Inside the vehicleThe 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 ad-
justers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and that all latches lock se-
curely 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 retractors) op-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard (affixed to the glove
box lid).

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle 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 system,
make sure it conforms to Federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of thevehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always 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 trans-
mission 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.

When 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 overload-
ing and/or overheating.
9-20
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-34
Air bag system, Front (See supplemental front air
bag system) ................................................................ 1-16
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-21
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-21, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-4
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-12, 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner ................................... 4-12
Air flow charts............................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-44
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-29
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-34
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-3
Armrest (if so equipped) ............................................ 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) ........ 2-29
ATP warning light ...................................................... 2-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-13
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-26
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-16
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-17
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Seat positioner, seat .......................................... 3-17
Transmission park warning light ..................... 2-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-14
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Back door.................................................................... 3-10
Battery .......................................................................... 8-21
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ...................................... 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-22
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-34
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-19
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-26
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-19
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-25Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-26
Brake system ....................................................... 5-34
Parking brake check............................... 5-17, 8-25
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-17
Warning light .......................................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-20
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-36
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-36
Cassette player (See audio system) ........ 4-18, 4-25
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-28
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-32
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-45
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-37
Installation on rear seat center position........ 1-34
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-32
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-44
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-43
Child safety ................................................................. 1-25
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-16


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-29
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-27
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................................ 2-27
Clutch
Fluid........................................................................ 8-19
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-19
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-39
Compass display ......................................................... 2-7
Console box................................................................ 2-33
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
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 .............................................. 2-36
Cruise control............................................................. 5-18
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-31
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch ......................................................... 2-20
Determining vehicle payload capacity.................. 9-15
Dimensions and weights ......................................... 9-11
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-11Drive belts ................................................................... 8-22
Drive positioner, Automatic..................................... 3-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-37
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-8, 5-15
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-5
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-20
Electric sunroof .......................................................... 2-40
Emission control information label ........................ 9-14
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-14
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-15
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-13
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-4
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-39
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 ........................................... 9-9If your vehicle overheats ................................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
4WD shift switch operations ................................. 5-28
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-23
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-25
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-16
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-19
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-19
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
FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) player........................................................ 4-16
FM-AM-SATELLITE radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) player/CD changer............. 4-23
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-24
Four wheel drive (4WD) .............................. 5-21, 5-25
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................................... 2-24
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4


03.1.28/R50-D/V5

10-2

Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-43
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................... 2-9, 2-14
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-15
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ................................................. 3-11
Glove box lock..................................................... 2-32
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Low fuel warning light ............................................ 2-12
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped) .................................................................... 2-12
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped).............................................................. 5-3, 6-2
Luggage hooks .......................................................... 2-34
Luggage rack ............................................................. 2-37
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 ...................................... 1-32
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-16
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-16N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-36
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-20
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System....................... 2-16
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-9
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 .............................................. 3-16
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-16
Outside temperature display..................................... 2-6
Overdrive switch........................................................ 5-14
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-11
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-25
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-17
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-17
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-32Payload weight capacity.......................................... 9-17
Personal lights............................................................ 2-43
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-28
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-18
Power steering system ...................................... 5-33
Power windows................................................... 2-38
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-20
Precautions
Audio operation precautions............................ 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-34
Cruise control operations ................................. 5-19
Cruise control precautions ............................... 5-18
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
On child restraints .............................................. 1-32
On seat belt usage ............................................ 1-24
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions ............................................................. 5-4
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-10
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .............................................................. 6-11
R
Rack, Luggage rack.................................................. 2-37
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28


03.1.28/R50-D/V5

10-4