2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER transmission

LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all wheels (except the spare tire).
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 25 psi, 171 kPa), the low
tire pressure warning system will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH (32
km/h). For more details, please refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section,
and “Low tire pressure warning system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal in-jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four wheels and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure shown on
the tire placard. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel 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.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into
reverse (automatic transmission in P).
WARNING


The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position.

Never place the transfer control lever
in the Nposition. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could roll unexpectedly even if
the manual transmission is in gear or
the automatic transmission is in the
P position. This could result in seri-
ous personal injury or property dam-
age.
All-mode 4WD models:

Make sure the 4WD shift indicator
and/or transfer 4LO position indica-
tor light remains illuminated before
stopping the engine.

Make sure the ATP light is off before
stopping the engine. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even
if the automatic transmission is in
FLAT TIRE6-2
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the P position. This could result in
serious personal injury or property
damage.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need help.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING

Make sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (re-
verse), on the automatic transmis-
sion in P (Park).

Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or a slippery area.
This is hazardous.

Never change tires if oncoming trafficis close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel 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)
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks at both the front and back
of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked
up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and could cause per-
sonal injury.
MCE0001
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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.
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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
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tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no steam
or coolant can be seen before proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
cooling fan, or drive belt.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at the
nearest NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from your NISSAN dealer. Local ser-
vice operators are generally familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing. To
assure proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends
having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION

When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
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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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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


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