2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER brake

REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket toremove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can cause damage the spark
plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the conven-
tional type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule, but do
not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance log shown in a separate “Service
and Maintenance Guide”. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING

Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
SDI0145A
SDI1022A
SDI1115B
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER
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CAUTION
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass, otherwise the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a
needle or small pin.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKEPull the parking brake lever up. If the number of
clicks is out of the range as listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.
SDI1136
DI1010-C
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
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CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check distance A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
dash lower panel.
Distance A
M/T models
2-1/2 in (65 mm) or more
A/T models
2-3/4 in (70 mm) or more
If it is out of the range shown above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do nothave audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum
brakes, have them inspected as soon as pos-
sible by your NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
separate “Service and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function with the fol-
lowing steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake pedal
movement (distance of travel) remains the
same from one pedal application to the next,
continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
DI0453
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If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brake checked by your NISSAN dealer.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI0395
FUSES
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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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Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission— — — API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil — — —Only LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*1 approved for Nissan LSD*2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Nissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Power steering fluidGenuine Nissan PSF or equivalent*5
All-mode 4WD transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6 or API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (U.S. F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Multi-purpose grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*4
Air conditioning system lubricants———Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent*4
*1: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Available in mainland U.S. through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: See “Vehicle identification” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental U.S. and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
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value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.

When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs. (454
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have to
be reduced on very steep grades or in low
traction situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special
equipment required may be obtained
from an authorized NISSAN dealer.Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or
rear gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
CA0036
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VQ35DE/VG33E (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,308)
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT*2 Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of
a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices
are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control
device for your trailer.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchCheck the towing capacity of your receiver type
frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for
your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN
trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer
(US only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION

Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.Technical and consumer information
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