2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER load capacity

Before driving up or down grades,
check the road surface for bumps or
potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle
slope and descend a gentle slope.

Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.

Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.

Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.

Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.

Stay alert when driving to the top of ahill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.

If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed (manual
transmission vehicles), using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.

Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.

Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy
loads in the cargo area as far forward
and as low as possible. Do not equip
the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving of-
froad. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.

Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.

Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.

Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.5-6
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


3. Open the air release plug(s) to drain the
coolant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.

Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly.

Check your local regulations.
5. Close the radiator drain plugs and engine
block drain plugs securely.
6. See the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section for cooling system capacity.
Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixtureof coolant and water. Fill the reservoir tank
slowly up to the MAX level. Then install the
radiator cap and close the air release plug(s).
7. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up the MAX level.
9. Check the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs for any sign of leakage.
SDI1110SDI1189
SDI0419
8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation.................... 9-6
Recommended SAE oil viscosity number.................. 9-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-8
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-9
Engine ................................................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-11
Dimensions and weights.............................................. 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country.................................................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................ 9-12
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ............................................................................ 9-12
Engine serial number .................................................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................................... 9-13
Emission control information label ............................ 9-14
Tire placard ..................................................................... 9-14Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-14
Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-15
Terms ................................................................................ 9-15
Determining vehicle payload capacity ...................... 9-15
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-16
Payload weight capacity .............................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-17
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-17
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-19
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading ......................................... 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................................ 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-25
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-25


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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
Technical and consumer information
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITYThe payload weight capacity is the maximum
total weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Vehicle loading
information” earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid.
Payload Weight Capacity Unit: lb(kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada — 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weight
the front and the rear wheels separately to
determine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on the
driver’s door lock pillar. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (US only)is
available from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer towing
ability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
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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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