2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER octane

The following values are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different from them. When refilling, follow
the procedure instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20-7/8 gal 17-3/8 gal 79Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (RON 96) (VQ35DE) or
87AKI (RON 91) (VG33E)*1
Engine oil*4
Drain and refill
with oil filter
change5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt 5.0
API Certification Mark*2 *3

API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ, SL, Energy Conserv-
ing*2 *3

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2 *3 without oil filter
change5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system (with
heater and reservoir
tank)9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2Genuine Nissan Anti-Freeze Coolant or
equivalent
*1: See later in this section for fuel recommendation.
*2: See later in this section for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*3: See later in this section for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*4: See “Changing engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for further details.CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


FUEL RECOMMENDATIONVG33E engine:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
VQ35DE engine:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance,
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI number (Research octane
number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this willdamage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and suggest
that you use reformulated gasoline when avail-
able.Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
Nissan does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your Nissan cannot be readily deter-
mined.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.

The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.

If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)

If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion in-
hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e.: fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
9-4
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(VQ35DE engine) or 87 AKI (Anti-knock Index)
number (VG33E engine). However, you may use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low
as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number in these
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]
such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern Idaho,
western South Dakota, western Nebraska, and
that part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time.
Technical and consumer information
9-5


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


When planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating
may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles can be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your ve-
hicle to areas where appropriate fuel is not
available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATEThe vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(Chassis number)
STI0095
STI0227
WHENTRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION9-12
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Front window open/close with key ......................... 3-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
filler cap................................................................. 3-13
filler lid ................................................................... 3-13
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-20
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-4
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-4
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-5
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-27
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-44
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-13
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-4
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-4
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch ........................................................................... 2-20
Glass hatch lock........................................................ 3-11
Glass hatch opener .................................................. 3-11
Glove box .................................................................... 2-32
Glove box lock ........................................................... 2-32H
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-25
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-31
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-21
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-26
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-39
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Heater operation.................................................... 4-4
Heater and air conditioner (Automatic — Type A)
(if so equipped) ..................................................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner (Automatic — Type B)
(if so equipped) ................................................... 4-10
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-44
Hood, release ............................................................... 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ................................................ 2-34
Horn .............................................................................. 2-25
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security .................... 2-17
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-11
Key positions .......................................................... 5-9
Manual transmission models .................. 5-8, 5-15
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-18
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-14
Inside mirror ................................................................ 3-16
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-23
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2Interior lights ............................................................... 2-42
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-9
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-14
Label, Emission control information label............ 9-14
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................... 9-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-21
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)................ 9-12
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether For Children)
system (if so equipped) ........................................... 1-41
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-21
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-30
Fog light switch................................................... 2-24
Front fog light switch......................................... 2-24
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-21
Headlights Bulbreplacement .......................... 8-31
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-42
Personal lights ..................................................... 2-43
Replacement ........................................................ 8-30


03.1.28/R50-D/V5

10-3

FUEL RECOMMENDATION:VG33E engine:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
VQ35DE engine:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN rec-
ommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Techni-
cal and consumer information” section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:
API Certification Mark

API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&II
or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving.

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III.

SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section for engine oil and oil
filter recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See the tire placard affixed to the glove box.
GAS STATIONINFORMATION


03.1.28/R50-D/V5