2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER service

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to them.
READ FIRST — THENDRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner’s Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!

Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

Always observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.

Always use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Pre-
teen children should be seated in the
rear seat.

Always provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features
to all occupants of the vehicle.

Always review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.For descriptions specified for four wheel drive
models, a
mark is placed at the begin-
ning of the applicable sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
offroad use, failure to operate four wheel
drive models correctly may result in loss of
control or an accident. For additional in-
formation, see “Driving your four wheel
drive safely” in the “5. Starting and driv-
ing” section.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVINGThis vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for offroad use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or an accident.
For additional information, see “On-
pavement and offroad driving precau-
tions” and “Avoiding collision and roll-
over” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a
successful worldwide company that manufactures
cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes
them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks,
marine engines, boats and other diversified prod-
ucts.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN’S commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling de-
sign at Nissan Design America in San Diego,
California, and engineering at Nissan Technical
Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michi-
gan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 18,000
people throughout the United States, Canada, and
Mexico. An additional 71,000 people work for the
1,500 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North
America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approximately
4,500 people. These include company employees
and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across
Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for
companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN deal-
ers with materials and services ranging from op-
eration of port facilities and transportation servicesto the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the industry
in improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The
company has also developed ways to build quality
into its vehicles at each stage of the production
process, both through extensive use of automation
and — most importantly — through an awareness
thatpeopleare the central element in quality
control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new Nissan, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best
jobwas being done in producing and delivering
your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to
ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your
dealer for maintenance, the service technician will
perform his work according to the quality stan-
dards that have been established by the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our cus-
tomer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and
craftsmanship—aproductthatwecanbeproud
to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002

03.1.28/R50-D/V5


NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer
are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your
NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you
would like to provide NISSAN directly with
comments or questions, please contact our
(NISSAN’s) Consumer Affairs Department us-
ing our toll-free number:For U.S. mainland customers
1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-
7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canadian customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
— Your name, address, and telephone
number
— Vehicle identification number (on dash panel)
— Date of purchase
— Current odometer reading
— Your NISSAN dealer’s name
— Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information
on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING

The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
reused after activation. It must be
replaced together with the retractor
as a unit.

If the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but the pre-tensioner
is not activated, be sure to have the
pre-tensioner system checked and, if
necessary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.

No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system.
This is to prevent accidental activa-
tion of the pre-tensioner seat belt or
damage to the pre-tensioner seat
belt operation. Tampering with the
pre-tensioner seat belt system may
result in serious personal injury.

Work around and on the pre-tensioner seat belt system should be
done by a NISSAN dealer. Installa-
tion of electrical equipment should
also be done by a NISSAN dealer.
Unauthorized electrical test equip-
ment and probing devices should not
be used on the pretensioner seat belt
system.

If you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-
tensioner disposal procedures are
set forth in the appropriate NISSAN
Service Manual. Incorrect disposal
procedures could cause personal
injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental
front air bag. Working with the seat belt retrac-
tor, it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the
vehicle becomes involved in certain types of
collisions, thereby restraining seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt’s
retractor. These seat belts are used the same as
conventional seat belts.When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care should
be taken not to inhale it as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
seat belt system, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light
will not come on, will flash inter-
mittently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain
on after the ignition key has been turned to the
ON or START position. In this case, the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function properly.
They must be checked and repaired. Take your
vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat
belt system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
1-20
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


4H or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the warning light comes on.
(Before shifting the 4WD shift switch into the
4LO position or out of 4LO into the 4H position,
move the automatic transmission selector lever
into the N position). Shift the selector lever into
the P position and make sure that the 4WD shift
indicator light is ON and the ATP warning light is
OFF.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, stop the
vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and checkthe alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing or if the light remains on, see your
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear window are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
Instruments and controls
2-11


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key (for ex-
ample, when interference is caused by another
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an au-
tomated toll road device or automated payment
device on the key ring), restart the engine using
the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan Vehicle
Immobilizer System key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key on a separate key
ring to avoid interference from other devices.Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem
(CONT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER, ANT ASSY -
IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFAC-
TURE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE
COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO
OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator lightThis light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security systems equipped on the
vehicle are operational.
If the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System is
malfunctioning, this light will remain on while the
ignition key is in the ON position.If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see your NISSAN
dealer for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem service as soon as possible. Please
bring all Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem keys that you have when visiting your
NISSAN dealer for service.
2-18
Instruments and controls


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


: Air flow mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot outlets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPS
When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for 0 to
126 seconds. This is not a malfunction. After
the coolant temperature warms up, air flow
from the foot outlets will operate normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps main-
tain a constant temperature. Do not put anything
on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lubri-
cant are required when servicing your NISSAN
air conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See “Capacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position,
usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter, static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control counterclockwise to reduce treble
response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and re-
flected signals reach the receiver at the same
time. The signals may cancel each other, result-
ing in momentary flutter or loss of sound.
The radio has an FM Diversity reception system,
which employs two antennas if so equipped.
One is a rod type antenna; the other is an
antenna printed on the window. This system
automatically switches to the antenna which is
receiving less noise.
For additional information, see “Antenna” later in
this section.AM RADIO RECEPTIONAM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics. AM signals are also sub-ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTIONWhen the satellite radio is first installed or the
battery has been replaced, the satellite radio
may not work properly. This is not a malfunction.
Wait more than 10 minutes with satellite radio
ON for satellite radio to receive all of the neces-
sary data.
Satellite radio reception capability is not func-
tional, and “NO SAT” will be displayed during
scrolling of modes, unless optional satellite re-
ceiver and antenna were factory installed prior to
purchase (retrofit unavailable), and an XM
or
SIRIUS
TM
satellite radio service subscription is
active.
Satellite radio performance may be affected if
cargo carried on the roof rack blocks the satellite
radio signal.If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
radio antenna.
AUDIO OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
Cassette player
To maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in length.

Cassette tapes should be removed from
the player when not in use. Store cas-
settes in their protective cases and
away from direct sunlight, heat, dust,
moisture and magnetic sources.

Direct sunlight can cause the cassette to
become deformed. The use of deformed
cassettes may cause the cassette to jam
in the player.

Do not use cassettes with labels which
are peeling and loose. If used, the label
could jam in the player.

If a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette hubs
and rewind the tape firmly around the
hubs. Loose tape may cause tape jam-
ming and wavering sound quality.

Over a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may col-
4-14
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems


03.1.28/R50-D/V5