2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER washer fluid

or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
Seat belt warning light and chime
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission models only)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Tire carrier open warning light (if so
equipped)
Transfer 4LO position indicator light
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
4WD warning light
4WD indicator light
Low fuel warning light
4WD shift indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-9


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


sible. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the tire pressure for all
four wheels and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure shown on
the tire placard. If the light still comes
on while driving after adjusting the
tire pressure, a tire may be flat. 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.
CAUTION

The low tire pressure warning is not a
substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.

Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the four wheels correctly.
Low washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in the
washer tank is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
key is turned to ON, and will remain illuminated
until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about six
seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is securely
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the supple-
mental front air bag and supplemental side air
bag systems and pre-tensioner seat belt are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag (if so equipped) and supplemental curtain
side-impact air bag (if so equipped) systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag light flashes inter-
mittently.

The supplemental air bag light does not come
on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see “Supplemental restraint system”
in the “1. Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems” section.
Instruments and controls
2-13


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, window washer fluid
as frequently as possible, at least whenever
you refuel.

Check to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position) or
N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral posi-
tion), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.

If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress theaccelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/5
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.

If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-10
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


the chain manufacturer’s suggestions.Use
only SAE Class S chains.Class “S” chains
are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” chains are designed to meet the
SAE standard minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate
the use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due tosome overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
4. For four wheel drive:
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
four wheel drive model.SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:

A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.

A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drifts.

Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.

Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
5-38
Starting and driving


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


erate properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fray-
ing, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure it has the proper distance under it when
depressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep floormats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check that the lever has the proper travel and
confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking brake ap-
plied.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is
held securely with the selector lever in the P
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure to
wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back
into the sump.)
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever in
P (Park) with the engine idling.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off any
dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumu-
lated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or
holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual
or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately
locate the trouble and correct it. See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” in the “5. Start-
8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
For USTo check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole of the cap/tube assembly (as
shown above), then remove it from the tank. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid. Add a
washer solvent to the water for better cleaning.
In the winter season, add a windshield washer
anti-freeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the mixture ratio.
For CANADAAdd fluid when the low washer fluid warning light
comes on. Add a washer solvent to the water for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully marked containers out
of the reach of children.
SDI0423A
SDI0389
WINDOW WASHER FLUID8-20
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-29
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-27
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................................ 2-27
Clutch
Fluid........................................................................ 8-19
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-19
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-39
Compass display ......................................................... 2-7
Console box................................................................ 2-33
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-10
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-9
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-4
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-36
Cruise control............................................................. 5-18
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-31
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch ......................................................... 2-20
Determining vehicle payload capacity.................. 9-15
Dimensions and weights ......................................... 9-11
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-11Drive belts ................................................................... 8-22
Drive positioner, Automatic..................................... 3-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-37
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-8, 5-15
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-5
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-20
Electric sunroof .......................................................... 2-40
Emission control information label ........................ 9-14
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-14
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-15
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-13
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-4
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-39
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-13
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-13
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-9If your vehicle overheats ................................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
4WD shift switch operations ................................. 5-28
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-13
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-23
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-25
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-16
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-19
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-19
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-18
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) player........................................................ 4-16
FM-AM-SATELLITE radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) player/CD changer............. 4-23
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-24
Four wheel drive (4WD) .............................. 5-21, 5-25
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................................... 2-24
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4


03.1.28/R50-D/V5

10-2