2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

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, we will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available for you.
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.


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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 — a product that we can be proud
to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002


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Table of
Contents
Illustrated table of contentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careMaintenance and do-it-yourselfTechnical and consumer informationIndex


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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systemsSeats ......................................................................................... 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment....................................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ........................................ 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ...................................................... 1-6
Head restraint adjustment.............................................. 1-9
Armrest (if so equipped) ................................................ 1-9
Supplemental restraint system ......................................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system .............................................................................. 1-10
Supplemental air bag warning labels ....................... 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light .......................... 1-21
Seat belts .............................................................................. 1-23
Precautions on seat belt usage ................................. 1-24
Child safety ..................................................................... 1-25
Pregnant women ............................................................ 1-26Injured persons............................................................... 1-26
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ................. 1-26
Two-point type seat belt without retractor (Center of
rear seat).......................................................................... 1-30
Seat belt extenders ....................................................... 1-31
Seat belt maintenance ................................................. 1-32
Child restraints ..................................................................... 1-32
Precautions on child restraints................................... 1-32
Installation on rear seat center position................... 1-34
Installation on rear seat outboard positions ........... 1-36
LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tether for Children)
system (if so equipped) ............................................... 1-41
Top tether strap child restraint................................... 1-42
Installation on front passenger seat.......................... 1-44


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the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-
nates. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag (if so equipped) and curtain side-impact air
bag (if so equipped) systems, and pre-tensioner
seat belt need servicing:

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

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.

The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags, curtain
side-impact air bags and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt may not operate properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that thesupplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags (if so equipped), curtain side-
impact air bags (if so equipped) and pre-
tensioner seat belt are designed to inflate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light
will remain illuminated after inflation has oc-
curred. Repair and replacement of these sys-
tems should be done only by a NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags, side air
bags, curtain side-impact air bags, related parts
and pre-tensioner seat belt should be pointed
out to the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or inside
the vehicle.
WARNING

Once the supplemental front air bag,
side air bag or curtain side-impact air
bag has inflated, the air bag module
will not function again and must be
replaced. Additionally, if any of the
supplemental front air bags inflate,
the pre-tensioner seat belts must
also be replaced. The air bag module
and pre-tensioner seat belt system
should be replaced by a NISSAN
dealer. The air bag modules and pre-
tensioner seat belt system cannot be
repaired.

The supplemental front air bag and
side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and pre-tensioner seat
belt system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage
to the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.

If you need to dispose of these
supplemental systems or scrap the
vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer.
1-22
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


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SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
To clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.

If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.

Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING

Infants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.

Infants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.

Never install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental front air bag could se-
riously injure or kill your child. A rear
facing child restraint must only be
used in the rear seat.
NISSAN recommends that the child
restraint be installed in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.

An improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
In general, child restraints are designed to be
installed with a lap belt or the lap portion of a
three point type seat belt. Child restraints for
infants and children of various sizes are offered
by several manufacturers. When selecting any
child restraint, keep the following points in mind:

Choose only a restraint with a label certifying
that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

Check the child restraint in your vehicle to be
sure it is compatible with the vehicle’s seat
and seat belt system.

If the child restraint is compatible with your
vehicle, place your child in the child restraint
and check the various adjustments to be sureCHILD RESTRAINTS
1-32
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


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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


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For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section.
WARNING

If the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.

If the light comes on while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
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 tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still comes on while driving after
adjusting the tire pressure, a tire maybe flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as pos-
sible.

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.
Instruments and controls
2-13


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