operate smoothly and that all latches lock se-
curely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) op-
erate properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fray-
ing, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever in
P (Park) with the engine idling.
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.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on alevel spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure to
wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back
into the sump.)
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-
ing and driving” section for exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide).
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or
other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
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.
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,
8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy roads
or to control dust. It is very important to remove
these substances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the under-
body should be thoroughly flushed with plain
water, being careful to clean those areas where
mud and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see “Cleaning exterior” in the “7.
Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
belts and any other moving parts.
It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.
On gasoline engine models with theMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
1. Perform the following procedure to open the
heater water cock.
Turn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
Move the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plugs and radiator
cap.
Open the drain plugs on the engine block.
SDI1109SDI1118
SDI1110SDI1189
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/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 mixture
of 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.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
changes or during the break-in period, de-
pending on the severity of operating con-
ditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
SDI1114
SDI1141
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
WARNING
When engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry, and clothing away from any
moving parts such as fan and drive
belt.
Automatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR
CHECKINGThe fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (L & H marks) on the dipstick at fluid
temperatures between 122 and 176°F (50 and
80°C) after the vehicle has been driven approxi-
mately 5 minutes in urban areas after the engine
is warmed up. The level can be checked at fluid
temperatures between 86 and 122°F (30 and
50°C) using the COLD range on the dipstick for
reference, after the engine is warmed up but
before driving. However, the fluid level must be
rechecked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the
parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in P.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Expand the spring stopper and remove the
dipstick. Wipe it clean with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range, add
fluid to the charging pipe.7. When inserting the dipstick, set it so that the
spring stopper presses the upper part of the
dipstick rubber to lock the dipstick.
CAUTION
Do not overfill.
Use only Nissan Matic D (Continental
U.S. and Alaska) or Canada Nissan
automatic transmission fluid.
Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent
may also be used. Outside the conti-
nental US and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission
fluid.
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
SDI1120
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID8-14
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1119
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-19
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it is not
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed and be care-
ful working on the engine with the air
cleaner removed.
Never pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer of if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your wind-
shield is clean if beads do not form when rinsing
with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blade with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the bladesand using the wiper, replace the blades.
REPLACINGReplace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper arm
until a click sounds.
DI0155MA
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
Grade Road wheel &
offset in (mm)Tire size & pressure (cold) Spare tire size &
pressure (cold)
XE 16x7JJ Aluminum/
1.97 (50)P245/70R16 106S
30 psi (210 kPa)P245/70R16 106S
30 psi (210 kPa)
P215/80R16 103M*2
30 psi (210 kPa)
SE
WIDE16x7JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)*1P255/65R16 106S*1
30 psi (210 kPa)P255/65R16 106S*1
30 psi (210 kPa)
P215/80R16 103M*2
30 psi (210 kPa)
LE
WIDE17x8JJ Aluminum/
0.79 (20)P245/65R17 105S
30 psi (210 kPa)P245/65R17 105S
30 psi (210 kPa)
P215/80R16 103M*2
30 psi (210 kPa)
*1: Option for XE
*2: If so equipped (for US)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTSPATHFINDER
Overall length*1 in (mm) 182.7 (4,640)
Overall width in (mm) 69.7 (1,770)
71.7 (1,820)*2
Overall height in (mm) 68.1 (1,730)
67.9 (1,725)*2
Front tread in (mm) 58.3 (1,480)
60.6 (1,540)*2
Rear tread in (mm) 58.5 (1,485)
60.8 (1,545)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 106.3 (2,700)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb(kg) See the “F.M.V.S.S. certification
label” on the driver’s side lock
pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb(kg)
Rear lb(kg)
*1: On spare tire carrier equipped models, the spare tire carrier adds 9.45 in (240
mm) to the overall length.
*2: SE and LE wide models
WHEELS AND TIRES
Technical and consumer information
9-11
04.3.9/R50-D/V5