2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER Coolant

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 1/3
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. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-10
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING

Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.

Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.

Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.

Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:

when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.

in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.

on winding or hilly roads.

on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.)

in very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N(Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switchoff immediately. Failure to do so may
cause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will automatically be canceled.

If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
in the instrument panel then blinks to warn
the driver.

If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/
SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
5-18
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamic control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light may come
on.

The vehicle dynamic control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain valves located under the radiator and on
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. See “Engine cooling system” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for
Changing Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult your
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Provinces
and States prohibit their use, so, before
installing studded tires, check local, state and
provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. TIRE CHAINS may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of
tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according to
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
5-37


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Do not open the
hood until no further steam or coolant can be
seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
cooling fan, or drive belt.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at the
nearest NISSAN dealer.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to “Flat towing”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from your NISSAN dealer. Local ser-
vice operators are generally familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing. To
assure proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends
having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12
In case of emergency


04.3.9/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.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 8-11
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................................. 8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ....................... 8-14
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................ 8-16
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-16
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir .................................. 8-17
Battery .................................................................................... 8-18
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-19
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-20Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-21
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-21
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-22
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-22
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-23
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-23
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-24
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-25
Keyfobbattery replacement ........................................ 8-25
Lights ...................................................................................... 8-27
Headlights ....................................................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-31
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-37


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


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


multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION

Do not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.

Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.

Never leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.

Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This section gives instructions regarding only
those items which are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. More involved service should
be done by your NISSAN dealer.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating difficul-
ties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage.If in doubt about any
servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.8-6
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing the coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or an
equivalent with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineral-
ized water/distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage your engine cooling system.Outside tempera-
ture down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water or
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down. See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “6. In case of emergency” sec-
tion.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the
coolant level in the radiatorwhen the engine is
cold.If there is insufficient coolant in the radia-
tor, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler
opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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