2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER Coolant

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by your NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, washthoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
SDI0485
SDI0486A
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9


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


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 FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-17


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


The following values are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different from them. When refilling, follow
the procedure instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20-7/8 gal 17-3/8 gal 79Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (RON 96) (VQ35DE)*1
Engine oil*4
Drain and refill
with oil filter
change5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt 5.0
API Certification Mark*2 *3

API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ, SL, Energy Conserv-
ing*2 *3

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2 *3 without oil filter
change5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system (with
heater and reservoir
tank)9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2Genuine Nissan Long Life Anti-Freeze
Coolant or equivalent
*1: See later in this section for fuel recommendation.
*2: See later in this section for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*3: See later in this section for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*4: See “Changing engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for further details.CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56
km/h).

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance fluid”.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, makea larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
sixth gear (manual transmission) or fifth posi-
tion (automatic transmission).

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-quently. For additional information, see
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-
hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing Recommended by
9-22
Technical and consumer information


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


ment, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261). In Hawaii call
(808) 836-0888.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usu-
ally, the ready condition can be obtained by
ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not ready condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission gear
shift lever in the “P” or “N” position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-25


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Seat belt warning light and chime ................. 2-13
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-29
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-24
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................................ 2-28
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-16
Coin box ...................................................................... 2-30
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................................................................ 2-34
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 .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-4
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-37
Cruise control............................................................. 5-18
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-32
CVT, Transmission selector lever lock
release .......................................................................... 5-14
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-24
Dimensions and weights ......................................... 9-11
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-11Drive belts ................................................................... 8-19
Drive positioner, Automatic..................................... 3-17
Driving
All-mode four wheel drive (4WD) .................. 5-25
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-37
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-8, 5-16
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Part time four wheel drive (4WD) .................. 5-21
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-5
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-20
Electric sunroof .......................................................... 2-40
Emission control information label ........................ 9-13
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-20
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-13
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-11
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-4
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-39
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-6Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-13
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-9
If your vehicle overheats ................................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-13
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-20
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-13
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-25
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat tire, Low tire pressure warning system .......... 5-3
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-22
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-16
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-17
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


04.3.9/R50-D/V5

10-2

Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-25
Four wheel drive (4WD), 4WD shift switch
operations.................................................................... 5-28
Four wheel drive (4WD), All-mode 4WD ........... 5-25
Four wheel drive (4WD), Part time 4WD ........... 5-21
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front fog light switch ............................................... 2-25
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
filler cap................................................................. 3-13
filler lid ................................................................... 3-13
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-20
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-4
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-4
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-5
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-24
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-44
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-13
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-4
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-4
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger........... 2-21
Glass hatch lock........................................................ 3-11Glass hatch opener .................................................. 3-11
Glove box .................................................................... 2-33
Glove box lock ........................................................... 2-33
H
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-25
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-28
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-26
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-39
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Heater operation.................................................... 4-2
Heater and air conditioner (Type A) ....................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner (Type B) .................... 4-10
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-44
Hood release ................................................................ 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ................................................ 2-35
Horn .............................................................................. 2-26
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-11
Key positions .......................................................... 5-9
Manual transmission models .................. 5-8, 5-16
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-18
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-14
Inside mirror ................................................................ 3-16
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-25Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-23
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-42
ISOFIX child restraint ............................................... 1-41
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-9
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-14
Label, Emission control information label............ 9-13
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................... 9-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-21
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)................ 9-12
LATCH system ........................................................... 1-41
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-21
Bulbreplacement ...................................... 8-3, 8-27
Fog light switch................................................... 2-25
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Headlights bulb replacement........................... 8-28
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-42
Personal lights ..................................................... 2-43


04.3.9/R50-D/V5

10-3