2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER lights

When accelating or driving on slippery surfaces
or suddenly avoiding obstacles on roads, the
tires might spin or slip. With the vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) system, sensors detect these
movements and control the braking and engine
output to help improve vehicle stability.

When the vehicle dynamic control system
(TCS) is operating, the slip indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.

When only the traction control system (TCS)
portion of the vehicle dynamic control system
is operating, the slip indicator will also blink.

If the slip indicator blinks, the road conditions
are slippery. Adjust your speed and driving to
the conditions. See “Slip indicator light”, and
“Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and
indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dy-
namic control system turned off, all VDC func-
tions will be turned off. The Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) and ABS system will still operate
with the VDC system off. VDC system includesABLS. The ABLS system works when the one of
driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface.
The ABLS system brakes the spinning driving
wheel, then distributes the driving power to
another. While the ABLS system or the ABS
system is activated, the slip indicator light will
blink and you may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear operation sound. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The vehicle dynamic control system
is designed to help improve driving
stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. The vehicle dynamic control
system may not operate correctly.

If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamic control system may not
operate properly and the vehicle dy-
namic control OFF indicator light
may come on.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem may not operate properly or the
vehicle dynamic control off indicator
light may come on. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)5-36
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all wheels (except the spare tire).
If the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or low
tire pressure (lower than 25 psi, 171 kPa), the
low tire pressure warning system will activate
and warn you of it by the low tire pressure
warning light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h). For more details, please refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section,
and “Low tire pressure warning system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check thetire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. 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.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into
reverse (automatic transmission in P).
WARNING


The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position.

Never place the transfer control lever
in the Nposition. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could roll unexpectedly even if
the manual transmission is in gear or
the automatic transmission is in the
P position. This could result in seri-
ous personal injury or property dam-
age.
All-mode 4WD models:

Make sure the 4WD shift indicator
and/or transfer 4LO position indica-
tor light remains illuminated before
stopping the engine.

Make sure the ATP light is off before
stopping the engine. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even
FLAT TIRE6-2
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


When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make
sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights,
turn signal lights, and other lights are all operat-
ing properly and installed securely. Also check
headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:
When checking the tires, make sure no wheel
nuts are missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tires*:
Check the pressure with a gauge often and
always prior to long distance trips. If necessary,
adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire rotation*:
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km). However, the timing for tire rotation
may vary according to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if youdetect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check
the windshield at least every six months for
cracks or other damage. Have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe
properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
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.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.
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.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
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.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat ad-
justers, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


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


SDI1439
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


HEADLIGHTSThe headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced inside the engine compart-
ment without removing the headlight assembly.
CAUTION

High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.

When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.Removing the headlight bulb1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the
rear end of the bulb.
3. Pull off the rubber cap.
4. Push and turn the retaining pin to loosen it.
5. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake or
rotate the bulb when removing it.6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of
removal.
Aiming is not necessary after replacing the
bulb. When aiming adjustment is neces-
sary, contact your NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION

Do not touch the bulb.

Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 60/55
Bulb No. HB2

Do not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture, and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
SDI1126
8-28
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Replacement proceduresAll other lights are either type A, B, C or D. When
replacing a bulb, first remove the lens and/or
cover.
Item Wattage (W) BulbNo.
Front combination light 21/5 7443
Front fog light (H3 type) 55
Rear combination light
Turn signal 27 1156NA
Stop/Tail 21/5 7443
Back-up 18 921
High mounted stop light 5 168
License plate light 5 168
Interior light 10 —
Vanity mirror light 1.4 —
Personal light 8 —
Bulbidentification
MDI0006
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-29


04.3.9/R50-D/V5