2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

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).
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID8-14
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Check the fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range on the dipstick at fluid temperatures of
122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or using the COLD
range on the dipstick at fluid temperatures of 32
to 86°F (0 to 30°C).
Check the fluid level.
CAUTION

Do not overfill.

Use Genuine Nissan PSF or equiva-lent.
SDI1209
DI0187M
POWER STEERING FLUID
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WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash the surface with water.
BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line or the brake warning
light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3
fluid up to the MAX. line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CLUTCH FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX. line.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should be
thoroughly checked by your NISSAN dealer.
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SDI0844
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID8-16
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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
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Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.

Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.

If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (—) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING

Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.

When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.

Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.

Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead
to an explosion.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX. and MIN. lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable tool.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX. level.
If the side of the battery is not visible, the
electrolyte level can be checked through
each filler opening as illustrated.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
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BATTERY8-18
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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
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket toremove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can cause damage the spark
plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the conven-
tional type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule, but do
not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance log shown in a separate “Service
and Maintenance Guide”. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING

Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
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SDI1115
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER8-20
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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
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