2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

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


Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission— — — API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil — — —Only LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*1 approved for Nissan LSD*2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Nissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*5
All-mode 4WD transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6 or API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (U.S. F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Multi-purpose grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*4
Air conditioning system lubricants———Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent*4
*1: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Available in mainland U.S. through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: See “Vehicle identification” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental U.S. and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
Technical and consumer information
9-3


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chainsAlways use a suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit
turning corners.Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations.When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has a non-standard nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission selector lever into the P position. If
you move the selector lever to the P position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.Technical and consumer information
9-21


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


NISSAN” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
Automatic transmissionTo tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.Manual transmissionAll mode 4WD (four wheel drive) models:
Never tow All mode 4WD models with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Part time four wheel drive models:

Move the transfer case shift lever to the 2H
position.

Move the transmission shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
Two wheel drive models:
Move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position.

Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause damage
to the transmission’s internal parts.

Always release the parking brake.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGDOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tire must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature ATreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly due
to variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and cli-
mate.
Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades from highest to lowest are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorTechnical and consumer information
9-23


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-34
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-21
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-21, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-2
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-2, 4-12
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ...................................... 4-12, 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner...................................... 4-2
Air flow charts............................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point locations, Top tether strap ............ 1-43
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-29
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-34
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-3
Armrest ........................................................................... 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) ........ 2-29
ATP warning light ...................................................... 2-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-13Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-26
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-14
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-17
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Seat positioner, seat .......................................... 3-17
Transmission park warning light ..................... 2-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-14
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Back door.................................................................... 3-10
Battery .......................................................................... 8-18
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement
Intelligent Key system .......................................... 3-8
Remote keyless entry system............................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ...................................... 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-19
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-34
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-16
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-23
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-16
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-22
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-23
Brake system ....................................................... 5-34Parking brake check............................... 5-17, 8-22
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-17
Warning light ....................................................... 2-11
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-20
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-23
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ............................................. 8-3, 8-27
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-37
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-37
Cassette player (See audio system) ........ 4-18, 4-25
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-28
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-32
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-44
Installation on rear seat center position........ 1-34
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-36
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-32
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-43
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-42
Child safety ................................................................. 1-25
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes
Audible reminders............................................... 2-16


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