2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

ENGINE
ModelVQ35DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60°
Bore×Stroke in (mm) 3.760×3.205 (95.5×81.4)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order1-2-3-4-5-6
Idle speed rpm
See the “Emission control label” on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (BTDC) degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugPL FR5A-11 (Standard)
PL FR4A-11 (Service option)
PL FR6A-11 (Service option)
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operationTiming chain
Alternator belt size
Width×Length in (mm) 0.8409×46.26 (21.36×1,175)
*1: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See “Periodic maintenance” in the “Service and Maintenance Guide” for maintenance intervals.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information
9-9


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
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Dynamometer testing for Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)Due to legal requirements in some states/areas,
your vehicle may be tested for emissions on a
dynamometer. The transfer control lever (if so
equipped) MUST be in the 2H position for I/M
testing on a two wheel dynamometer.
WARNING

If the transfer control lever is not in
the 2H position during the dynamom-
eter I/M testing, the vehicle could
come off the dynamometer and
cause serious personal injury and/or
body damage to the vehicle.

Serious damage will occur to the
4WD system if the transfer control
lever is not in the 2H position.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of com-
puters that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help ser-
vice technicians with diagnosis and repair. De-
pending on the equipment on your vehicle, some
of the computers monitor emission control sys-
tems, braking systems and air bag systems, just
to name a few. Some data about vehicle opera-
tion may be stored in the computers for use
during servicing. Other data may be stored if a
crash event occurs. For example, air bag readi-
ness, air bag performance, and seat belt use by
the driver or passenger may be recorded, de-
pending on vehicle equipment. These types of
systems are sometimes called Event Data Re-
corders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehi-
cle’s computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in re-
sponse to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
9-26
Technical and consumer information


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


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


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Replacement ............................................... 8-3, 8-27
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-44
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................... 2-9, 2-14
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-14
Lock
Back door lock .................................................... 3-10
Door locks ............................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ................................................. 3-11
Glove box lock..................................................... 2-33
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Lockout protection....................................................... 3-4
Low fuel warning light .............................................. 2-12
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-12
Low tire pressure warning system ................. 5-3, 6-2
Luggage hooks .......................................................... 2-35
Luggage rack ............................................................. 2-38
Luggage side console box...................................... 2-34
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-18
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-14
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-23
Mirror
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-16
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-16
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-37
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-20
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ...................... 2-17
Engine start............................................................. 5-9
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-11
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-11
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-6
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-16
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-16
Outside temperature display..................................... 2-6
Overdrive switch........................................................ 5-15
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-11
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-27P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-22
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-17
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-17
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-32
Personal lights............................................................ 2-43
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-28
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-15
Power steering system ...................................... 5-33
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-20
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-34
Child restraints .................................................... 1-32
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ................................. 5-20
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-24
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-10
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting .............................................................. 6-11


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R
Rack, Luggage rack.................................................. 2-38
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) player .............................. 4-16
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)...................................................................... 9-25
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear floor luggage compartment .......................... 2-35
Rear power point....................................................... 2-28
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-6
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-20
Recorders, Event data ............................................. 9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-12
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-24
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-25
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-24
Towing safety....................................................... 9-20
Seat
Belt warning light................................................ 1-23
Belt warning light and chime ........................... 2-13
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-25
Infants and small children ................................. 1-26
Injured persons.................................................... 1-26
Larger children .................................................... 1-26
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-24
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-26
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-4
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-31
Seat belt hook ..................................................... 1-29
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-23
Shoulder belt height adjustment..................... 1-29
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-26
Two-point type without retractor (rear center
lap belt) ................................................................. 1-30
Seat(s)
Driver-side memory ............................................ 3-17
Heated seats........................................................ 2-26
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-17
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-18
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-17
Servicing air conditioner................................. 4-2, 4-12
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-14
Shift lock release, CVT ............................................ 5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-7, 5-11
Manual transmission ................................. 5-8, 5-16Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-29
Spare tire carrier ....................................................... 3-10
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-20
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-3
Starting
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting ........................................................ 6-11
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-15
Power steering system ...................................... 5-33
Steering wheel switch for audio controls..... 4-28
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-15
Storage ........................................................................ 2-30
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-41
Sun visors ................................................................... 3-15
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-31
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-40
Electric sunroof ................................................... 2-40
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-21, 2-13
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-10
Switch
4WD shift switch operations ........................... 5-28
Audio control steering wheel switch ............. 4-28
Fog light switch................................................... 2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-25
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-7


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