2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER radiator cap

1. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P.8-24)
2. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (A/T
model) (P.8-14)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-11)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) (P.8-16)
8. Battery (P.8-18)
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir (P.8-21)
10.Radiator cap (P.8-8)
11.Coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
12.Air cleaner (P.8-20)
SSI0016
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS0-6
Illustrated table of contents


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamic control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light may come
on.

The vehicle dynamic control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For details, see “Battery” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain valves located under the radiator and on
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. See “Engine cooling system” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for
Changing Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult your
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Provinces
and States prohibit their use, so, before
installing studded tires, check local, state and
provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. TIRE CHAINS may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of
tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according to
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.

Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the gearshift lever to
the neutral position (automatic transmission
to P (Park)).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Do not open the
hood until no further steam or coolant can be
seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
cooling fan, or drive belt.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at the
nearest NISSAN dealer.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to “Flat towing”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from your NISSAN dealer. Local ser-
vice operators are generally familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing. To
assure proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends
having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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In case of emergency


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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing the coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or an
equivalent with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineral-
ized water/distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage your engine cooling system.Outside tempera-
ture down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water or
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down. See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “6. In case of emergency” sec-
tion.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the
coolant level in the radiatorwhen the engine is
cold.If there is insufficient coolant in the radia-
tor, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler
opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


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
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1. Perform the following procedure to open the
heater water cock.

Turn the ignition key from OFF to ON.

Move the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plugs and radiator
cap.
Open the drain plugs on the engine block.
SDI1109SDI1118
SDI1110SDI1189
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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
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