2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

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
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts*When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check
for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect 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.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet .WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) 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. Checkthe brake booster function. Be certain to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake*Check that the lever/pedal has
the proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector
lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoidinjury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should beserviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
WDI0282
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal 80 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system
With reservoir models w/o rear
air a/c2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
With reservoir modelswith rear
a/c3-1/2 gal 3 gal 13.4
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*6
Transfer fluidAll mode 4WD— — — Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid*8, *10
Part time 4WD — — —
Front final drive oil— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil, *9, *10
Rear final drive oil— — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W–90 Gear Oil, *10
Windshield washer fluid (shared between front and rear
wipers)1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds 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 sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO 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 lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To 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.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active head restraint...............1-8
Adjusting pedal position............3-12
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-43
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-50
Air bag warning labels.............1-57
Air bag warning light...........1-58, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-16
Air conditioner service...........4-24
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-24
Servicing air conditioner..........4-24
Air flow charts..................4-17
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-34
Antenna.....................4-47
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-29
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-25
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-41
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-38, 4-44
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-34
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-31, 4-35
Radio....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-46
Autolight switch.................2-27
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-17
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
Booster seats..................1-38
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-29
Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-21
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-29
Brightness/Contrast button..........4-12
Control panel buttons...........4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.....................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-57
Cargo light...................2-52
Cargo net....................2-44
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-46
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-38, 4-44
CD player (See audio system).........4-34
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-33
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-20, 1-32
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-20, 1-38
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-34
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
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Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-32, 4-42
(models with navigation system)......4-10
Clock set
Control panel buttons...........4-10
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-34
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-38
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-46
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-24
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-15
Cup holders...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-55
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Digital video disc DVD.............4-47Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-29
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)...........4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-15
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-17
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
English/Metric button..............4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-38
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-31
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Fuel economy................5-17
10-2
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Precautions on child restraints . . .1-20, 1-38
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-56
PREV button...................4-3
Prev button
Control panel buttons............4-3
Programmable features...........4-3, 4-7
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-57
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-38, 4-44
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-31, 4-35
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-46
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear power windows..............2-48
Rear seat air conditioner............4-24
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-26
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-25
Recorders
Event data..................9-26
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-49
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Child seat belts...........1-20, 1-38
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-25
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-49
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-6
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-15
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children...............1-15
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Pregnant women..............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-56
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Seat belts..................1-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light.............2-17
Seatback pockets................2-39
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-17
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-32
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-20
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-23, 3-2, 5-8Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner............4-24
Setting button
SETTING button...............4-7
Shift lock release................5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-18
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-55
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-57
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine..............5-9
Startup Screen
Control panel buttons............4-3
Startup screen display..............4-3
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-46
Stop light....................8-27
Storage.....................2-35
Storage bin................2-36, 2-42
Storage tray...................2-35
Sun visors....................3-13
Sunglasses case................2-38
Sunglasses holder...............2-38
Sunroof.....................2-49
10-5
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