2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER steering

CAUTION
cDo not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
cUse electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator.If you add electrical accessories to your vehicle
ground it to the body ground
sAlocated near the
battery along the negative battery cable.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Cooling fan
3. Air conditioner
4. Crankshaft
5. Generator
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt(s) for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the
belt is in poor condition or is loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
LDI0454LDI0449
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEMDRIVE BELTS
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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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WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/ Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
TOWING A TRAILER
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Trailer brakes
If 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 di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.cBe 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 tips
In 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.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, first block the wheels and apply the park-ing brake, and then move the transmission
shift selector lever into the P (Park) position.
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
cWhen 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 over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st gear
when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) or
2nd gear when driving above 58 MPH (93
km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
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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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Bulb replacement..............8-27
Charge warning light............2-15
Fog light switch...............2-30
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-26
Headlight control switch..........2-26
Headlights..................8-26
Interior light.................2-51
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-17
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-52
Personal lights...............2-52
Security indicator light...........2-20
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Lights
Map lights..................2-52
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-3
Power door locks...............3-4
Low fuel warning light.............2-16
Low tire pressure warning light........2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-17
Luggage hook..................2-42
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-42
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display.......................4-4Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-19
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-52
Map pocket...................2-39
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-29
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-14
Inside mirror.................3-14
Outside mirror control...........3-16
Outside mirrors...............3-16
Vanity mirror.................3-13
N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system (MES)
..........................4-47
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-23, 3-2, 5-8
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-16
Outside mirrors.................3-16
Overdrive switch................5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Parking/parking on hills...........5-27
Pedal position adjustment...........3-12
Personal lights.................2-52
Power
Front seat adjustment............1-4
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-34
Power rear windows............2-48
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Power windows...............2-47
Rear power windows............2-48
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
10-4
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