2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER steering

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. Generator1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Crankshaft
3. Generator
4. Air conditioner
5. Water pump
6. Cooling fan
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive belt.
The engine could rotate unexpectedly.
VQ40DE
LDI0449
VK56DE
LDI0399
DRIVE BELT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
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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 VQ40DE 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 VK56DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
Without oil filter change VQ40DE 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
VK56DE 6-1/4 qt 5-1/4 qt 5.9
Cooling system
With reservoir models w/o rear a/c 2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
With reservoir models with rear a/c 3-1/2 gal 3 gal 13.4
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Maintenance and do-
it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Transfer fluidAll mode 4WD — — — Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid *8
Part time 4WD — — —
Front final drive oil — — — Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5
Viscosity SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil, *9
Rear final drive oil — — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W–90 Gear Oil or equivalent, *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: 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.
*4: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ VI or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*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: Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF or equivalent (if available) 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.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “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 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) 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 for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
LTI0162
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-17
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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.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
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.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
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.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
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.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See9Automatic transmission
park warning light9in the9Instruments and
controls9section and9Using four wheel
drive9in the9Starting and driving9section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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
9-24Technical and consumer information
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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) .
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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
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
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. 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.
Technical and consumer information9-25
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-7
Adjusting pedal position............3-24
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-40
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-47
Air bag warning labels.............1-55
Air bag warning light...........1-56, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-39
Air conditioner service...........4-47
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-36, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-46
Servicing air conditioner..........4-47
Air flow charts..................4-40
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-24
Antenna.....................4-87
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-32Audible reminders................2-21
Audio system..................4-47
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-62
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-56, 4-70
Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player.........4-72
Audio system
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-54
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-59
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-67
Audio System
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system....................4-74
Audio system
Radio....................4-47
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Audio System
Settings................4-59, 4-67
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-85
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-49
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-26
AUX jack.................4-65, 4-72
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-17
Block heater
Engine....................5-37
BluetoothThands-free phone system. . . .4-104
Booster seats..................1-35
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-32
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-31
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Brightness/contrast button.......4-15, 4-33
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-30
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C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-103
Cargo light...................2-53
Cargo net....................2-44
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-83
CD changer (See audio system)........4-62
CD player (See audio system).....4-56, 4-70
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-20, 1-22
Precautions on child
restraints............1-20, 1-28, 1-35
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-24
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...............4-55, 4-60, 4-68
(models with navigation system) . .4-11, 4-27
Clock set.................4-11, 4-27
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-36
Compact disc (CD) player.......4-56, 4-70
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-72
Console box...................2-38
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button . .4-15, 4-16, 4-33
Enter button..............4-2, 4-16
Setting button.............4-9, 4-25
Startup screen...............4-19
Without navigation system..........4-2Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-85
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-36, 4-44
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-46
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-52
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Digital video disc DVD.............4-88
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-30
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-2, 4-16
Distance to empty.............4-5, 4-20
Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning light............2-15
Drive belt....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-29Driving
Cold weather driving............5-36
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-27
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-11
Block heater.................5-37
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
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.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Enter button................4-2, 4-16
Event data recorders..............9-29
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-39
10-2
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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..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-47
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-22
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-25G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-53
Gascap.....................3-22
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glass hatch...................3-21
Glove box....................2-39
H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . .4-104
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-31
Head restraints..................1-7
Active Head Restraint............1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-27
Headlight control switch............2-27
Headlights....................8-29
Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-91
Heated seats..................2-32
Heated steering wheel.............2-32Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-36, 4-44
Heater operation...........4-38, 4-45
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-46
Hill descent control switch...........2-33
Hill descent control system..........5-34
Hill start assist (HSA) system.........5-35
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-53
Hood release..................3-20
Hook
Luggage hook................2-42
Horn.......................2-31
I
Ignition switch..................5-8
Immobilizer system.........2-23, 3-3, 5-11
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-19
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-26
Inside mirror...................3-26
Instrument brightness control.........2-30
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-30
Intelligent Key system..............3-6
Key operating range.............3-8
Key operation.................3-9
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-12
Troubleshooting guide...........3-14
10-3
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