2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
cUse Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. If
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not
available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
may also be used.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic trans-
mission durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited 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 at or below the MIN line, add Genu-
ine NISSAN PSF to HOT MAX or COLD MAX
depending on system fluid temperature. Remove
the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
WDI0256
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 See “Fuel Recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *6
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change VQ40DE 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 VK56DE 6-3/4 qt 5-3/4 qt 6.5
Without oil filter change VQ40DE 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
VK56DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
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 S ATF *2
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*3
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *4 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *5
Transfer
fluidAll mode 4WD — — — Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid or equivalent (if available)
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 *7
Rear final drive oil — — — Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W -90 or API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Vis-
cosity SAE 75W-90 *8
Windshield washer fluid (shared be-
tween 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 “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S 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.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*7: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*8: See your NISSAN dealer for service, for synthetic oil.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
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6. Make sure theindicator 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. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
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.cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
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.
Technical and consumer information9-25
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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.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
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.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used 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 launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “Main-
tenance 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.
9-26Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-35
Active Head Restraint..............1-7
Adjusting pedal position............3-25
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-41
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-49
Air bag warning labels.............1-56
Air bag warning light...........1-56, 2-19
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-40
Air conditioner service...........4-48
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-38, 4-45
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
Servicing air conditioner..........4-48
Air flow charts..................4-42
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-24
Antenna.....................4-88Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-34
Audible reminders................2-22
Audio system..................4-48
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-63
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-57, 4-71
Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player.........4-73
Audio system
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-55
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-60
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-68
Audio System
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system....................4-75
Audio system
Radio....................4-48
Rear audio controls.............4-87
Audio System
Settings................4-60, 4-68
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-86
Autolight switch.................2-29
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-30
Automatic power window switch.....2-50
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-19Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-27
AUX jack.................4-66, 4-73
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-41
BluetoothThands-free phone
system.................4-105, 4-120
Booster seats..................1-36
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-34
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-32
Brake system................5-33
Brake warning light.............2-15
Brake wear indicators........2-22, 8-24
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-24
Brakes......................8-24
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-31
Brightness/contrast button.......4-18, 4-34
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Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-14
Bulb replacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-104
Cargo light...................2-54
Cargo net....................2-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-84
CD changer (See audio system)........4-63
CD player (See audio system).....4-57, 4-71
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints..........1-15, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints............1-21, 1-29, 1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-24
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-22
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...............4-56, 4-61, 4-69
(models with navigation system) . .4-13, 4-29
Clock set.................4-13, 4-29
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-39
Compact disc (CD) player.......4-57, 4-71
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-73
Console box...................2-39
Control panel buttons.............4-18
Brightness/contrast button.....4-18, 4-34
Enter button..............4-4, 4-18
Setting button............4-11, 4-27
Startup screen...............4-21Without navigation system..........4-4
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-86
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-38, 4-45
Rear audio controls.............4-87
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
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..................5-20
Cup holders...................2-41
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-53
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-30
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27
Digital video disc DVD.............4-89
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-31
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-4, 4-18
Distance to empty.............4-7, 4-23
Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning light............2-16
Drive belt....................8-18
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-30Driving
Cold weather driving............5-39
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-22
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-28
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-13
Block heater.................5-41
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
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.....2-16
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-13
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Enter button................4-4, 4-18
Event data recorders..............9-29
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-40
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S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-21, 1-29, 1-36
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-28
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-91
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-5
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-15
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.......1-54
Seat belt extenders.............1-20
Seat belt maintenance...........1-20
Seat belts..................1-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-41
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-30
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-34
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-21Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24, 3-3, 5-12
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-24
Service manual order form...........9-30
Servicing air conditioner............4-48
Setting button..............4-11, 4-27
Shift lock release................5-17
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-53
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-56
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-13
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-13
Startup screen.................4-21
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-33
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-33
Tilting steering wheel............3-25
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-86
Stop light....................8-32
Storage.....................2-37
Storage bin................2-38, 2-43
Storage tray...................2-37
Sun visors....................3-26
Sunglasses case................2-40
Sunglasses holder...............2-40
Sunroof.....................2-51Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-56
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-56, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-49
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-56
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-41
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-41
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-50
Fog light switch...............2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-28
Headlight control switch..........2-28
Hill descent control switch.........2-35
Ignition switch................5-9
Overdrive switch..............5-18
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-27
Turn signal switch..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-34
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
10-6
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Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-24, 3-3, 5-12
Three-way catalyst................5-3
Tilting steering wheel..............3-25
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Tire chains..................8-42
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-35
Tire rotation.................8-42
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-44
Types of tires................8-41
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-27
Wheels and tires..............8-35
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-17
Tire pressure display...........4-8, 4-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder . . .4-8, 4-24
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-24
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13
Flat towing..................9-26
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-20
Trailer towing................9-17
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-54
Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-17Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4
Turn signal switch................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-27
V
Vanity mirror...................3-27
Variable voltage control system........8-17
Vehicle
Speed sensing door lock mechanism. . . .3-6
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-36
Vehicle electronic system........4-15, 4-30
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-23
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-24, 3-3, 5-12
Ventilators....................4-37
Visors......................3-26
Voice recognition system...........4-131
Voltmeter.....................2-8W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-16
Air bag warning light.........1-56, 2-19
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-14
Battery charge warning light........2-15
Brake warning light.............2-15
Door open warning light..........2-16
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-16
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Low fuel warning light...........2-17
Low tire pressure warning light......2-17
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-18
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-50
Seat belt warning light...........2-18
Vehicle security system...........2-23
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-56
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Warning lights..................2-13
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-27
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-35
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-15
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-50
Power rear windows............2-50
Power windows...............2-48
10-7
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