2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER steering wheel

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.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
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.cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
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 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.
9-24Technical and consumer information

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. 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

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-35
Adjusting pedal position............3-25
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-44
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-52
Air bag warning labels.............1-58
Air bag warning light...........1-59, 2-18
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................4-37, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-46
Servicing air conditioner..........4-47
Air flow charts..................4-41
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-30
Antenna.....................4-87
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-34
Audible reminders...............2-21Audio 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.........3-30
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-27
Automatic door locks..............3-6AUX jack.................4-65, 4-72
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-38
BluetoothThands-free phone
system.................4-103, 4-118
Booster seats..................1-41
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.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-24
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-24
Brakes......................8-24
Break-in schedule...............5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Brightness/contrast button.......4-17, 4-33
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-32

C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-103
Cargo light....................2-49
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.......1-30
Child restraints.......1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-28
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child safety rear door lock............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior...........7-2
Clock................4-55, 4-60, 4-68
(models with navigation system) . . .4-13, 4-28
Clock set.................4-13, 4-28
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-37
Compact disc (CD) player........4-56, 4-70
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-72
Console box...................2-36
Control panel buttons..............4-18
Brightness/contrast button......4-17, 4-33
Enter button...............4-4, 4-18
Setting button.............4-11, 4-26
Startup screen................4-21
Without navigation system..........4-4
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).......4-85Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37, 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..................5-20
Cup holders...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag. . . .1-56
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)........4-4, 4-18
Distance to empty.............4-7, 4-22
Door locks.....................3-4
Door open warning light.............2-15
Drive belt.....................8-18
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-30
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-37
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2E
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.................5-38
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......2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-13
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-7
Enter button.................4-4, 4-18
Event data recorders..............9-29
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
10-2

F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-31
Flat tire.......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant.................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label...........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-52
Front seats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-22
Fuel gauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating...............9-4
Fuel recommendation.............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-23
Fuses.......................8-25
Fusible links...................8-26
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver....................2-49Gascap .....................3-23
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-7
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...................3-22
Glove box.....................2-37
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-103, 4-118
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-27
Headlight control switch............2-27
Headlights....................8-30
Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system)..............4-91
Heated seats...................2-32
Heated steering wheel.............2-32
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37, 4-44
Heater operation...........4-38, 4-45
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-46
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver........2-49
Hood release...................3-21Hook
Luggage hook................2-40
Horn.......................2-31
I
Ignition switch...................5-9
Immobilizer system.........2-23, 3-2, 5-12
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter................8-20
Increasing fuel economy.............5-22
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror........3-27
Inside mirror...................3-26
Instrument brightness control..........2-30
Instrument panel...............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-30
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range.............3-13
Key operation................3-14
Mechanical key................3-4
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-17
Troubleshooting guide............3-20
Warning signals...............3-20
Interior light....................2-47
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-28
J
Jump starting...................6-8
10-3

Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level...........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..............3-29
Outside mirrors.................3-29
Overdrive switch.................5-18
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form...........9-30
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-30
P
Parking
Parking brake operation...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills...........5-32
Pedal position adjustment............3-25
Personal lights..................2-48
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system.................4-103, 4-118
Power
Front seat adjustment.............1-4
Power door locks...............3-6
Power outlet.................2-34
Power rear windows.............2-45
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-33
Power windows...............2-43Rear power windows............2-45
Precautions
Maintenance precautions...........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-17
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-44
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-57
Programmable features..........4-11, 4-26
Push starting...................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-103
Compact Disc (CD) changer........4-62
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
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-85
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-28
Rear audio controls...............4-86
Rear power windows..............2-45
Rear seat air conditioner............4-46
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-26Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-25
RearView Monitor................4-33
Recorders
Event data..................9-29
Refrigerant recommendation...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system)..............4-90
Remote keyless entry system...........3-7
Reporting safety defects (US only).......9-28
Resetting the fuel economy........4-7, 4-22
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7
Child seat belts.....1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Reporting safety defects (US only).....9-28
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system)......................4-90
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment.........1-4
Second row bench seats...........1-5
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-24
Infants and small children..........1-25
Injured Person................1-20
Larger children................1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-17
Pregnant women...............1-20
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-57
Seat belt extenders.............1-23
Seat belt maintenance............1-24
Seat belts...................1-17
10-5

Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-23
Three-point type with retractor.......1-20
Seat belt warning light..............2-17
Seatback pockets................2-38
Seats
Adjustment...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner..........3-30
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, 5-12
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-24
Service manual order form...........9-30
Servicing air conditioner.............4-47
Setting button...............4-11, 4-26
Shift lock release.................5-17
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-23
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-56
Spark plug replacement.............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label................1-58
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...........2-32
Power steering fluid.............8-13Power steering system...........5-33
Tilting steering wheel............3-24
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-85
Stop light.....................8-32
Storage......................2-35
Storage bin................2-36, 2-40
Storage tray...................2-35
Sun visors....................3-25
Sunglasses case.................2-37
Sunglasses holder................2-37
Sunroof......................2-46
Sunroof (see Moonroof).............2-46
Supplemental air bag warning labels......1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-59, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-52
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-58
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-44
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch......2-45
Fog light switch...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Ignition switch.................5-9
Overdrive switch...............5-18
Power door lock switch............3-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-26
Rear window wiper and washer switches .2-25
Turn signal switch..............2-30Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-33
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-23, 3-2, 5-12
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-24
Tire
Flat tire.....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-45
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.......2-16
Tire pressure display............4-8, 4-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder. . . .4-8, 4-23
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-30
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13
10-6