2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER checking oil

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Trip computer..................................2-5
Tachometer....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Fuel gauge....................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge.......................2-7
Voltmeter......................................2-8
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-8
Compass display...............................2-9
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-12
Checking bulbs...............................2-13
Warning lights................................2-13
Indicator lights................................2-18
Audible reminders.............................2-21
Security systems.................................2-22
Vehicle security system.........................2-22
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-24
Switch operation..............................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-25Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-26
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-27
Headlight control switch........................2-27
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-29
Instrument brightness control...................2-30
Turn signal switch.............................2-30
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-31
Horn............................................2-31
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-32
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch.........2-33
Power outlet.....................................2-34
Storage.........................................2-35
Storage trays.................................2-35
Storage bins..................................2-36
Console box..................................2-36
Glove box....................................2-37
Sunglasses holder.............................2-37
Map pockets..................................2-38
Seat pockets..................................2-38

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,,,
,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Automatic transmission check
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the automatic transmission system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
WARNING
cIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
cWhen parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting
in serious personal injury or property
damage.
Instruments and controls2-13

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-13
Brake fluid.......................................8-14
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-15
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-15
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-17
Variable voltage control system.....................8-17
Drive belt........................................8-18
Spark plugs......................................8-19Replacing spark plugs.........................8-19
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-20
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-21
Cleaning.....................................8-21
Replacing....................................8-22
Brakes..........................................8-24
Fuses...........................................8-25
Engine compartment...........................8-25
Passenger compartment.......................8-26
Battery replacement..............................8-27
Keyfob (if so equipped)........................8-28
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped)........8-29
Lights...........................................8-30
Headlights....................................8-30
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-32
Wheels and tires.................................8-35
Tire pressure..................................8-35
Tire labeling...................................8-39
Types of tires..................................8-41
Tire chains....................................8-42
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-42

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
VQ40DE engine
LDI0437
VK56DE engine
LDI0628
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

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

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