2011 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

Wheel nut tightening torque:98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
● After rotating the tires, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
● Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
● Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced. ●
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
● Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
● Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
WDI0259
8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
●The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, VDC system, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
● If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an acci-
dent and personal injury. ●
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have
the same off-set dimension. Wheels of a
different off-set could cause premature
tire wear, degrade vehicle handling char-
acteristics, affect the VDC system and/or
interference with the brake discs/drums.
Such interference can lead to decreased
braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear. Refer to “Wheels and
tires” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual for
wheel off-set dimensions.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
●
Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been repaired.
Such wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warning.
● The use of retread tires is not
recommended.
● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-45

Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
● Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
● Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
● Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. ●
NISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (FULL SIZE TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire) (if so equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a full size
spare that is a different size or brand than the tires
originally installed on the vehicle. This full size
spare tire is intended for temporary use only and
should be replaced at the first opportunity.
Observe the following precautions if the full size
temporary use only spare tire must be used.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident:
WARNING
● The spare tire should be used for emer-
gency use only. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first oppor-
tunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
● Drive carefully while the spare tire is
installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
braking while driving. The vehicle driv-
ing performance may be affected when
driving on wet or snow covered roads. ●
When the temporary full size spare is
installed, the following systems may
not work correctly:
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
–
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) System.
● Periodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the spare tire
inflated to the pressure specification
shown on the tire and loading informa-
tion label.
● With the spare tire installed do not drive
the vehicle at speeds faster than 50
MPH (80 km/h) .
●
When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the temporary spare tire
should be used on the front wheels and
the original tire used on the rear wheels.
Use tire chains only on the drive wheels.
● Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
● Do not use more than one spare tire at
the same time.
CAUTION
● Do not use tire chains on a spare tire.
Tire chains will not fit properly and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
8-46Maintenance and do-it-yourself

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation . . .........................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations ..........9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ..............................9-7
Specifications .....................................9-8
Engine ........................................9-8
Wheels and tires ...............................9-9
Dimensions and weights ........................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-10
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Emission control information label ...............9-12
Tire and loading information label ................9-12
Air conditioner specification label ................9-12Installing front license plate
........................9-13
Vehicle loading information ........................9-13
Terms ........................................ 9-13
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-14
Securing the load .............................. 9-16
Loading tips .................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights .......................9-17
Towing a trailer ................................... 9-18
Maximum load limits ........................... 9-18
Towing load/specification .......................9-21
Towing safety ................................. 9-21
Flat towing .................................... 9-27
Uniform tire quality grading ........................9-28
Emission control system warranty ..................9-28
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-29
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .....9-30
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-30
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-31 In the event of a collision .......................9-31

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 80See “Fuel Recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *7 Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change VQ40DE 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
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 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
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 instruc-
tions 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 fluid Genuine 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 ——— Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *5
Transfer fluid All mode 4WD 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0
Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *6
Part time 4WD 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt 2.0
Front final drive oil VQ40DE
1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt 0.85 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or
API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *8
VK56DE 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Rear final drive oil VQ40DE
3 pt2-1/2 pt 1.4 Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5
synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *9
VK56DE 3-3/4 pt 3-1/8 pt 1.75
Windshield-washer fluid (shared
between front and rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5
Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*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 or 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.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label” in this section.
*6: Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
*8: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*9: See a NISSAN dealer for service, for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals.”
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
9-6Technical and consumer information

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and NISSAN A/C
system oil Type S or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
Technical and consumer information9-7