2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID Owners Manual

EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isfound later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that the doors
and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights* Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary. Tire rotation*
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility. Windshield wiper blades*
Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism On a fairly
steep hill check that your vehicle is held securely
with the shift lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head
restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make 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 defroster
Check 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) .
12–volt Battery* Except for maintenance-free
battery, check the fluid level in each cell. It should
be between the MAX and MIN lines. Vehicles
operated in high temperatures or under severe
conditions require frequent checks of the battery
fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.) .
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances. In these cases,
the battery may need to be charged to
maintain battery health. 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. Make sure that the
coolant level is
between the MAXandMIN lines on the reser-
voir.
Inverter coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the inverter is cold. Make sure the coolant
level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
reservoir.
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 system Make 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

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 lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check 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.
Underbody The 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.
QR25DER ENGINE
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Drive belt location
4. Fuse box 5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Inverter coolant reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Fusible link box and remote positive
battery terminal
NJE0001
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

10. Fuse box
11. Fuse box/fusible links
12. Fuse box/fusible links
13. Battery
14. Engine oil dipstick
15. Radiator cap
16. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Hybrid system engine compartment cov-
er(s) removed for clarity.The inverter cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze and
coolant protection. The anti-freeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional in-
verter cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.WARNING
●
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
when the engine and inverter are hot.
Wait until the engine and inverter cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the reservoir.
● The inverter reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type cap. To prevent engine
and inverter damage, use only a genu-
ine NISSAN inverter reservoir cap.
CAUTION
● Never use any additives in the coolant
such as radiator sealer in the cooling
system. This may cause damage to elec-
trical equipment such as the motor and
inverter, as well as the engine and
transmission. ●
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted
to provide antifreeze protection to -34°
F (-37° C) . If additional antifreeze pro-
tection is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) . The use of other types of coolant
solutions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent, may damage the inverter
cooling system.
● The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 125,000 miles (200,000 km) or
15 years. Mixing any other type of cool-
ant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/ Coolant (blue) , includ-
ing Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/ Coolant (green) , or the use
on non-distilled water will reduce the
life expectancy of factory-fill coolant.
Refer to the NISSAN Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold. The coolant
level should be between the MIN level
B, add
coolant to the MAX level
A.
If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be done by a
NISSAN dealer. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.
● Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
inverter coolant reservoir.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
● Keep 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.
NJE0002LDI2257
ENGINE OIL
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oillevel. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks
B. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
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, then turn it off.
LDI0371
LDI2262
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

3. Remove the oil filler capAby turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
B.
5. Remove the drain plug
Bwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” in this section.
● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
● Check your local regulations.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
A.
LDI2263
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself

4. Loosen the oil filterAwith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
●Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the sealing
surface of the engine. Failure to do
so could lead to an oil leak and en-
gine damage.
● The dipstick must be inserted in
place to prevent oil spillage from the
dipstick hole when filling the engine
with oil.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required. 9. Turn the engine off and wait more than
10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary. ●
Keep the 12–volt battery surface clean and
dry. Clean the battery with a solution of bak-
ing soda and water.
● Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
● If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
12-VOLT BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9