2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID check oil

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.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Inverter cooling system.............................8-9
Checking inverter coolant level..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-14
Brake fluid.......................................8-14
Windshield-washer fluid...........................8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir...............8-15
12-Volt Battery...................................8-16
Jump starting.................................8-17
Drive belt........................................8-17Spark plugs......................................8-18
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-18
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-19
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment.......................8-23
Battery replacement..............................8-24
NISSAN Intelligent Key®.......................8-25
Lights...........................................
8-26
Headlights....................................8-26
Fog lights.....................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-27
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-33
Types of tires..................................8-36
Tire chains....................................8-37
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37

and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
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) .
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 theMAXandMINlines 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 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. For addi-
tional information, refer to 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.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CAUTION
●Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
●Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
●Never leave the engine or continuously
variable transmission related compo-
nent harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
●Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
LDI2514
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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
1, add
coolant to the MAX level
2.
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.
LDI2516LDI2257
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. 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
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
LDI0371
LDI2479
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

●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.
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.
3. Refer to, “Engine compartment check loca-
tions” in this section to locate the oil filler cap
A.
4. Remove the oil filler cap
Aby turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
B.
6. 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. Refer to “Changing
engine oil filter” in this section.
●Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
●Check your local regulations.
7. 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:
25 ft-lb (34 N·m)
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
Refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities” 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.9. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than
10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
CAUTION
●Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the sealing surface of
the engine. Failure to do so could lead
to an oil leak and engine damage.●The dipstick must be inserted in place
to prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole when filling the engine with oil.
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.
4. Loosen the oil filter
Awith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
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.
CAUTION
●NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 ONLY in
NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with other
fluids.
●Do not use Automatic transmission
fluid (ATF) or Manual transmission fluid
in a NISSAN CVT, as it may damage the
CVT. Damage caused by the use of flu-
ids other than recommended is not cov-
ered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
●Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
damage the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under NISSAN’s
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
LDI2439
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

●Be 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.
●Use 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.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
●Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
●NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
●Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
●Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.●When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
●Make 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 fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion in this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Tow mode includes the following features:
●Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.●Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion 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.
Technical and consumer information9-27