NISSAN PATHFINDER 2004 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number
is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. You
may not find this information on all tires
because it is not required by law.
7. H: Speed Rating. The speed rating denotes
the speed at which a tire is designed to be
driven for extended periods of time. The
ratings range from 98 miles per hour (MPH)
to 186 MPH. (You may not find this informa-
tion on all tires because it is not required by
law.)
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for new tire
(example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of
Transportation”. The symbol can be
placed above, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification
mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Four-digit code: Date of Manufacture6. Four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires on the
vehicle, always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates that the tire requires an inner tube
(“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or Brand name
Manufacturer or Brand name is shown.
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TYPES OF TIRES
CAUTION

When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (i.e., summer, all season or
snow) and construction. Your
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.

Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use allyear around, including snowy and icy road con-
ditions. All season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be
substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires on four wheel drivemodels, they must also be the same size, brand,
construction and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW or ALL SEASON tire on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some provinces and
states prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains is prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class S chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure
a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must
be secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tires.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in
such conditions can cause damage to the vari-
ous mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress. When driving on clear paved roads,
be sure to change to 2WD.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationNISSAN recommends that tires be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). However, the timing
for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
See “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section for tire replacing procedures.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
98 ft-lb (133 N⋅m)The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to speci-
fication at all times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING

After rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.

Retighten the wheel nuts after the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).

Do not include small size spare tire in
the tire rotation.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
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Tire wear and damage
WARNING

Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging or
objects caught in the tread. If exces-
sive wear, cracks, bulging or deep
cuts are found, the tire should be
replaced.

The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.

Improper service for a TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire may result in
serious personal injury. If it is neces-
sary to repair the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire, contact your
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See “Specifications” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section for tires
and wheels.
WARNING

The use of tires other than those
recommended 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, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.

If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


wheel is replaced, the low tire pres-
sure warning system will not func-
tion. Contact your NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting. (For models
with the low tire pressure warning
system)

Do not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.

The use of a retread tire is not rec-
ommended.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Four wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same 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 pat-
tern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact your NISSAN dealer.Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancingthe wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechani-
cal damage.

For additional information regarding tires, re-
fer to “Important Tire Safety Information” in
the Warranty Information Booklet (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet (Canada).
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. This may cause loss of pressure or
damage the tire bead.

NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
(if so equipped)U.S. only. Canadian vehicles are equipped with a
full size spare tire.
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
WARNING

The TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire should be used only for emer-
gency. It should be replaced by the
standard tire at the first opportunity.

Drive carefully while the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.

Periodically check the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi (420
kPa, 4.2 bar).

Always keep the pressure of the full
size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label. For TheTire and Loading Information label
location, see “Vehicle identification”
in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section.

Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on
the front axle and original tire used
on the rear axle (drive wheels). Use
tire chains only on the rear (original)
tires.

Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster
rate than the original tire. Replace
the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire as soon as the tread wear indica-
tors appear.

Do not use the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire on other vehicles.

Do not use more than one TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire at the
same time.
Do not tow a trailer while the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire is
installed.
CAUTION

Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire
chains will not fit properly on the
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
and may cause damage to the ve-
hicle.

Because the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is smaller than the
original tire, ground clearance is re-
duced. To avoid damage to the ve-
hicle do not drive over obstacles.
Also do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash since it may
get caught.
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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation.................... 9-6
Recommended SAE oil viscosity number.................. 9-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-7
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-9
Engine ................................................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-11
Dimensions and weights.............................................. 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country.................................................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................ 9-12
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ............................................................................ 9-12
Engine serial number .................................................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................................... 9-13
Emission control information label ............................ 9-13
Tire and Loading Information label............................ 9-14
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-14Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-17
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-17
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-18
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-18
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-20
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-20
Flat towing ....................................................................... 9-22
Uniform tire quality grading ......................................... 9-23
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-24
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................................ 9-25
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-26
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-27
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-27


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


The following values are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different from them. When refilling, follow
the procedure instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20-7/8 gal 17-3/8 gal 79Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (RON 96) (VQ35DE)*1
Engine oil*4
Drain and refill
with oil filter
change5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt 5.0
API Certification Mark*2 *3

API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ, SL, Energy Conserv-
ing*2 *3

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2 *3 without oil filter
change5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system (with
heater and reservoir
tank)9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.2Genuine Nissan Long Life Anti-Freeze
Coolant or equivalent
*1: See later in this section for fuel recommendation.
*2: See later in this section for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*3: See later in this section for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*4: See “Changing engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for further details.CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission— — — API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil — — —Only LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*1 approved for Nissan LSD*2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Nissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*5
All-mode 4WD transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6 or API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (U.S. F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Multi-purpose grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*4
Air conditioning system lubricants———Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent*4
*1: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Available in mainland U.S. through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: See “Vehicle identification” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental U.S. and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
Technical and consumer information
9-3


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


FUEL RECOMMENDATIONVQ35DE engine:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance,
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI number (Research octane
number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSANsupports efforts towards cleaner air and suggest
that you use reformulated gasoline when avail-
able.
Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
Nissan does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your Nissan cannot be readily deter-
mined.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.

The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.

If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)

If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion in-hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e.: fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
9-4
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