warning NISSAN PATHFINDER 2003 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking 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.
WARNING

Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.

When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.

Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.

Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead
to an explosion.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX. and MIN. lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable tool.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX. level.
If the side of the battery is not visible, the
electrolyte level can be checked through
each filler opening as illustrated.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
DI0137M
BATTERY
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under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1119
SDI0424
DRIVE BELTS
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket toremove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can cause damage the spark
plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the conven-
tional type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule, but do
not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance log shown in a separate “Service
and Maintenance Guide”. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING

Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
SDI0145A
SDI1022A
SDI1115B
SPARK PLUGS AIR CLEANER
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CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check distance A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
dash lower panel.
Distance A
M/T models
2-1/2 in (65 mm) or more
A/T models
2-3/4 in (70 mm) or more
If it is out of the range shown above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do nothave audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum
brakes, have them inspected as soon as pos-
sible by your NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
separate “Service and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function with the fol-
lowing steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake pedal
movement (distance of travel) remains the
same from one pedal application to the next,
continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
DI0453
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are considered COLD after the vehicle has been
parked for three or more hours, or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. COLD
tire pressures are shown on the tire placard
affixed to the inside of the glove box lid.Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system monitors
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire). For more details, refer to “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “2. Instruments and Con-
trols” section, “Low tire pressure warning sys-
tem” in the “starting and driving” section, and
“Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section. The low tire pressure warning system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WARNING

Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.

The vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operatingconditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.

Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you have loaded your vehicle
heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to
ensure that the tire pressure is at the
specified level.

Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
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 all
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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)
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.
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 wear
SDI0724
MDI0004
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indicator 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 awheel 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.
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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 rear wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission 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.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 placard.
For tire placard location, see “Tire
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WARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed.

Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:

CurbWeight (actual weight of your vehicle) -
vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curbweight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified for
the vehicle.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE PAYLOAD
CAPACITYThe payload capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo space.
For example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
payload carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle payload capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a
scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curbweight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curbweight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle can
carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove cargo
as necessary. If either the front or rear GAWR
is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo
as necessary.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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SECURING THE LOADThere are tie down hooks located in the cargo
area. The tie down hooks can be used to secure
cargo with ropes or other types of straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22
lbs. (10 kg) to a single hook when securing
cargo.
LOADING TIPS
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label located on the driver’s door
center pillar.

Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.

Loads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or heavy
objects should be placed toward the front of
the cargo area to help prevent sliding or
shifting.
WARNING

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
SPA0408A
SPA0365
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