ECU NISSAN PATHFINDER 2003 R50 / 2.G Repair Manual

This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITYThe payload weight capacity is the maximum
total weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Vehicle loading
information” earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid.
Payload Weight Capacity Unit: lb(kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada — 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weight
the front and the rear wheels separately to
determine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on the
driver’s door lock pillar. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (US only)is
available from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer towing
ability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VQ35DE/VG33E (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,308)
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT*2 Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of
a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices
are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control
device for your trailer.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchCheck the towing capacity of your receiver type
frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for
your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN
trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer
(US only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION

Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.Technical and consumer information
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After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard (affixed to the glove
box lid).

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with Federal and/or
local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to Federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of thevehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission selector lever into the P position. If
you move the selector lever to the P position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
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Front window open/close with key ......................... 3-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
filler cap................................................................. 3-13
filler lid ................................................................... 3-13
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-20
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-4
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-4
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-5
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-27
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-44
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-13
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-4
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-4
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch ........................................................................... 2-20
Glass hatch lock........................................................ 3-11
Glass hatch opener .................................................. 3-11
Glove box .................................................................... 2-32
Glove box lock ........................................................... 2-32H
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-25
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-31
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-21
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-26
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-39
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Heater operation.................................................... 4-4
Heater and air conditioner (Automatic — Type A)
(if so equipped) ..................................................... 4-8
Heater and air conditioner (Automatic — Type B)
(if so equipped) ................................................... 4-10
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-44
Hood, release ............................................................... 3-9
Hook, Luggage hook ................................................ 2-34
Horn .............................................................................. 2-25
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security .................... 2-17
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-11
Key positions .......................................................... 5-9
Manual transmission models .................. 5-8, 5-15
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-18
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-14
Inside mirror ................................................................ 3-16
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-23
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2Interior lights ............................................................... 2-42
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-9
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-14
Label, Emission control information label............ 9-14
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................... 9-13
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-21
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)................ 9-12
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether For Children)
system (if so equipped) ........................................... 1-41
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-21
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-30
Fog light switch................................................... 2-24
Front fog light switch......................................... 2-24
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-21
Headlights Bulbreplacement .......................... 8-31
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-42
Personal lights ..................................................... 2-43
Replacement ........................................................ 8-30


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Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test (US
only) .............................................................................. 9-23
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-28
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-6
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-19
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-12
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-25
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-22
Towing safety....................................................... 9-19
Satellite radio reception........................................... 4-14
Seat
Belt warning light................................................ 2-13
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-25
Infants and small children ................................. 1-26
Injured persons.................................................... 1-26
Larger children .................................................... 1-26
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-24
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-26
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-4
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-32Seat belt hook ..................................................... 1-30
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-23
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-26
Two-point type without retractor (rear center lap
belt) ........................................................................ 1-30
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-26
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, vehicle security system ............ 2-16
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-18
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-16
Servicing air conditioner .......................................... 4-12
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-7, 5-11
Manual transmission ................................. 5-8, 5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-29
Spare tire carrier ....................................................... 3-10
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-23
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-3
Starting
Before starting the engine................................ 5-10
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting ........................................................ 6-11
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-18
Power steering system ...................................... 5-33
Steering wheel switch for audio controls..... 4-28Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-15
Storage ........................................................................ 2-29
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-41
Sun visors ................................................................... 3-15
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-30
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-40
Electric sunroof ................................................... 2-40
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-21, 2-13
Supplemental front air bag system....................... 1-16
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-10
Supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system (if so equipped) ............................ 1-18
Switch
4WD shift switch operations ........................... 5-28
Audio control ....................................................... 4-28
Fog light switch................................................... 2-24
Front fog light switch......................................... 2-24
Glass hatch and outside mirror defogger
switch..................................................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-25
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-21
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-7
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-11
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-8, 5-15
Overdrive switch ................................................. 5-14
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-24


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T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-4
Temperature display .................................................... 2-6
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge .............................................................................. 2-4
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System), Engine
start ............................................................................... 2-18
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-15
Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-21
Tires
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-39
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-36
Tire placard .......................................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-37
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-35
wheel/tire size ...................................................... 9-11
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-34
Tonneau cover ........................................................... 2-36
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-44
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-12
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-17
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-19
Towing safety....................................................... 9-19
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-17
Transceiver, HomeLinkUniversal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-44
Transfer case shifting procedures............. 5-23, 5-25Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-16
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-8, 5-15
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-14
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................................... 9-12
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-24
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-21
V
Vanity mirror light ...................................................... 2-43
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights................................... 9-11
Identification number (VIN)............................... 9-12
Loading information............................................ 9-15
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................. 6-16
Security system ................................................... 2-16
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system (if so
equipped) .................................................................... 5-36
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .............. 1-21
Warning light
4WD warning light ............................................. 5-30Air bag warning light .............................. 1-21, 2-13
Anti-lock brake warning light ............................. 2-9
Automatic transmission park warning light .. 2-10
Brake warning light ............................................ 2-11
Door open warning light ................................... 2-11
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime ................. 2-13
Warning lights .............................................................. 2-9
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ............ 2-25
Warning, Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ....................................................................... 2-9
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-22
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-19
Washing ......................................................................... 7-2
Waxing............................................................................ 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ............. 9-11
Wheel/tire size ........................................................... 9-11
Wheels and tires ....................................................... 8-34
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels ....................... 7-3
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-20
Window(s)
Cleaning................................................................... 7-3
Power windows................................................... 2-38
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................. 2-19
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-19
Wiper blades ....................................................... 8-24


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