air conditioning NISSAN PATHFINDER 2003 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

dehumidifying functions will be added to the
heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.CoolingThis mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.

For quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, push the air recirculation button
to the on position. Be sure to return the air
recirculation button to the off position for
normal cooling.
Dehumidified heatingThis mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defoggingThis mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
position.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
Keep windows and sun roof closed while theair conditioner is in operation.

After parking in the sun, drive for two or three
minutes with the windows open to vent hot air
from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This will allow the air
conditioner to cool the interior more quickly.

The air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at least
once a month. This helps prevent dam-
age to the system due to lack of lubri-
cation.

If the coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
hot position, turn the air conditioner off. For
additional information, see “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
AIR FLOW CHARTSThe following charts show the button and dial
positions formaximum and quickheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
switch should always be in the off position
for heating and defrosting.Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-5


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: Air flow mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot outlets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPS
When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for 0 to
126 seconds. This is not a malfunction. After
the coolant temperature warms up, air flow
from the foot outlets will operate normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps main-
tain a constant temperature. Do not put anything
on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lubri-
cant are required when servicing your NISSAN
air conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See “Capacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12
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03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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 ............................................................. 9-8
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 ............................ 9-14
Tire placard ..................................................................... 9-14Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-14
Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-15
Terms ................................................................................ 9-15
Determining vehicle payload capacity ...................... 9-15
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-16
Payload weight capacity .............................................. 9-17
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-17
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-17
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-19
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading ......................................... 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................................ 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-25
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-25


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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 fluidGenuine 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 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


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Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new Nissan vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.
— repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
— driving in dusty conditions,
— extensive idling,
— towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE OIL
VISCOSITY NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and will re-
quire the replacement of all air condi-
tioning system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
TI1028-C
Technical and consumer information
9-7


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


ing system service. Your NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
Contact your NISSAN dealer when servicing
your air conditioning system.9-8
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


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
9-17


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However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56
km/h).

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGDOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tire must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder andmaximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly due
to variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and cli-
mate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades from highest to lowest are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and
B represent higher levels of performance on
laboratory test wheels than the minimum re-
quired by law.Technical and consumer information
9-21


03.1.28/R50-D/V5


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-34
Air bag system, Front (See supplemental front air
bag system) ................................................................ 1-16
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-21
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-21, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-4
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-12, 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.................. 4-2
Servicing air conditioner ................................... 4-12
Air flow charts............................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-44
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-29
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-34
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-3
Armrest (if so equipped) ............................................ 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) ........ 2-29
ATP warning light ...................................................... 2-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-13
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-28
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-26
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-16
Drive positioner ................................................... 3-17
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-11
Seat positioner, seat .......................................... 3-17
Transmission park warning light ..................... 2-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-14
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Back door.................................................................... 3-10
Battery .......................................................................... 8-21
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ...................................... 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-22
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-34
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-19
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-26
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-19
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-25Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-26
Brake system ....................................................... 5-34
Parking brake check............................... 5-17, 8-25
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-17
Warning light .......................................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-20
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-9
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-36
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-36
Cassette player (See audio system) ........ 4-18, 4-25
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-28
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-32
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-45
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-37
Installation on rear seat center position........ 1-34
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-32
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-44
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-43
Child safety ................................................................. 1-25
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-16


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