oil change NISSAN PATHFINDER 2004 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

To stop lowering the windows, release the UN-
LOCK button.
To start lowering the windows, press the UN-
LOCK button again for 3 more seconds.
This function will operate after the ignition switch
is off and 45 seconds passed or either the front
door is opened.Using the panic alarmIf you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the alarm to call attention as
follows:
1. Push the PANIC button on the keyfob for
longer than 0.5 seconds.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights will
stay on for 30 seconds.
3. The panic alarm stops when:

It has run for 30 seconds, or

The LOCK or the UNLOCK button is
pressed, or

The panic button is pushed on the keyfob for
more than 0.5 seconds.
BATTERY REPLACEMENTReplace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent
Make sure that the⊕side faces the bottom
case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the keyfobbutton two or three times to
check its operation.
See your NISSAN dealer if you need any assis-
tance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.

Be careful not to touch a circuit board
and a battery terminal.

An improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.

The keyfob is water-proof; however, if it
does get wet, immediately wipe com-
pletely dry.

When changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the keyfob.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
SPA1374
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
either remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
indicator light goes out.
High-temperature transfer case oil makes the
warning light blink rapidly (about twice per sec-
ond). If the warning light blinks rapidly during
operation, stop the vehicle in a safe place imme-
diately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you
can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Change the 4WD shift switch into 2WD and do
not drive fast.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on or
blinks slowly during operation or rap-
idly after stopping the vehicle for a
while, have your vehicle checked by
an authorized NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.

Shifting between 4H and 4LO is notrecommended when the 4WD warn-
ing light turns on.

When the warning light comes on,
the 2WD mode may be engaged even
if the 4WD shift switch is in AUTO or
4H. Be especially careful when driv-
ing. If corresponding parts are mal-
functioning, the 4WD mode will not
be engaged even if the 4WD shift
switch is shifted.

Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driv-
ing on dry hard surface roads in 4H or
4L may cause unnecessary noise, tire
wear and increased fuel consump-
tion.
If the 4WD warning light turns on
when you are driving on dry hard
surface roads

in the AUTO or 4H position, shift
the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.

in the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission lever to the Nposition,and shift the 4WD shift switch to
2WD.

If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.

The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
Starting and driving
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


operate smoothly and that all latches lock se-
curely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g.
buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) op-
erate properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fray-
ing, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever in
P (Park) with the engine idling.
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.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on alevel spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure to
wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back
into the sump.)
Exhaust system:
Make 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
locate the trouble and correct it. See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section for exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide).
Fluid leaks:
Check 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 lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off any
dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumu-
lated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


3. Open the air release plug(s) to drain the
coolant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.

Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly.

Check your local regulations.
5. Close the radiator drain plugs and engine
block drain plugs securely.
6. See the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section for cooling system capacity.
Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture
of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir tank
slowly up to the MAX level. Then install the
radiator cap and close the air release plug(s).
7. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up the MAX level.
9. Check the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs for any sign of leakage.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine 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. Rein-
sert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
changes or during the break-in period, de-
pending on the severity of operating con-
ditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
SDI1114
SDI1141
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Warm up the engine until it reaches operat-
ing temperature, and then turn it off and wait
more than 10 minutes.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in this sectionfor changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.

Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N⋅m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section 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
SDI1594
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent
Make sure that the⊕side faces the
bottom case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the keyfobbutton two or three times to
check its operation.
See your NISSAN dealer if you need any assis-
tance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.

Be careful not to touch a circuit board
and a battery terminal.

An improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.

The keyfob is water-resistant; however,
if it does get wet, immediately wipe
completely dry.

When changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the controller.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliancecould void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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


ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and
performance. Nissan recommends the use of a
low friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve energy. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION MARK onthe front of the container should be used. This
type of oil supersedes the existing API SG, SH,
or SJ and Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API CER-
TIFICATION MARK, use an API grade SG/SH,
Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SG or SH, or in combination with other catego-
ries (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also
be used if one with the API CERTIFICATION
MARK cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I &
GF-II oil can also be used.
NISSAN does not recommend synthetic type
oils but recommends mineral based oils. Theseoils must however, meet the API quality and SAE
viscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. The chart
recommended SAE viscosity number shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine Nissan oil filter. When replacing, use the
genuine oil filter or its equivalent for the reason
described in change intervals.
STI0367
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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
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5


When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
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
(805 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance fluid”.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, makea larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
sixth gear (manual transmission) or fifth posi-
tion (automatic transmission).

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-quently. For additional information, see
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-
hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing Recommended by
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04.3.9/R50-D/V5