power steering NISSAN PATHFINDER 2004 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

1. Security indicator light (P.2-17)
2. Headlight/dimmer/turn signal switch (P.2-22)
Front fog light switch (if so equipped)
(P.2-25)
3. Steering switch for audio control (if so
equipped) (P.4-28)4. Driver’s supplemental air bag (P.1-16)
5. Meters/gauges (P.2-3)
6. Cruise control main/set switch (if so
equipped) (P.5-18)
7. Windshield and rear window wiper/washer
switch (P.2-19)8. Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-25)
9. Air conditioner (P.4-2)
10.Glass hatch/outside mirror defogger switch
(Type A) (P.2-21)
11.Clock (P.2-27)
12.Center ventilator (P.4-2)
13.Passenger air bag (P.1-10)
14.Side ventilator (P.4-2)
15.Instrument brightness control (P.2-23)
16.VDC OFF switch (if so equipped) (P.2-27)
17.Automatic drive positioner system cancel
switch (if so equipped) (P.3-19)
18.Fuse box cover (P.8-24)/Pocket
19.Outside mirror remote control (P.3-16)
20.Tilting steering wheel adjust lever (P.3-15)
21.Ignition switch/steering lock (P.5-7)
22.Glass hatch/outside mirror defogger switch
(Type B) (if so equipped) (P.2-21)
23.Audio system (P.4-13)
24.4WD shift switch (if so equipped) (P.5-25)/
Coin box (if so equipped) (P.2-30)
25.Ashtray (P.2-29)
26.Cigarette lighter (P.2-29) or Power outlet
(P.2-28)
27.Glove box (P.2-33)
SIC1936
INSTRUMENT PANEL0-4
Illustrated table of contents


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


1. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P.8-24)
2. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (A/T
model) (P.8-14)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-11)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) (P.8-16)
8. Battery (P.8-18)
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir (P.8-21)
10.Radiator cap (P.8-8)
11.Coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
12.Air cleaner (P.8-20)
SSI0016
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS0-6
Illustrated table of contents


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


1. Security indicator light (P.2-17)
2. Headlight/dimmer/turn signal switch (P.2-22)
Front fog light switch (if so equipped)
(P.2-25)
3. Steering switch for audio control (if so
equipped) (P.4-28)4. Driver’s supplemental air bag (P.1-16)
5. Meters/gauges (P.2-3)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(if so equipped) (P.5-18)
7. Windshield and rear window wiper/washer
switch (P.2-19)8. Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-25)
9. Air conditioner (P.4-2)
10.Glass hatch/outside mirror defogger switch
(Type A) (P.2-21)
11.Clock (P.2-27)
12.Center ventilator (P.4-2)
13.Passenger air bag (P.1-10)
14.Side ventilator (P.4-2)
15.Instrument brightness control (P.2-23)
16.VDC OFF switch (if so equipped) (P.2-27)
17.Automatic drive positioner system cancel
switch (if so equipped) (P.3-19)
18.Fuse box cover (P.8-24)/Pocket
19.Outside mirror remote control (P.3-16)
20.Tilting steering wheel adjust lever (P.3-15)
21.Ignition switch/steering lock (P.5-7)
22.Glass hatch/outside mirror defogger switch
(Type B) (if so equipped) (P.2-21)
23.Audio system (P.4-13)
24.4WD shift switch (if so equipped) (P.5-25)/
Coin box (if so equipped) (P.2-30)
25.Ashtray (if so equipped) (P.2-29)
26.Cigarette lighter (P.2-29) or Power outlet
(P.2-28)
27.Glove box (P.2-33)
See the page indicated in parentheses for
operating details.
SIC1936
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
Instruments and controls


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


3 Pre-driving checks and adjustmentsKeys ........................................................................................... 3-2
Doors......................................................................................... 3-2
Locking with key ............................................................... 3-3
Front window open/close with key.............................. 3-3
Locking with inside lock knob...................................... 3-3
Locking with power door lock switch (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 3-4
Child safety rear door lock ............................................ 3-4
Remote keyless entry system ............................................. 3-5
How to use remote keyless entry system.................. 3-5
Battery replacement ........................................................ 3-8
Hood ......................................................................................... 3-9
Back door .............................................................................. 3-10
Key operation.................................................................. 3-10
Spare tire carrier (if so equipped) .................................. 3-10
Glass hatch ........................................................................... 3-11
Opener operation (if so equipped) ........................... 3-11Key operation.................................................................. 3-12
Fuel filler lid ........................................................................... 3-13
Opener operation .......................................................... 3-13
Fuel filler cap .................................................................. 3-13
Steering wheel ..................................................................... 3-15
Tilt operation ................................................................... 3-15
Sun visors.............................................................................. 3-15
Using the sun visors ..................................................... 3-16
Mirrors .................................................................................... 3-16
Inside mirror .................................................................... 3-16
Outside mirrors .............................................................. 3-16
Automatic drive positioner........................................... 3-17
Memory storage function ............................................. 3-18
Entry/exit function .......................................................... 3-19
System operation ........................................................... 3-19
Cancel switch ................................................................. 3-19


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system (if so
equipped) ........................................................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ......... 5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Driving safety precautions.............................................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-7
Manual transmission ........................................................ 5-8
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-9
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system............................... 5-9
Before starting the engine ................................................ 5-10
Starting the engine ............................................................. 5-10
Driving the vehicle ............................................................... 5-11
Automatic transmission ................................................ 5-11
Manual transmission ..................................................... 5-16
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-17
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-18
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-18
Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-19Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-20
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-20
Using part time four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-21
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-23
Using all-mode four wheel drive (4WD) ....................... 5-25
Transfer case shifting procedures............................. 5-25
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-32
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-33
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-34
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-34
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped).................................................................... 5-36
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-37
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-37
Battery .............................................................................. 5-37
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-37
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-37
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-38
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-38
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-39


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Part time 4WD models:

If the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(park) position will not function and
the transfer shift lever is in the N
position. Failure to engage the trans-
fer shift lever in H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
resulting in serious personal injury or
property damage.
All-mode 4WD models:

If the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(park) position will not function and
the transfer case is in neutral. Make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light
(and transfer 4LO position indicator)
light remains illuminated before
stopping the engine. Otherwise, the
vehicle could unexpectedly move
even if the automatic transmission is
in the P (park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle rolling into the
street when parked on a sloping drive way, itis a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
Make sure the ATP light is off before stop-
ping the engine.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to use
a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist
steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
Starting and driving
5-33


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakeThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out
the brake linings and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, before going down a
slope or long grade, reduce speed and down-
shift to a lower gear.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the drivermaintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
BRAKE SYSTEM5-34
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


When accelating or driving on slippery surfaces
or suddenly avoiding obstacles on roads, the
tires might spin or slip. With the vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) system, sensors detect these
movements and control the braking and engine
output to help improve vehicle stability.

When the vehicle dynamic control system
(TCS) is operating, the slip indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.

When only the traction control system (TCS)
portion of the vehicle dynamic control system
is operating, the slip indicator will also blink.

If the slip indicator blinks, the road conditions
are slippery. Adjust your speed and driving to
the conditions. See “Slip indicator light”, and
“Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and
indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dy-
namic control system turned off, all VDC func-
tions will be turned off. The Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) and ABS system will still operate
with the VDC system off. VDC system includesABLS. The ABLS system works when the one of
driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface.
The ABLS system brakes the spinning driving
wheel, then distributes the driving power to
another. While the ABLS system or the ABS
system is activated, the slip indicator light will
blink and you may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear operation sound. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The vehicle dynamic control system
is designed to help improve driving
stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. The vehicle dynamic control
system may not operate correctly.

If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamic control system may not
operate properly and the vehicle dy-
namic control OFF indicator light
may come on.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem may not operate properly or the
vehicle dynamic control off indicator
light may come on. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)5-36
Starting and driving


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


CAUTION

When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.

Always attach safety chains before
towing.
SCE0196
SCE0197B
In case of emergency
6-13


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations .............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 8-11
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................................. 8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ....................... 8-14
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................ 8-16
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-16
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir .................................. 8-17
Battery .................................................................................... 8-18
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-19
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-20Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-21
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-21
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-22
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-22
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-23
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-23
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-24
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-25
Keyfobbattery replacement ........................................ 8-25
Lights ...................................................................................... 8-27
Headlights ....................................................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-31
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-37


04.3.9/R50-D/V5