service NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005 R51 / 3.G Owner's Guide

cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds 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 sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO 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 lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
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DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires 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 and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear 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 govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual driv-
ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The 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, hydroplan-
ing or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature 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 specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause tire material to degenerate,
reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can
lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds
to a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B rep-
resent higher levels of performance on laboratory
test wheels than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
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WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of comput-
ers that monitor and control a number of systems
to optimize performance and help service techni-
cians with diagnosis and repair. Depending on
the equipment on your vehicle, some of the com-
puters monitor emission control systems, braking
systems and air bag systems, just to name a few.
Some data about vehicle operation may be
stored in the computers for use during servicing.
Other data may be stored if a crash event occurs.
For example, air bag readiness, air bag perfor-
mance, and seat belt use by the driver or passen-
ger may be recorded, depending on vehicle
equipment. These types of systems are some-
times called Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehicle’s
computers (sounds are not recorded) . NISSAN
and NISSAN dealers have equipment to access
some of this data; others may also have this
equipment. The data may be retrieved during
routine vehicle servicing or for special research. It
might also be accessed with the consent of the
vehicle owner or lessee, in response to a request
by law enforcement, or as otherwise required or
permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
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A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro-
cedures, this manual is the same one used by the
factory trained technicians working at NISSAN
dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN
Owner’s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later contact:
Tweddle Litho Company
1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
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For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor the 2005 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact
your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num-
ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area
call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-
387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa-
tive will assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know.
Many insurance companies routinely authorize
the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to
cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN
collision parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts
made to NISSAN’s original exacting specifica-
tions – if you want to help it to last and hold its
resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro-
tection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often
show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws
that restrict insurance companies from authoriz-
ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during
the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro-
tect you, so you can take action to protect your-
self.
It’s your right!
If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com.
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active head restraint...............1-7
Adjusting pedal position............3-12
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-42
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-49
Air bag warning labels.............1-56
Air bag warning light...........1-57, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-16
Air conditioner service...........4-24
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
Servicing air conditioner..........4-24
Air flow charts..................4-18
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-21
Anchor point locations.............1-33
Antenna.....................4-42
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-27
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13Audible reminders................2-20
Audio system..................4-24
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-27, 4-31
Radio....................4-24
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-42
Autolight switch.................2-26
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-16
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-14
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system)......8-25
Before starting the engine............5-8
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-27Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-27
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-20, 8-21
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-28
Brightness/Contrast button..........4-12
Control panel buttons...........4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-12
Bulb replacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-53
Cargo light...................2-50
Cargo net....................2-42
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-41
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-34, 4-40
CD player (See audio system).........4-30
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-18
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License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-57, 2-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-12
Bulb replacement..............8-27
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-25
Headlights..................8-26
Interior light.................2-49
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-16
Passenger air bag and status
light..................1-51, 2-19
Personal lights...............2-50
Security indicator light........1-51, 2-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-12
Lights
Map lights..................2-50
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-3
Power door locks...............3-4
Rear door lock................3-8
Low fuel warning light.............2-15
Low tire pressure warning light........2-15
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-16
Luggage hook..................2-40
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-40M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display.......................4-4
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-18
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-50
Map pocket...................2-37
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-28
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-14
Inside mirror.................3-14
Outside mirror control...........3-15
Outside mirrors...............3-15
Vanity mirror.................3-13
N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES)......................4-43
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-22, 3-2, 5-8O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-14
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-15
Outside mirrors.................3-15
Overdrive switch................5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-26
Pedal position adjustment...........3-12
Personal lights.................2-50
Power
Front seat adjustment............1-4
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Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-32
Power rear windows............2-46
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-27
Power windows...............2-45
Rear power windows............2-46
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-4
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-20, 1-37
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-42
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-55
PREV button...................4-3
Prev button
Control panel buttons............4-3
Programmable features...........4-3, 4-7
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-53
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-27, 4-31
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-42
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-24
Rear door lock..................3-8
Rear power windows..............2-46Rear seat air conditioner............4-23
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-25
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-24
Recorders
Event data..................9-25
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-45
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-24
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Child seat belts...........1-20, 1-37
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-24
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-45
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-5
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-15
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children...............1-15
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Pregnant women..............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-55
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19Seat belts..................1-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light.............2-16
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-16
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-30
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Separate seats...............8-39
Security indicator light..........1-51, 2-19
Security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-22, 3-2, 5-8
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner............4-24
Setting button
SETTING button...............4-7
Shift lock release................5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-18
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-53
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-56
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine..............5-9
10-5
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