check transmission fluid NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005 R51 / 3.G Owners Manual

orAnti-lock brake warning lightLow tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warn-
ing light (model)Low windshield washer fluid warning lightHill descent control (HDC) indicator light (if so
equipped)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
orBrake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
Charge warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator lightSecurity indicator light
Door open warning lightCruise main switch indicator lightSlip indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise set switch indicator lightTransfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
4WD warning light (model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle dynamic control off indicator light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go off:
or,,,,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-12Instruments and controls
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This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the automatic transmission selector lever is
in the P (Park) position, the transmission will
disengage and the drive wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
cDo not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely. Refer to “Variable
voltage control system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section later
in this manual.
cDo not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
2-14Instruments and controls
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake fluid.......................................8-11
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Variable Voltage Control System...................8-14
Drive belts.......................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-16
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-21
Checking parking brake........................8-21
Checking brake pedal..........................8-21
Brake booster.................................8-22
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
Lights...........................................8-26
Headlights....................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-27
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-33
Types of tires..................................8-36
Tire chains....................................8-36
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37
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When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.For further brake fluid specification information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake system. The use of
improper fluids can damage the brake
system and affect the vehicle’s stopping
ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.WDI0282
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
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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.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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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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Child restraint with top tether strap......1-33
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-20, 1-32
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-20, 1-37
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-33
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-28, 4-37
(models with navigation system)......4-10
Clock set
Control panel buttons...........4-10
Cold weather driving..............5-32
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-30
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-36
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-42
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-53D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-28
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-25
Digital video disc DVD.............4-43
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-32
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-14
English/Metric button..............4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-36
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-29
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
10-2
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