power steering NISSAN PATHFINDER 2006 R51 / 3.G User Guide

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time when the coolant
temperature is high.6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
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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.......................................8-12
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...................8-15
Drive belts.......................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
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
Keyfob 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....................................8-37
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37
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Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid levels*Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell ofexhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck 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 linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areaswhere mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Fuse/fusible link box
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Drive belt location
9. Radiator cap
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Engine coolant reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0507
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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.
WDI0282
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
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CAUTION
cDo not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
cUse electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator.If you add electrical accessories to your vehicle
ground it to the body ground
sAlocated near the
battery along the negative battery cable.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Cooling fan
3. Air conditioner
4. Crankshaft
5. Generator
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt(s) for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the
belt is in poor condition or is loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
LDI0454LDI0449
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEMDRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal 80 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system
With reservoir models w/o rear
air a/c2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
With reservoir modelswith rear
a/c3-1/2 gal 3 gal 13.4
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*6
Transfer fluidAll mode 4WD— — — Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid*8, *10
Part time 4WD — — —
Front final drive oil— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil, *9, *10
Rear final drive oil— — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W–90 Gear Oil, *10
Windshield washer fluid (shared between front and rear
wipers)1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/ Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-17
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active head restraint...............1-8
Adjusting pedal position............3-12
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-43
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-50
Air bag warning labels.............1-57
Air bag warning light...........1-58, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-16
Air conditioner service...........4-24
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-24
Servicing air conditioner..........4-24
Air flow charts..................4-17
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-34
Antenna.....................4-47
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-29
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-25
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-41
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-38, 4-44
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-34
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-31, 4-35
Radio....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-46
Autolight switch.................2-27
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-17
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
Booster seats..................1-38
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-29
Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-21
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-29
Brightness/Contrast button..........4-12
Control panel buttons...........4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.....................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-57
Cargo light...................2-52
Cargo net....................2-44
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-46
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-38, 4-44
CD player (See audio system).........4-34
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-33
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-20, 1-32
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-20, 1-38
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-34
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
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Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-32, 4-42
(models with navigation system)......4-10
Clock set
Control panel buttons...........4-10
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-34
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-38
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-46
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-24
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..................5-15
Cup holders...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-55
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Digital video disc DVD.............4-47Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-29
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)...........4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-15
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-17
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
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. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
English/Metric button..............4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-38
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-31
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
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
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Fuel economy................5-17
10-2
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