4 wheel drive NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011 Owner´s Manual

Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
● Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
● Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
● Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. ●
NISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (FULL SIZE TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire) (if so equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a full size
spare that is a different size or brand than the tires
originally installed on the vehicle. This full size
spare tire is intended for temporary use only and
should be replaced at the first opportunity.
Observe the following precautions if the full size
temporary use only spare tire must be used.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident:
WARNING
● The spare tire should be used for emer-
gency use only. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first oppor-
tunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
● Drive carefully while the spare tire is
installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
braking while driving. The vehicle driv-
ing performance may be affected when
driving on wet or snow covered roads. ●
When the temporary full size spare is
installed, the following systems may
not work correctly:
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .
–
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) System.
● Periodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the spare tire
inflated to the pressure specification
shown on the tire and loading informa-
tion label.
● With the spare tire installed do not drive
the vehicle at speeds faster than 50
MPH (80 km/h) .
●
When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the temporary spare tire
should be used on the front wheels and
the original tire used on the rear wheels.
Use tire chains only on the drive wheels.
● Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
● Do not use more than one spare tire at
the same time.
CAUTION
● Do not use tire chains on a spare tire.
Tire chains will not fit properly and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
8-46Maintenance and do-it-yourself

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels16 x 7.0J
17 x 7.5J
18 x 8.0J
Tires P245/75R16
P265/65R17
P265/60R18
Spare tire Full size
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 192.3 (4,884)
Overall width in (mm) 72.8 (1,850)
Overall height (with
roof rack and stan-
dard tires) 4x2 in (mm) VQ40DE - S 72.0 (1,829)
VQ40DE - SV/Silver/LE
(V6) 72.2 (1,834)
4x4 in (mm) VQ40DE - S 72.6 (1,845)
VQ40DE - SV/Silver/LE
(V6) 72.6 (1,843)
VK56DE - S/LE (V8) 72.7 (1,846)
Front Track in (mm) 61.8 (1,570)
Rear Track in (mm) 61.8 (1,570)
Wheelbase in (mm) 112.2 (2,850)
Gross vehicle weight
rating lb (kg) See the “F.M.V.S.S./C.M.
V.S.S. certification label” on the center pillar be-tween the driver’s side front and rear doors.
Gross axle weight
rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
Technical and consumer information9-9

●Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
LOADING TIPS
● The GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
● Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
● Properly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury. ●
Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.
● Overloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing distances. This may cause a
premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident
and personal injury. Failures
caused by overloading are not
covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (GAWR) . The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) . These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
Technical and consumer information9-17

WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
●Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving. ●
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving. ●
Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
Technical and consumer information9-25

3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowlyrelease the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”. ●
When 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.
● 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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described earlier in this section.
9-26Technical and consumer information

●Be 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.
● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits. ●
Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
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
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways 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 lubrication.
● For 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 dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Technical and consumer information9-27

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
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm 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 this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B, and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the genera-
tion of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire to de-
generate and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-
perature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the labo-
ratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat
build-up and possible tire failure.
Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA 1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
9-28Technical and consumer information

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-37
Adjusting pedal position ............3-26
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-51
Air bag warning labels .............1-58
Air bag warning light ...........1-59, 2-19
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-20
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-39
Air conditioner service ...........4-47
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-37, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-46
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-47
Air flow charts ..................4-41
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-23
Anchor point locations .............1-30
Antenna .....................4-87
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-36
Audible reminders ...............2-22 Audio system
..................4-47
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......4-62
Compact disc (CD) player .....4-56, 4-70
Audio System CompactFlash (CF) player .........4-72
Audio system FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-54
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer ................4-59
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-67
Audio System Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-74
Audio system Radio ....................4-47
Rear audio controls .............4-86
Audio
System
Settings ...............4-59, 4-67
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-85
Autolight switch .................2-29
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-31
Automatic power window switch .....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-14
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-28
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUX jack .................4-65, 4-72 B
Battery ......................8-16
Charge warning light ............2-16
Before starting the engine ...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-18
Block heater Engine ....................5-41
Bluetooth hands-free phone
system .................4-104, 4-119
Booster seats ..................1-41
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-36
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-33
Brake system ................5-35
Brake warning light .............2-15
Brake wear indicators ........2-22, 8-25
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-25
Brakes ......................8-25
Break-in schedule ...............5-21
Brightness/contrast button .......4-18, 4-33
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-31
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-14
Bulb replacement ................8-33

C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargo light ....................2-50
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . . .9-13
Car phone or CB radio ............4-103
CD care and cleaning ..............4-83
CD changer (See audio system) ........4-62
CD player (See audio system) ......4-56, 4-70
Check tire press ..................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-28
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-30
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-22
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock ................4-55, 4-60, 4-68
(models with navigation system) . . .4-13, 4-28
Clock set .................4-13, 4-28
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ..............5-39
Compact disc (CD) player ........4-56, 4-70
CompactFlash (CF) player ...........4-72
Console box ...................2-37
Control panel buttons ..............4-18
Brightness/contrast button ......4-18, 4-33
Enter button ...............4-4, 4-18
Setting button .............4-11, 4-27
Startup screen ................4-21
Without navigation system ..........4-4
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-85Heater and air conditioner
controls
................4-37, 4-44
Rear audio controls .............4-86
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-46
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing

engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosion protection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cup holders ...................2-39
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . . .1-56
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-30
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-27
Digital video disc DVD ..............4-88
Dimensions and weights .............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-31
Display controls
(see control panel buttons) ........4-4, 4-18
Distance to empty .............4-7, 4-22
Door locks .....................3-5
Door open warning light .............2-16
Drive belt .....................8-18
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-31
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-39
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-28
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Block heater .................5-41
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Changing engine oil .............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine

cooling system ............8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-16
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-13
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-8
Enter button .................4-4, 4-18
Event data recorders ..............9-30
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Eyeglass case ..................2-38
10-2

NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES).......................4-88
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system ................2-24, 3-4, 5-12
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-130
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-5
Odometer .....................2-4
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil .............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine oil ...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Outside mirror control ..............3-30
Outside mirrors .................3-30
Overdrive switch .................5-18
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-31
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-31
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-34
Pedal position adjustment ............3-26 Personal lights
..................2-49
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free
system .................4-104, 4-119
Power Front seat adjustment .............1-4
Power door locks ...............3-6
Power outlet .................2-35
Power rear windows .............2-46
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Power steering system ...........5-35
Power windows ...............2-44
Rear power windows ............2-46
Precautions Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
On-pavement
and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-17
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-57
Programmable features ..........4-11, 4-27
Push starting ....................6-9
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ..........4-103
Compact Disc (CD) changer ........4-62
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-54
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer ................4-59 FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player
..................4-67
Rear audio controls .............4-86
Steering wheel audio control switch . . . .4-85
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-30
Rear audio controls ...............4-86
Rear power windows ..............2-46
Rear seat air conditioner ............4-46
RearView Monitor ................4-34
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-26
Recorders Event data ..................9-30
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system) ..............4-90
Remote keyless entry system ...........3-7
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-29
Resetting the fuel economy ........4-7, 4-23
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-7
Child seat belts .....1-26, 1-33, 1-37, 1-41
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-29
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system) ......................4-90
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Front
power seat adjustment .........1-4
Second row bench seats ...........1-5
10-5