ECU NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011 Owner´s Manual

Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
Towing Load/Specification” chart. The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
US & CAN
V6 V8
Maximum Tow-
ing Capacity*1, *2 6,000 lb.
(2722 kg) 7,000 lb.
(3,175 kg)
Maximum
Tongue Load 600 lb.
(272 kg) 700 lb.
(318 kg)
Maximum
Gross Com-
bined Weight Rating 11,133 lb.
(5,050 kg) 12,566 lb.
(5,700 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 60 sq ft (5.52 sq meters)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
*2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is
recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your receiver-type frame mounted hitch. Choose
a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A
genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from
your NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid
personal injury or property damage due to sway
caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or
passing trucks.
Technical and consumer information9-21

WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:● The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
● The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
● The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles
can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given trailer,
and need some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the front
wheels. This gives stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. Check with the
trailer and towing equipment manufacturers to
determine if they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system. NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
9-22Technical and consumer information

WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
●Special hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
● The hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
● To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
● Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Technical and consumer information9-23

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

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

J
Jump starting ...................6-7
K
Key.........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-28
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-17
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-7
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-12
Engine serial number ............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-58
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-28
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-13
Lift gate ......................3-22
Light Air bag warning light .........1-59, 2-19
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-14Bulb replacement
..............8-33
Charge warning light ............2-16
Fog light switch ...............2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-28
Headlight control switch ..........2-28
Headlights ..................8-31
Interior light ..................2-48
Light bulbs ..................8-31
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-17
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-18
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-53
Personal lights ................2-49
Security indicator light ............2-21
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................. .2-13
Lights Map

lights ..................2-50
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-7
Door locks ...................3-5
Power door locks ...............3-6
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-5, 3-24
Low fuel warning light ..............2-17
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-17
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-18
Luggage hook ..................2-41
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information) ........2-41 M
Maintenance Changing the maintenance
interval .................4-10, 4-25
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder ................4-10, 4-25
General maintenance .............8-2
Inside the vehicle ...............8-3
Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Outside the vehicle ..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance
interval .................4-10, 4-25
Seat belt maintenance ............1-24
Setting .................4-9, 4-25
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-20
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Map lights ....................2-50
Map pocket ....................2-39
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-31
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-28
Inside mirror .................3-28
Outside mirror control ............3-30
Outside mirrors ...............3-30
Vanity mirror .................3-27
Moonroof .....................2-47
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-74
N
NISSAN

Intelligent Key™ ..........3-2, 3-11
10-4

Seatback pockets................2-39
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-24
Infants and small children ..........1-25
Injured Person ................1-20
Larger children ................1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-17
Pregnant women ...............1-20
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-57
Seat belt extenders .............1-23
Seat belt maintenance ............1-24
Seat belts ...................1-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-23
Three-point type with retractor .......1-20
Seat belt warning light ..............2-19
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-31
Front seats ...................1-2
Heated seats .................2-33
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Security indicator light ..............2-21
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-24, 3-4, 5-12
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-25
Service manual order form ...........9-31
Servicing air conditioner .............4-47
Setting button ...............4-11, 4-27
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-15
Shift lock release .................5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-23
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-56
Spark plug replacement .............8-19
Speedometer ...................2-4 SRS warning label
................1-58
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Jump starting .................6-7
Precautions

when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Push starting ..................6-9
Starting the engine .............5-13
Startup screen ..................4-21
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-34
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Power steering system ...........5-35
Tilting steering wheel ............3-26
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-85
Stop light .....................8-33
Storage ......................2-36
Storage bin ................2-37, 2-41
Storage tray ...................2-36
Sunglasses case .................2-38
Sunglasses holder ................2-38
Sunroof ......................2-47
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-47
Sun visors ....................3-27
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-59, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-58
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-44
Switch Autolight switch ...............2-29
Automatic power window switch ......2-46
Fog light switch ...............2-32 Hazard warning flasher switch
.......2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-28
Headlight control switch ..........2-28
Ignition switch .................5-9
Overdrive switch ...............5-18
Power door lock switch ............3-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-26
T
urn signal switch ..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-34
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer ....................2-6
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start .............2-24, 3-4, 5-12
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tilting steering wheel ..............3-26
Tire Flat tire .....................6-2
Spare tire ................6-3, 8-46
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Tire chains ..................8-43
Tire placard ..................9-12
Tire pressure .................8-36
Tire rotation ..................8-43
Tires of 4-wheel drive ............8-45
Types of tires .................8-42
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-28
10-6

Wheels and tires...............8-36
Wheel/tire size .................9-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .......2-17
Tire pressure display ............4-8, 4-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder . . . .4-8, 4-23
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-30
Towing 2-wheel drive models ............6-11
4-wheel drive models ............6-12
Flat towing ..................9-27
Towing load/specification ..........9-21
Tow truck towing ...............6-10
Trailer towing .................9-18
Transceiver HomeLink Universal Transceiver ......2-50
Transmission Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-14
Shift selector lock release ..........5-17
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country) .................9-10
Trip computer ...................2-9
Trip odometer ...................2-4
Turn signal switch ................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-28
V
Vanity mirror ...................3-27
Variable voltage control system .........8-18Vehicle dimensions and weights
.........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-38
Vehicle electronic system ........4-15, 4-30
Vehicle identification ...............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number) ................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information ...........9-13
Vehicle recovery ..............6-12, 6-13
Vehicle security system .............2-23
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start ......2-24,
3-4, 5-12
Ventilators ....................4-36
Visors .......................3-27
Voice recognition system ...........4-130
Voltmeter ......................2-8
W
Warning 4WD warning light ..............2-16
Air bag warning light .........1-59, 2-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-14
Battery charge warning light ........2-16
Brake warning light .............2-15
Door open warning light ...........2-16
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-16
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-32
Low fuel warning light ............2-17
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-17
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-18
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-53
Seat belt warning light ............2-19 Vehicle security system
...........2-23
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-13
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-58
Warning lights ..................2-13
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .....9-9
Wheels and tires .................8-36
Wheel/tire size ...................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ................9-10
Windows Locking passengers’ windows .......2-46
Power rear windows .............2-46
Power windows ...............2-44
Rear power windows ............2-46
Windshield-washer fluid .............8-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch .....2-25
Wiper Rear

window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
Wiper blades .................8-22
10-7