check oil NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011 Owner´s Manual

VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield-washer fluidreservoir (P. 8-15)
2. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-25)
3. Fuse and relay box (P. 8-25)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-10)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-10)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-20)
8. Drive belt location (P. 8-18)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
10. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
11. Battery (P. 8-16)
12. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0633
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

Warninglight Name Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light 2-14
Automatic transmis-
sion check warning
light2-14
Automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature
warning light2-14
Automatic transmis-
sion park warning
light (
model)2-14
or
Brake warning light 2-15
Warning
light Name Page
Charge warning
light 2-16
Door open warning
light2-16
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-16
4WD warning light
(
model)2-16
Low fuel warning
light 2-17
Low tire pressure
warning light2-17
Low windshield-
washer fluid warning
light2-18
NISSAN Intelligent
Key ™ warning light
(if so equipped)2-18
Warning
light Name Page
Seat belt warning
light and chime 2-19
Shift P warning light 2-19
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-19
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light 2-19
Cruise main switch
indicator light
2-19
Cruise set switch
indicator light2-20
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-4
Tachometer ....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-6
Fuel gauge ....................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge .......................2-8
Voltmeter ......................................2-8
Trip computer ..................................2-9
Compass display (if so equipped) ..................2-10
Compass display .............................. 2-10
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-13
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-14
Warning lights ................................ 2-14
Indicator lights ................................ 2-19
Audible reminders ............................. 2-22
Security systems ................................. 2-23
Vehicle security system ......................... 2-23
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............2-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-25
Switch operation .............................. 2-25
Rear window wiper and washer switch ..............2-26Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch
.................................. 2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-28
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-28
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-30
Instrument brightness control ...................2-31
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-31
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-32
Horn ............................................ 2-33
Heated seat (if so equipped) .......................2-33
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch .........2-34
Power outlet ..................................... 2-35
Storage ......................................... 2-36
Storage trays ................................. 2-36
Storage

bins .................................. 2-37
Console box .................................. 2-37
Glove box .................................... 2-38
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-38
Map pockets .................................. 2-39
Seat pockets .................................. 2-39

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running. The
needle should be in the middle of the gauge when
the engine is running.
CAUTION
●This gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.)
● If the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
VOLTMETER
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the voltmeter indicates the battery volt-
age. When the engine is running, it indicates the
generator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volts drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the normal
range (11 – 15 volts)
1while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
LIC0741WIC1299
2-8Instruments and controls

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow tire pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning
lightNISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning light
(if so equipped)Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Seat belt warning light and chimeOverdrive off indicator light (if so equipped)
orBrake warning lightShift P warning lightSecurity indicator light
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSlip indicator light
Door open warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator lightTransfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise main switch indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
4WD warning light (model)Cruise set switch indicator lightVehicle dynamic control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
Low fuel warning light4WDshift indicator light (model)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-13

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in 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
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational. If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Automatic transmission check
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the automatic transmission system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
Automatic transmission oiltemperature warning light
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting
in serious personal injury or property
damage.
2-14Instruments and controls

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
●Do 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.
● Do 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 switch 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
immediately and 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
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light
(
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position. It turns
off soon after the engine is started. If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. See “4WD warning light” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
CAUTION
●
If the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the AUTO or 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for all mode 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift
the shift selector to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for part time 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift
the shift selector to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
2-16Instruments and controls

●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Check that all doors are closed.
● Position seat and adjust head restraint and
headrests (if so equipped) .
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion. See “Warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is
turned to the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector is in any of the driving
positions.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by placing the ignition
switch in the START position. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
● If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine
with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by turn-
ing the ignition key to START. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec- onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13

●If the 4WD shift indicator light indication
changes to 2WD when the 4WD shift
switch is shifted to the AUTO or 4H posi-
tion at low ambient temperatures, the
2WD mode may be being engaged due to
malfunctioning drive system. If the indica-
tor does not return to normal and the 4WD
warning light comes on, have the system
checked by the nearest NISSAN dealer.
4WD warning light
Warning light Comes on or blinks
when:
Comes on There is a mal-
function in the4–wheel drive system
Blinks
rapidly The transfer case
oil temperature is abnormally high(all mode 4WD vehicles)
Blinks
slowly The difference
in wheel rota- tion is large
The 4WD warning light is located in the meter. The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after
the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the ignition switch is ON, the warning light
will either remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shift indicator light goes out.
For all mode 4WD vehicles, high-temperature
transfer case oil makes the warning light blink
rapidly (about twice per second) . If the warning
light blinks rapidly during operation, stop the ve-
hicle in a safe place immediately. Then if the light
goes off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels will make the warning light blink
slowly (about once per two seconds) . Change the
4WD shift switch into 2WD and do not drive fast.
CAUTION
●
If the warning light comes on or blinks
slowly during operation or rapidly after
stopping the vehicle for a while, have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
● Shifting between 4H and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warning
light turns on. ●
When the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in AUTO or 4H. Be
especially careful when driving. If corre-
sponding parts are malfunctioning, the
4WD mode will not be engaged even if
the 4WD shift switch is shifted.
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the AUTO or 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for all mode 4WD vehicles, stop the vehicle and shift
the transmission selector to the N
position and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
● The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking.
Starting and driving5-33

REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the
surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are available
at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory
store.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un-
derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe-
riod and again in the spring, the underseal must
be checked and, if necessary, retreated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electri-
cal conductors, radio antenna elements or
rear window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge damp-
ened in a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is used. If
not removed, road salt can discolor the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
●Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
● Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as am-
bient temperature.
● Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSINGS
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the rub-
ber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it may
react with the coating and form a compound. This
compound may come off the tire while driving and
stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
● Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
● Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
● Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
● Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by the tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care7-3