power steering NISSAN PATHFINDER 2013 R52 / 4.G User Guide

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ....................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-8
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Push-Button Ignition Switch .......................5-10
Operating range ............................... 5-11
Push-button ignition switch positions ............5-11
Emergency engine shut off .....................5-12
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge .......5-12
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-13
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-13
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Remote start (if so equipped) ...................5-14
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ........5-14
Parking brake .................................... 5-18Cruise control
.................................... 5-19
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-19
Cruise control operations .......................5-19
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-20
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-21
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-22
Intelligent 4WD (if so equipped) ....................5-22
4x4i system operation .......................... 5-22
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-25
Power steering ................................... 5-26
Brake system .................................... 5-27
Brake precautions ............................. 5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-27
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-29
Rise-up and build-up .......................... 5-30
Brake

force distribution ........................ 5-30
Hill start assist system ............................ 5-31
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-32
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-32
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-32
Battery ....................................... 5-32
Draining of coolant water .......................5-32
Tire equipment ................................ 5-32

●HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:A
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
B
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
C
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated. This is a
normal operational noise and is not a malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning light
PSil-
luminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information see “Power steering
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.
POWER STEERING
5-26Starting and driving

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen forsteam 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. 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
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12In case of emergency

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 ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system (if so equipped) . . ....8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-27
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

and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check 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. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations that
can lead to potential battery discharge and
potential no-start conditions such as: 1. In-
stallation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume battery power when
the engine is not running (Phone chargers,
GPS, DVD players, etc.) 2. Vehicle is not
driven regularly and/or only driven short dis-
tances. In these cases, the battery may need
to be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*
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 system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust 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 leaks
Check 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 immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check 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.
Underbody
The underbody is frequently exposed
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, oth-
erwise rust may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed with plain
water, in those areas where mud and dirt may have
accumulated. See the “Appearance and care” sec-
tion of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Drive belt location
4. Fuse box
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Fuse box
9. Fuse box/Fusible links
10. Battery
11. Engine oil dipstick12. Radiator cap
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
LDI2148
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the fluid
is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ºF (0 to
30ºC) . The fluid level can be checked with the
level gauge which is attached to the cap. To
check the fluid level, remove the cap. The fluid
level should be between the MAX
1and MIN2
lines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
2line, add Genuine
NISSAN E-PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
● Do not overfill.
● Use of a power steering fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the
power steering system from operating
properly.
● Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of the reach of children.
WARNING
● Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
● Clean the filler cap before removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
LDI2146
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly 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 19-1/2 gal 16-1/4 gal 74See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *7 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8 Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1, *2
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1, *2
Without oil filter
change 4-3/4 qt 4 qt
4.5
Cooling system With reservoir 2-1/2 gal 2-1/8 gal 9.8 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 *3
Power steering fluid (PSF) ——— Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.*4
Differential gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super Semi-Synthetic API GL-5,
Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *8
Transfer fluid ——— API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 or equivalent
Brake fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ——— NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil ——— Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Windshield-washer fluid 1 gal7/8 gal 3.8 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*2: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at a NISSAN dealer.
*3: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*4: Use of power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the power steering system from operating properly.
*5: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*7: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*8: The use of differential gear oil other than the specified may cause vehicle malfunctions and result in non-warranty vehicle repairs.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-49
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-56
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-64
Airbagwarninglight...........1-64,2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-58
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-50,4-55
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-52
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-58
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-27
Anchor point locations .............1-34
Antenna....................4-114
Anti-lock brake warning light ......2-10,2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-27
Audible reminders ...............2-17
Audio system ..................4-59
Bluetooth®audio.............4-108
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......4-77
Compact disc (CD) player .....4-83,4-91
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer ................4-75 FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-87
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-80
Audio System iPod®Player...........4- 103, 4-105
Audio system Radio ....................4-59
Audio System Settings ...............4-81,4-87
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-112
USB interface ............4-98,4-99
Autolight switch .................2-33
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-35
Automatic power window switch .....2-53
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-32
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack ....................4-79
B
Battery ......................8-14
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Before starting the engine ...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-33
Bluetooth®audio...............4-108
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system .................4- 127, 4-141
Boosterseats..................1-46 Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-27
Brakefluid..................8-12
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-27
Brake system ................5-27
Brake warning light .............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-17,8-20
Parking brake operation ..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-20
Brakes ......................8-20
Break-inschedule ...............5-20
Brightness/contrast button .......4-15,4-30
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-35
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulbreplacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
C

argolight ...................2-58
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio............4-127
CDcareandcleaning.............4-111
CD changer (See audio system) .......4-77
CD player (See audio system) .....4-83,4-91
Check tire pressure ...............2-26
Child restraints .......1-28,1-29,1-30,1-32
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-30,1-37,1-41,1-46
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-34

Child restraint with top tether strap.......1-34
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-17
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock (models with navigation system) . . .4-11, 4-26
Clockset .................4-11,4-26
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-32
Compact disc (CD) player ........4-83,4-91
Console box ...................2-48
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-14 Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-14
Controlpanelbuttons..............4-16 Brightness/contrast button ......4-15,4-30
Enterbutton...............4-4,4-16
Setting button .............4-9,4-23
Without navigation system ..........4-4
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel)......4-112
Heater and air conditioner controls .4-50, 4-55
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-52
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosionprotection ...............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-19
Cupholders...................2-46 D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-34
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-31
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-95
Dimensionsandweights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-35
Display controls
(seecontrolpanelbuttons) ........4-4,4-16
Distance to empty .............4-7,4-20
Door locks .....................3-5
Drive belt .....................8-16
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-35
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-32
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-14
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Emission control information label .......9-10
Emission control system warranty .......9-30
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Block heater .................5-33
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11 Checking engine coolant level
........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Engine serial number ............
9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Starting the engine .............5-13
Enterbutton.................4-4,4-16
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-24
Eyeglass case ..................2-45
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)fluid..................8-11
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-10
Foglightswitch .................2-36
10-2