warning NISSAN PATHFINDER 2018 Owner´s Manual

latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.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.
The fluid should be at the bottom of the
filler opening. Vehicles 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 dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
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 MAX and MIN 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 af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than
15 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, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
9-4Maintenance and schedules

WARNING
∙ It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside a ve-
hicle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to
be seriously injured or killed.
∙ Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
seat belts.
∙ Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before
loading your vehicle:
∙ Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle) - vehicle weight in-
cluding: standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weight does notinclude
passengers and cargo. ∙ GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight
of passengers and cargo.
∙ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This informa-
tion is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
∙ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maximum weight (load) limit
specified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
∙ GCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer. ∙ Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load
limit, Total load capacity - maxi-
mum total weight limit specified
of the load (passengers and
cargo) for the vehicle. This is the
maximum combined weight of
occupants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
∙ Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo, the subtracted
weight of occupants from the
load limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
10-14Technical and consumer information

WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes orstraps to help prevent it from sliding
or shif ting. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
∙ The child restraint top tether strap may be damaged by contact with
items in the cargo area. Secure any
items in the cargo area. Your child
could be seriously injured or killed in a
collision if the top tether strap is
damaged.
∙ 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 shif ting. Do not
place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, 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 occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury. ∙ Overloading not only can
shorten the life of your vehicle
and the tire, but can also cause
unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This
may cause a premature tire fail-
ure which could result in a seri-
ous accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shif ts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the ve-
hicle 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
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These
ratings are given on the vehicle cer-
tification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Technical and consumer information10-17

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
∙ Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavyload for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems. A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at
www.nissanusa.com.
This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
∙ When towing a trailer load of
3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) or more, trailers
with a brake system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Tow-
ing loads greater than these or using im-
proper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
LTI2041
TOWING A TRAILER
10-18Technical and consumer information

Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. For
additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency ” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
WTI0160
Technical and consumer information10-19

cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the speci-
fied ratings.
Example:∙ Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg).
∙ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel - 7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg).
∙ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart
- 15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg).
∙ Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg).7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg) GVWR
– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg) GVW
= 900 lbs. (409 kg) Available for tongue weight
15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg) GCWR
– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg) GVW
= 9,123 lbs. (4,138 kg) Capacity available for towing
900 lbs. (409 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 8,750 lbs. (3,969 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the ve-
hicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue load specification
recommended by the trailer manufacturer.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange the cargo to obtain 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 verif y that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only.
The safe towing capacity of your vehicle
is affected by dealer and factory in-
stalled options and passenger and
cargo loads. You must weigh the vehicle
and trailer as described in this manual
to determine the actual vehicle towing
capacity. Do not exceed the published
maximum towing capacity or the GCWR
or the GVWR shown on the
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can re-
sult in an accident causing serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Technical and consumer information10-21

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 compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty 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. Addi-
tionally, 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 trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). 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
affect 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 manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur- face. With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for
several minutes so that it can level.
Technical and consumer information10-23

2. Measure the height of a reference pointon the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (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.
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 mea-
sured reference height when loaded,
the vehicle may handle unpredictably
which could cause a loss of vehicle con-
trol and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. 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 system.
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 lbs.
(907 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 lbs. (1,587 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 lbs. (2,268 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 lbs. (4,535 kg). A weight distributing
hitch should be used to tow trailers that
weigh over 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a
10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg) maximum weight rat-
ing, but your vehicle is only capable of tow-
ing the maximum trailer weights shown in
the “Towing Load/Specification” chart in
this section.
CAUTION
∙ Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine 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.
WARNING
∙ Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle exhaustsystem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
10-24Technical and consumer information

Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). For additional
information, refer to “Electric trailer brake
controller” in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector
and jumper harness that is specifically de-
signed to be used when installing an af ter-
market brake controller. To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
Jumper Harness
LTI0117
10-26Technical and consumer information

DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable 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 rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, 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 low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation 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 degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature 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 Mo-
tor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the mini-
mum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly in-
flated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
10-32Technical and consumer information