transmission NISSAN PATHFINDER 2021 User Guide

CAUTION
∙ Never tow CVT models with the frontwheels on the ground or four wheels
on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the rear wheels raised always use
towing dollies under the front wheels.
∙ When towing CVT models with the rear wheels on the ground or on tow-
ing dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by plac-
ing the ignition switch in the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism (for
models with a steering lock
mechanism).
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)

CAUTION
∙ NISSAN recommends using GenuineNISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
∙ Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused
by the use of fluids other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service. 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 at-
tached to the cap. To check the fluid level,
remove the cap. The fluid level should be
between the MAX
Aand MINBlines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
Bline, add
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.

∙ Always use tires of the same type,size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
to malfunction resulting in personal
injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission
and differential gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropri-
ate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
on dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire traction
rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rat-
ing to the original equipment tires. If you do
not, it can adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires. Skid
and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS

∙ Avoid holding the brake pedal down toolong or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
∙ Increase your following distance to al- low for greater stopping distances
while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops
and brake gradually.
∙ NISSAN recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a
trailer.
∙ Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for ve-
hicles that are towing trailers. Obey the
local speed limits.
∙ Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
∙ When launching a boat, don’t allow the water 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, refer
to the “Do-it-yourself ” section in this
manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Push the TOW MODE switch to acti-
vate tow mode. Push the TOW MODE
switch again to turn tow mode off. Tow
mode is automatically canceled when the
ignition switch is turned off.
Tow mode includes the following features:
∙ Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shif ts when pulling a trailer or hauling a
load up a grade.
∙ Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — auto- matically downshif ts when driving
down a grade with a trailer or heavy
load to help control vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not
cause any damage. However, fuel
economy may be reduced and the
transmission/engine driving characteris-
tics may feel unusual. When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer
to the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.FLAT TOWING FOR 4–WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLE (if so equipped)
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 ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.

Compass.....................2-8
Console box ..................2-60
Console light ..................2-73
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .......................5-16
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-16
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-34
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
Corrosionprotection..............7-7
Cruisecontrol ..............5-41,5-41
Cupholders...................2-62
D
Daytime Running Light System .......2-43
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-39
Dimensions and weights ...........10-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel . . .2-43
Door locks ....................3-5
Drivebelt ....................8-16
Drive positioner, Automatic ......3-39,3-41
Driving Coldweatherdriving...........5-80 Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
............5-16
Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-2
Drivingthevehicle...............5-16
Dual panel moonroof .............2-69
Dual power moonroof ............2-69
E
E-CALL (SOS) SWITCH .............2-53
Economy - fuel .................5-67
Emergency engine shutoff .......5-13,6-2
Emission control information label . . . .10-11
Emission control system warranty . . . .10-31
Engine Before starting the engine ........5-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Changing engine oil ............8-7
Changing engine oil filter .........8-7
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Checking engine oil level .........8-7
Engine compartment check
locations...................8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
Engine cooling system ..........8-5
Engine oil ...................8-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .............10-6
Engine oil viscosity .............10-7
Engine serial number ...........10-11
Engine specifications ...........10-8 Starting the engine
............5-15
Engine Block Heater ..............5-81
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-6
EventDatarecorders............10-34
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .....9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items .......................9-5
Extended storage switch ..........2-57
Eyeglasscase..................2-61
F
Flashers
(Seehazardwarningflasherswitch)....6-2
Flattire......................6-3
Floormatpositioningaid...........7-6
Fluid Brakefluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-11
Engine coolant ...............8-5
Engine oil ...................8-7
Powersteeringfluid............8-11
Windshield-washer fluid .........
8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........10-11
Foglightswitch................2-44
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) . . . .1-61
Front-door pocket ..............2-58
Front power seat adjustment ........1-5
Frontseats....................1-2
11-2

TransceiverHomeLink® Universal
Transceiver ........2-74,2-75,2-77,2-78
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-16
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country) .....................10-10
Trip odometer ...............2-4,2-5
Turn signal switch ...............2-43
U
Uniform tire quality grading ........10-30
USB/iPod® Charging Ports ..........4-41
V
Vanitymirror..................3-35
Vehicle dimensions and weights ......10-9
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFFswitch...................2-50
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system . .5-75
Vehicle identification .............10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) . . . .10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number) ...............10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.......................10-10
Vehicle immobilizer system ......2-35,5-14
Vehicleinformationdisplay.........2-19
Vehicle loading information ........10-13Vehiclerecovery................6-16
Vehicle security system
...........2-34
Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System), engine start . .2-35, 5-14
Vents.......................4-32
Visors ......................3-34
W
Warning Airbagwarninglight........1-73, 2-16
Anti-lock brake warning light ......2-12
Battery charge warning light ......2-13
Brakewarninglight............2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-31
Lowfuelwarninglight.......2-15,2-30
Lowtirepressurewarninglight.....2-13
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-31
Passenger air bag and status light. . .1-64
Seatbeltwarninglight.......1-21, 2-15
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................. .1-73, 2-16
TPMS......................2-4
Vehicle security system .........2-34
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...............2 -11, 2-16
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-72
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................2 -11, 2-16
Audible reminders ..........2-11, 2-16
Indicatorlights............2 -11, 2-16
Warninglights.............2 -11, 2-16
Warninglights...............2 -11, 2-16Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders
....................2-11
Warningsystemsswitch...........2-51
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-38
Weights (See dimensions and weights) . .10-9
Wheels and tires ............8-28,10-9
Wheel/tire size .................10-9
When traveling or registering in another
country .....................10-10
Windows ....................2-66 Locking passengers' windows .....2-67
Powerrearwindows........... 2-67
Powerwindows..............2-66
Rearpowerwindows...........2-67
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-12
Windshield wiper blades ...........8-18
Wiper Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-38
Wiper blades ................8-18
Wiper and washer switch ..........2-37
11-7