suspension NISSAN PATHFINDER 2023 Owners Manual

Genuine NISSAN accessory roof rack attach-
ments may be available through a NISSAN
dealer. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for additional information.
The service load capacity for the tubular
roof rack is 220 lbs. (100 kg.).
Be careful that your vehicle does not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR front and
rear).
For additional information regarding GVWR
and GAWR, refer to:
• F.M.V.S.S. or C.V.M.S.S. certification label
(located on the driver’s door pillar).
TIRE CHAINS
WARNING
Do not use tire chains with vehicles
equipped with 265/60R18 size tires.
Use of tire chains on this tire size would
cause damage to the suspension com-
ponents or the vehicle’s body compo-
nents. This damage could cause you to
lose control of the vehicle, leading to an
accident resulting in possible injury or
death.Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When installing
tire chains, make sure they are the proper
size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer's suggestions.Use only SAE class “S”
chains.Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a win-
ter traction device (tire chains or cables).
The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tire size. Other
types may damage your vehicle. Use chain
tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must
be secured or removed to prevent the
possibility of whipping action damage to
the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid
fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed.
Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
OFF-ROAD MODE (for Rock Creek)
When the shif t lever is out of the R (Reverse)
position, selecting the Drive Mode Selector
(SAND or MUD/RUT) affects the Intelligent
Around View® Monitor display as follows:
1. Selecting the Drive Mode Selector (SAND
or MUD/RUT) position will activate the
Intelligent Around View® Monitor. The
front view/front-side view split screen
will be displayed.
2. When the vehicle is shif ted to the Drive
Mode Selector (SAND or MUD/RUT) posi-
tion with the bird’s-eye view displayed,
the passenger side of the display will
change to the front-side view.
When in the off-road mode, the Intelligent
Around View® Monitor will not return to the
previous screen.
The screen displayed on the Intelligent
Around View® Monitor will automatically re-
turn to the previous screen 3 minutes af ter
the vehicle was shif ted out of the Drive
Mode Selector (SAND or MUD/RUT) position.

• A child restraint or other object pressingagainst the rear of the seatback.
• A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger seat.
• Forcing the front seat or seatback against an object on the seat or floor be-
hind it.
• An object placed under the front passen- ger seat.
• An object placed between the seat cush- ion and center console.
If the vehicle is moving, please come to a
stop when it is safe to do so. Check and
correct any of the above conditions. Re-
start the vehicle and wait 1 minute.
NOTE:
A system check will be performed during
which the front passenger air bag status
light will remain lit for about 7 seconds
initially.
If the light is still OFF af ter this, the small
adult, child or child restraint should be re-
positioned in the rear seat and the vehicle
should be checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. 3. If the light is OFF with no front passenger
and no objects on the front passenger
seat, the vehicle should be checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Other supplemental front-impact air
bag precautions
WARNING
• Do not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause in-
jury if the front air bags inflate.
• Immediately af ter inflation, several
front air bag system components will
be hot. Do not touch them; you may
severely burn yourself.
• No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the supplemental air bag system.
This is to prevent accidental inflation
of the supplemental air bag or dam-
age to the supplemental air bag
system. •
Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the front air bag system.
• Tampering with the front air bag sys-
tem may result in serious personal
injury. Tampering includes changes
to the steering wheel and the instru-
ment panel assembly by placing ma-
terial over the steering wheel pad
and above the instrument panel or
by installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
• Removing or modif ying the front
passenger seat may affect the func-
tion of the air bag system and result
in serious personal injury.
1-74Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

•No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the side air bag and curtain air bag
systems. This is to prevent damage
to or accidental inflation of the side
air bag and curtain air bag systems.
• Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
This could affect proper operation of
the curtain air bag systems.
• Tampering with the side air bag sys-
tem may result in serious personal
injury. For example, do not change
the front seats by placing material
near the seatbacks or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, around the side air bag.
• It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for work on and
around the side air bag and curtain
air bag. It is also recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for installa-
tion of electrical equipment. The SRS
wiring harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unauthor-
ized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the side air bag or curtain air bag
systems. * The SRS wiring harness or connectors
are yellow or orange for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the side air
bags and curtain air bag system and guide
the buyer to the appropriate sections in
this Owner's Manual.
DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER
SUPPLEMENTAL KNEE AIR BAGS
The knee air bag is located in the knee
bolster, on the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s side.
All of the information, cautions
and warnings in this manual apply and
must be followed. The knee air bag is de-
signed to inflate in higher severity frontal
collisions, although it may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are simi-
lar to those of a higher severity frontal im-
pact. It may not inflate in certain collisions.
LRS3384
Driver’s side
Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-77

Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper knee air bag
operation.
When the knee air bag inflates, a fairly loud
noise may be heard, followed by release of
smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire. Care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irrita-
tion and choking. Those with a history of a
breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.The knee air bag helps to cushion the im-
pact force on the knees of the driver and
passenger. It can help reduce serious inju-
ries. However, an inflating knee air bag may
cause abrasions or other injuries. The knee
air bag provides restraint to the lower body.
The knee air bag inflates quickly in order to
help protect the occupants. Because of
this, the force of the knee air bag inflating
can increase the risk of injury if the occu-
pant is too close to, or is against, this air bag
module during inflation. The knee air bag
will deflate quickly af ter the collision is over
OR the knee air bag will remain inflated for
a short time.
The knee air bag operates only when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON
position.
Af ter placing the ignition switch in the
ON position, the supplemental air bag
warning light illuminates. The supple-
mental air bag warning light will turn off
af ter about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
WARNING
• Do not place any objects between the
knee bolster and the driver’s or pas-
senger’s seat. Such objects may be-
come dangerous projectiles and
cause injury if a knee air bag inflates.
• Right af ter inflation, the knee air bag
system components will be hot. Do
not touch them; you may severely
burn yourself.
• No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the knee air bag system. This is to
prevent damage to or accidental in-
flation of the knee air bag system.
• Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system or
suspension system. This could affect
proper operation of the knee air bag
system.
• Tampering with the knee air bag sys-
tem may result in serious personal
injury. For example, do not change
the driver or passenger knee bolster
or install additional trim material
around the knee air bag.
LRS3618
Front passenger’s side
1-78Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

–When driving on roads where
there are multiple lanes or unclear
lane markers due to road
construction
– When driving on roads where
there are sharply contrasting ob-
jects, such as shadows, snow, wa-
ter, wheel ruts, seams, or lines re-
maining af ter road repairs (the
Steering Assist could detect these
items as lane markers)
– When driving on roads where the
traveling lane merges or
separates
• Do not use the Steering Assist under
the following conditions because the
system may not properly detect lane
markers. Doing so could cause a loss
of vehicle control and result in an ac-
cident.
– During bad weather (rain, fog,
snow, dust, etc.)
– When rain, snow, sand, etc., is
thrown up by the wheels of other
vehicles
– When dirt, oil, ice, snow, water, or
another object adheres to the
camera unit –
When the lens of the camera unit
is foggy
– When strong light (for example,
sunlight or high beams from on-
coming vehicles) shines on the
camera
– When the headlights are not
bright due to dirt on the lens or
the headlights are off in tunnels or
darkness
– When a sudden change in bright-
ness occurs (for example, when
the vehicle enters or exits a tunnel
or is under a bridge)
– When driving on roads where the
traveling lane merges or sepa-
rates or where there are tempo-
rary lane markers because of road
construction
– When there is a lane closure due to
road repairs
– When driving on a bumpy road
surface, such as an uneven dirt
road
– When driving on sharp curves or
winding roads
– When driving on repeated uphill
and downhill roads •
Do not use the Steering Assist under
the following conditions because the
system will not operate properly:
– When driving with a tire that is not
within normal tire conditions (for
example, tire wear, abnormal tire
pressure, installation of a spare
tire, tire chains, nonstandard
wheels)
– When the vehicle is equipped with
non-original brake or suspension
parts
– When an object such as a sticker
or cargo obstructs the camera
– When excessively heavy baggage
is loaded in the rear seat or lug-
gage area of your vehicle
– When the vehicle load capacity is
exceeded
– When towing a trailer or other
vehicle
• Excessive noise will interfere with the
warning chime sound, and the beep
may not be heard.
5-124Starting and driving

–The braking force becomes poor
due to wet brakes af ter driving
through a puddle or washing the
vehicle.
• Turn the RAB system off in the follow-
ing conditions to prevent the occur-
rence of an unexpected accident re-
sulting from sudden system
operation:
– The vehicle is towed.
– The vehicle is carried on a flatbed
truck.
– The vehicle is on the chassis
dynamometer.
– The vehicle drives on an uneven
road surface.
– The vehicle is towing an object (if
so equipped).
– Suspension parts other than
those designated as Genuine
NISSAN parts are used. (If the ve-
hicle height or the vehicle body in-
clination is changed, the system
may not detect an obstacle
correctly.)
– If the vehicle is using an accessory
like a bike rack, or cargo carrier
that blocks the sensors. •
Excessive noise (e.g., audio system
volume, an open vehicle window) will
interfere with the chime sound, and it
may not be heard.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the RAB system malfunctions, it will be
turned off automatically, the RAB system
warning light will illuminate, and the “Mal-
function” warning message will appear in
the vehicle information display.
Action to take
If the warning light illuminates, park the ve-
hicle in a safe location, turn the engine off,
and restart the engine. If the warning light
continues to illuminate, have the RAB sys-
tem checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
NOTE:
If the RAB system cannot be operated
temporarily, the RAB system warning
light blinks.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Observe the following items to ensure
proper operation of the system:
• Always keep the parking sensors
O1
clean.
• If the parking sensors are dirty, wipe them off with a sof t cloth while being careful to
not damage them.
LSD4176
5-136Starting and driving

When the vehicle information display is
used to turn off the system, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate. •
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
af ter driving onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-178Starting and driving

•Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate. •
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
af ter driving onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. • The ABLS system uses automatic brak-
ing to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle with
more traction. The ABLS system applies
braking to the slipping wheel, which helps
redirect power to the other wheel.
• The ABLS system is always on. In some conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system is turned off.
• The ABLS does not operate if both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.
WARNING
• The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-180Starting and driving

•Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the slip indicator light may
illuminate.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the ABLS system may not oper-
ate properly and the slip indicator
light may illuminate. The chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Active Ride Control (if so equipped)
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
When the VDC system is turned off, the I-TC
is also turned off.
The amount of brake control is changed
depending on the mode selected by the
Drive Mode Selector.
When the I-TC is not functioning properly,
the master warning light illuminates, and
the warning message “Chassis Control
System Error” will also appear in the vehicle
information display.
If the chassis control warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-TC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. For additional information, see “Vehicle infor-
mation display warnings and indicators”
(P. 2-39) or (P. 2-65).
WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I-TC is operating properly. You may also feel
deceleration when the I-TC is operating.
However, this is not a malfunction.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC) (if so
equipped)
This system senses upper body motion
and controls four wheel brake pressure.
This will enhance ride comfort in an effort
to restrain uncomfortable upper body
movement when passing over undulated
road surfaces. When the VDC system is
turned off, the ARC is also turned off.
CHASSIS CONTROL
Starting and driving5-181

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
Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When installing
tire chains, make sure they are the proper
size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer's suggestions.
Use only SAE class “S”
chains. Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or
cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners when recommended
by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using
tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
8-38Do-it-yourself