2012 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Manual

mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (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 lb (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 lb (4,535 kg). A weight distributing hitch should be used to tow trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).

Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb (4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve- hicle is only capable of towing the maximum trailer weights “Towing Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.

shown

the

in

CAUTION

● Special hitches which include frame re- inforcements are required for towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genu- ine 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 the impact-

the operation of

affect absorbing bumper.

● Do not use axle-mounted hitches. ● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys- tem, brake system, etc. to install a trailer hitch.

● To reduce the possibility of additional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practical, remove the receiver when not in use.

● Regularly check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted.

Technical and consumer information 9-23

Tire pressures ● When towing a trailer, inflate the ve- hicle tires to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.

● Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.

Safety chains Always use suitable safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should be crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners.

9-24 Technical and consumer information

Trailer lights

CAUTION

When splicing into the vehicle electrical system, a commercially available power- type module/converter must be used to provide power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct power source for all trailer lights while using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal source. The module/converter must draw no more that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a module/converter that exceeds these power requirements may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys- tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob- tain the proper equipment and to have it installed.

Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu- table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the trailer tow package are equipped with a 4-pin trailer harness connector. is equipped with a 7-pin connector, an adapter will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available at NISSAN deal- ers as well as auto parts stores and hitch retail- ers.

If your

trailer

Trailer brakes When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake system MUST be used. However, most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make sure the trailer meets the local regulations and the regulations where you plan to tow.

Several types of braking systems are available. Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op- eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys- tems are activated by an electronic signal sent from a trailer brake controller (special brake- sensing module). If electric trailer brakes are used, see “Electric trailer brake controller” in this section. Have a professional supplier of towing equip- ment 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 re- quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer brake controller.

A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available that is specifically designed to be used when installing an aftermarket brake controller.

Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con- troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc- tions. Pre-towing tips ● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition; check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes of either condition.

● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.

● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver- tently becoming unlatched.

● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in the back half. Also make sure the load is balanced side to side.

● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.

● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle.

● Determine the overall height of the vehicle and trailer so the required clearance is known.

Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor- mance will be somewhat different than under normal driving conditions. ● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. ● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. ● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

● When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your hand in the direction in which you want the trailer to go. Make small corrections and back up slowly. If possible, have someone guide you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so:

CAUTION

If you move the shift selector to the P (Park) position before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur.

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill

side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.

Technical and consumer information 9-25

3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab- sorb the vehicle load.

4. Apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).

6. Make sure the

indicator light (if so equipped) indicates the transfer case is in 4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If indicator light is flashing, or the the ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission park warning light” in the “Instruments and controls” section and “Using four wheel drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving” section.

7. Turn off the engine. To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle. 2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Shift the transmission into gear. 4. Release the parking brake. 5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are

clear from the blocks.

6. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 9-26 Technical and consumer information

7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. ● While going downhill,

the weight of

the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de- crease overall stability. Therefore, to main- tain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descend- ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness and could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine brak- ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre- quently.

● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emergency” section of this owner’s manual.

● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal

circumstances.

● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first

500 miles (805 km).

● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do

tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h).

● Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser- vice and Maintenance Guide”.

● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger than normal turning radius during the turn.

● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus- ing vehicle sway. When being passed by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible changes in crosswinds that could affect ve- hicle handling.

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as straight ahead as the road conditions allow. This combination will help stabilize the ve- hicle – Do not correct trailer sway by steering or

applying the brakes.

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a safe area.

● DO NOT tow any automatic transmis- sion vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmission parts due to lack of transmission lubrication. ● For emergency towing procedures refer to “Towing recommended by NISSAN” in the “In case of emergency” section of this manual.

Automatic Transmission To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s recommendations when using their product.

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-

anced as described earlier in this section.

● Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires con- siderably more distance than normal pass- ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes.

● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans- mission to a lower gear for engine braking when driving down steep or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle without applying the brakes.

● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced braking efficiency.

● Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually. ● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-

trol not be used while towing a trailer.

● Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con- nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.

● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa- ter 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, see the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section earlier in this manual. FLAT TOWING 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 vehicle, such as a motor home.

CAUTION

● Failure to follow these guidelines can result in severe transmission damage. ● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-

ways tow forward, never backward.

Technical and consumer information 9-27

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where applicable 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 rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified gov- ernment test course. For example, 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 lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea- sured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con- crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. 9-28 Technical and consumer information

WARNING

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es- tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei- ther separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance 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 temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces- sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor- mance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For USA 1. Emission Defects Warranty 2. Emissions Performance Warranty Details of this warranty may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Information Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace- ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003

For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of this warranty may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Information Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace- ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

For USA If you believe that your vehicle has a de- fect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immedi- ately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi- tion to notifying NISSAN. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be- come involved in individual problems be- tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve- hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888- 327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle from http://www.safercar.gov.

safety

You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1. For Canada If you believe that your vehicle has a de- fect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immedi- ately inform Transport Canada in addition to notifying NISSAN. If Transport Canada receives complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may request that NISSAN con- duct a recall campaign. However, Trans- port Canada cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or NISSAN. You may contact Transport Canada’s De- fect Investigations and Recalls Division toll free at 1-800-333-0510. You may also report safety defects online at: https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/ 7/PCDB-BDPP/Index.aspx.

Technical and consumer information 9-29

or

1-800-333-0371

Additional information concerning motor ve- hicle safety may be obtained from Transport Canada’s Road Safety Information Centre at at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English speak- ers) www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere (French speakers). To notify NISSAN of any safety concerns please contact our Consumer Information Centre toll free at 1-800-387-0122.

online

or

9-30 Technical and consumer information

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/ MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)

Due to legal requirements in some states and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re- quired to be in what is called the “ready condi- tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control system. The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle. If a powertrain system component is repaired or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the the I/M vehicle’s inspection/maintenance test readiness condi- tion. Place the ignition switch in the ON position without starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. Contact a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready condition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.

check

test,

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re- corder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa- tions, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understand- ing how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: ● How various systems in your vehicle were

operating;

● Whether or not the driver and passenger

safety belts were buckled/fastened;

● How far (if at all) the driver was depressing

the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

● How fast the vehicle was traveling. ● Sounds are not recorded. These data can help provide a better understand- ing of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g. name, gender, age and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with

the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip- ment is required and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu- facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equip- ment, can read the information if they have ac- cess to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data will only be accessed with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee or as otherwise required or per- mitted by law.

OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of service and repair information for your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro- cedures, this manual is the same one used by the factory-trained technicians working at NISSAN dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models. For USA For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 2000 model year and later contact: 1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 1999 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact: 1-800-247-5321
For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals for this model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact: 1-800-247-5321

For Canada To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser- vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num- ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800- 387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa- tive will assist you. Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.

Technical and consumer information 9-31

MEMO

9-32 Technical and consumer information

10 Index

4WD warning light .

..2-16

Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . Adjusting pedal position . Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) . Air bag system

.5-37
..3-27

..1-46

Front (See supplemental front impact air bag system) .

Air bag warning labels . Air bag warning light. Air cleaner housing filter . Air conditioner

..1-53
..1-60
..1-61, 2-19
..8-20

..4-41
..4-48
..9-12

..9-7

Air conditioner operation . Air conditioner service . Air conditioner specification label . Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations . Heater and air conditioner controls . Rear seat air conditioner . Servicing air conditioner .

..4-38, 4-45
..4-47
..4-48
..4-42

Air flow charts. Alarm system (See vehicle security system) . Anchor point locations . Antenna . Anti-lock brake warning light. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

..2-23
..1-32
..4-89
..2-14
..5-36

Audible reminders . Audio system .

Compact Disc (CD) changer Compact disc (CD) player .

Audio System

Audio system

CompactFlash (CF) player .

..2-22
..4-48
..4-63
..4-57, 4-71

..4-73

FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD) player . FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD) changer . FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD) player .

..4-55

..4-60

..4-68

Audio System

Audio system

Audio System Settings . Audio system

Music Box姞 hard-disk drive audio system .

Radio . Rear audio controls.

..4-75

..4-48
..4-87

..4-60, 4-68

Steering wheel audio control switch .

.4-86
..2-29

Autolight switch. Automatic

..3-32
..2-47

Automatic drive positioner . Automatic power window switch . Automatic transmission position ..2-19
indicator light . .5-14
Driving with automatic transmission . Transmission shift selector lock release. .5-18
..3-29

Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .

Automatic door locks . AUX jack .

..3-6
..4-66, 4-73

Battery.

Charge warning light .

Before starting the engine . Belt (See drive belt) Block heater Engine .

Bluetooth姞 hands-free phone system . Booster seats . Brake

..8-16
..2-16
..5-13
..8-18

..5-41

..4-105, 4-120
..1-43

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake fluid . Brake light (See stop light). Brake system . Brake warning light . Brake wear indicators . Parking brake operation . Self-adjusting brakes .

Brakes . Break-in schedule . Brightness/contrast button . Brightness control

..5-36
..8-14
..8-33
..5-35
..2-15
..2-22, 8-25
..5-20
..8-25
..8-25
..5-22
..4-18, 4-34

Instrument panel

Bulb check/instrument panel. Bulb replacement .

..2-31
..2-14
..8-33

C

.9-2
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. ..2-51
Cargo light . .9-13
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . ..4-104
Car phone or CB radio . ..4-84
CD care and cleaning . CD changer (See audio system) . ..4-63
..4-57, 4-71
CD player (See audio system) . Check tire press . ..2-5
Child restraints . ..1-26, 1-27, 1-28, 1-30
.1-28, 1-35,

Precautions on child restraints . 1-39, 1-43
Top tether strap anchor point locations .

Child restraint with top tether strap. Child safety rear door lock . Chimes, audible reminders . Cleaning exterior and interior . Clock .

(models with navigation system) .

Clock set C.M.V.S.S. certification label Cold weather driving . Compact disc (CD) player . CompactFlash (CF) player . Console box . Control panel buttons .

Brightness/contrast button. Enter button. Setting button . Startup screen . Without navigation system .

.1-32
..1-32
..3-7
..2-22
..7-2
..4-56, 4-61, 4-69
.4-13, 4-29
..4-13, 4-29
..9-11
..5-39
..4-57, 4-71
..4-73
..2-38
..4-18
..4-18, 4-34
..4-4, 4-18
..4-11, 4-27
..4-21
..4-4

Audio controls (steering wheel). Heater and air conditioner controls .

..4-86
.4-38, 4-45

Controls

10-2

Rear audio controls . Rear seat air conditioner

..4-87
..4-47

Coolant

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . Changing engine coolant . Checking engine coolant level . Engine coolant temperature gauge . Corrosion protection . Cruise control Cup holders . Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag .