Nissan Pathfinder (2012 year). Manual - part 463

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, de-
terioration or loose connections.

—

Brake fluid level

Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
reservoirs

MA-54

Battery

Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions require fre-
quent checks of the battery fluid level.

—

Engine drive belt

Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.

MA-23, "DRIVE BELTS :

(VQ40DE)

MA-33, "DRIVE BELTS :

(VK56DE)

Engine oil level

Check the level on the dipstick after parking the vehicle on level ground and turn-
ing off the engine.

LU-8

(VQ40DE)

LU-26

CO-11, "System Inspection"

Power steering fluid
level and lines

Check the level on the reservoir with the engine off. Check the lines for improper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.

MA-56, "POWER

STEERING FLUID AND

LINES : Checking Fluid

Leakage"

August 2012

2012 Pathfinder

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

MA-9

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

FOR MEXICO
FOR MEXICO : General Maintenance

INFOID:0000000007347344

EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation

of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform

these checks and inspections themselves or they can have their NISSAN dealers do them.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Automatic transmis-
sion fluid level

Check the level on the dipstick after putting the shift selector in P (Park) with the
engine idling.

MA-43, "A/T FLUID :

Checking the A/T Fluid

(ATF)"

Exhaust system

Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the ex-
haust seems unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it.

MA-43

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 sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean those areas where mud and dirt
can easily accumulate.

—

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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and correct it immediately.

—

Item

Reference page

Item

Reference page

Lamps

Make sure that the headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and oth-
er lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlamp
aim. Clean the headlamps on a regular basis.

EXL-4, "Work Flow"

Tires

Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to a long distance trip.
Adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the specified pressure.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.

WT-5, "Preliminary

Check"

Windshield wiper
blades

Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.

—

Doors and engine
hood

Check that all doors and the engine hood operate smoothly as well as the trunk
lid. Also make sure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.

MA-58, "LOCKS, HING-

ES AND HOOD LATCH :

Lubricating Locks, Hing-

es and Hood Latches"

Tire rotation

Tires should be rotated every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).

MA-52, "WHEELS : Ad-

justment"

Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)
transmitter compo-
nents

Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires
are replaced due to age or wearor age.

MA-52, "WHEELS : Ad-

justment"

Windshield

Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Repair as necessary.

GW-11, "Removal and

Installation"

August 2012

2012 Pathfinder

MA-10

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle,

etc.

UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).

Item

Reference page

Accelerator pedal

Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not catch
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.

—

Brake pedal

Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper distance
under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be sure to keep
floor mats away from the pedal.

BR-17, "Inspection and

Adjustment - Standard

Pedal"

Parking brake

Check that the lever has the proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill when only the parking brake is applied.

PB-5, "On-Vehicle Ser-

vice"

Warning lamps and
chimes

Make sure that all warning lamps and chimes are operating properly.

—

Windshield defogger

Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient
quantity when operating the heater or air conditioning.

—

Windshield wiper and
washer

Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not
streak.

WW-4, "System Descrip-

tion"

Steering wheel

Check that it has the specified play. Check for changes in the steering condition,
such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.

Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in)

—

Seat belts

SB-9, "Seat Belt Inspec-

tion"

Item

Reference page

Windshield wash-
er fluid

Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.

—

Engine coolant
level

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.

(VQ40DE)

CO-41, "System Inspec-

tion"

(VK56DE)

Engine drive belts

Make sure that the drive belt are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.

MA-23, "DRIVE BELTS :

(VQ40DE)

MA-33, "DRIVE BELTS :

Checking Brake Fluid Level

(VK56DE)

Engine oil level

Check the level on the dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level ground and turn-
ing off the engine.

MA-28, "ENGINE OIL : In-

spection"

(VQ40DE)

MA-37, "ENGINE OIL : In-

spection"

(VK56DE)

Brake fluid levels

Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the reservoirs.

MA-54, "BRAKE FLUID

LEVEL AND LEAKS :

and Leaks"

Battery

Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.

—

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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for the cause
and correct it immediately.

—

August 2012

2012 Pathfinder

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

MA-11

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

FOR USA AND CANADA
FOR USA AND CANADA : Introduction to Periodic Maintenance

INFOID:0000000007347345

Two different maintenance schedules are provided, and should be used, depending upon the conditions in

which the vehicle is mainly operated.

After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, continue the periodic

maintenance at the same mileage or time intervals, whichever comes first.

Maintenance for off-road driving (4WD only)

After driving the vehicle off-road through sand, mud, or water; more frequent maintenance may be required for

the following items:

Brake pads and rotors
Brake lines and hoses

Differential, transfer gear oil and automatic transmission fluid

Steering linkage

Propeller shaft and drive shafts

Engine air cleaner filter
In-cabin microfilters

FOR USA AND CANADA : Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1

INFOID:0000000007347346

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only

Schedule 1

Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if your driving habits frequently includes
one or more of the following driving conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km).
• Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures re-

maining below freezing.

• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi

or door-to-door delivery use.

• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy, or salt spread roads.
• Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier.

Emission Control Sys-
tem Maintenance

Chassis and Body
Maintenance

Schedule 2

Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if none of the driving conditions shown
in Schedule 1 apply to the driving habits.

Emission Control Sys-
tem Maintenance

Chassis and Body
Maintenance

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference Section

- Page or - Content

Title

Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

3.75

(6)

7.50

(12)

11.25

(18)

(24)

18.7

(30)

22.5

(36)

26.2

(42)

(48)

Drive belts

NOTE (1)

MA-23

MA-33

(VK56DE)

Air cleaner filter

NOTE (2)

[R]

MA-23

MA-37

(VK56DE)

EVAP vapor lines

MA-41

MA-41

(VK56DE)

Fuel lines

MA-27

MA-36

(VK56DE)

Fuel filter

NOTE (3)

—

Engine coolant *

NOTE (4) (5)

MA-24

MA-34

(VK56DE)

August 2012

2012 Pathfinder

MA-12

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

NOTE:

(1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found
damaged, or if the auto tensioner reading reaches the maximum limit.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, refer to the FL section.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (120,000 km) or 84 months. After first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000
km) or 60 months.
(5) When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted to provide antifreeze protection to -34

F (-37

C). If additional freeze protec-

tion is needed due to weather where you operate your vehicle, add Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concentrate
following the directions on the container. If an equivalent coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is
used, follow the coolant manufacturer’s instructions to maintain minimum antifreeze protection to -34

F (-37

C). The use of other types

of coolant solutions other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent may damage the engine cooling sys-
tem.
(6) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are
required.

Engine oil

MA-28

(VQ40DE)

MA-38

(VK56DE)

Engine oil filter

MA-28

(VQ40DE)

MA-38

(VK56DE)

Spark plugs (Iridium-tipped
type)

Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).

EM-254

MA-40

(VK56DE)

Intake and exhaust valve
clearance*

NOTE (6)

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference Section

- Page or - Content

Title

Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

3.75

(6)

7.50

(12)

11.25

(18)

(24)

18.7

(30)

22.5

(36)

26.2

(42)

(48)

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference Section

- Page or - Content

Title

Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

33.75

(54)

37.5

(60)

41.2

(66)

(72)

48.7

(78)

52.5

(84)

56.2

(90)

(96)

Drive belts

NOTE (1)

MA-23

(VQ40DE)

MA-33

Air cleaner filter

NOTE (2)

[R]

(VQ40DE)

EVAP vapor lines

(VQ40DE)

Fuel lines

(VQ40DE)

Fuel filter

NOTE (3)

—

Engine coolant *

NOTE (4) (5)

(VQ40DE)

Engine oil

(VQ40DE)

Engine oil filter

(VQ40DE)

Spark plug (Iridium-tipped
type)

Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).

MA-31

(VQ40DE)

MA-40