Nissan Pathfinder (2008 year). Manual - part 485

MA-8

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

NOTE:

(1) If towing a trailer, or using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 24 months.

(2) Refer to “Tire rotation” under the “General maintenance” heading earlier in this section.

Schedule 2

INFOID:0000000001621703

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace.

I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary.

[ ]: At the mileage intervals only

Automatic transmission fluid

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-29

Transfer fluid and front final drive oil

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-32

, 

MA-34

Rear final drive oil

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-35

Steering gear, linkage, axle, and suspension 
parts

I

I

I

I

MA-40

, 

MA-41

Tire rotation

NOTE (2)

MA-39

Drive shaft boots and propeller shaft (4X4)

I

I

I

I

MA-34

Exhaust system

I

I

I

I

MA-29

In-cabin microfilter

R

R

MA-28

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference 

Section

- Page

or

- Content 

Title

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or 
months, whichever comes first.

Miles x 

1,000
(km x 

1,000)

Months

3.75

(6)

3

7.5

(12)

6

11.25

(18)

9

15

(24)

12

18.75

(30)

15

22.5

(36)

18

26.25

(42)

21

30

(48)

24

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference 

Section

- Page

or

- Content 

Title

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or 
months, whichever comes first.

Miles x 

1,000
(km x 

1,000)

Months

33.75

(54)

27

37.5

(60)

30

41.25

(66)

33

45

(72)

36

48.75

(78)

39

52.5

(84)

42

56.25

(90)

45

60

(96)

48

Brake lines and cables

I

I

MA-39

Brake pads and rotors

I

I

I

I

MA-39

Automatic transmission fluid

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-29

Transfer fluid and front final drive oil

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-32

, 

MA-34

Rear final drive oil

NOTE (1)

I

I

MA-35

Steering gear, linkage, axle, and suspension 
parts

I

I

I

I

MA-40

, 

MA-41

Tire Rotation

NOTE (2)

MA-39

Drive shaft boots and propeller shaft (4X4)

I

I

I

I

MA-34

Exhaust system

I

I

I

I

MA-29

In-cabin microfilter

R

R

MA-28

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference 

Section - Page 

or - Content Ti-

tle

Perform at number of miles, kilo-
meters or months, whichever 
comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

7.5

(12)

6

15

(24)

12

22.5

(36)

18

30

(48)

24

37.5

(60)

30

45

(72)

36

52.5

(84)

42

60

(96)

48

Drive belts

NOTE (1)

I*

MA-12

 (VQ)

MA-20

 (VK)

Air cleaner filter

[R]

[R]

MA-23

 (VQ)

MA-23

 (VK)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

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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) Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, go to FL section.

(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

(4) 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. 

CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: R = Replace.

I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary.

L = Lubricate. [ ]: At the mileage interval only.

NOTE:

(1) Refer to “Tire rotation” under the “General maintenance” heading earlier in this section.

EVAP vapor lines

I*

I*

MA-27

 (VQ)

Fuel lines

I*

I*

MA-15

 (VQ)

MA-23

 (VK)

Fuel filter

NOTE (2)

—

Engine coolant

NOTE (3)

R*

MA-12

 (VQ)

MA-20

 (VK)

Engine oil

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

MA-16

 (VQ)

MA-24

 (VK)

Engine oil filter

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

MA-17

 (VQ)

MA-24

 (VK)

Spark plugs (IRIDIUM-TIPPED 
type)

Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km).

MA-25

 (VQ)

MA-25

 (VK)

Intake and exhaust valve clear-
ance*

NOTE (4)

EM-132

 (VQ)

EM-248

 (VK)

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference 

Section - Page 

or - Content Ti-

tle

Perform at number of miles, kilo-
meters or months, whichever 
comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

7.5

(12)

6

15

(24)

12

22.5

(36)

18

30

(48)

24

37.5

(60)

30

45

(72)

36

52.5

(84)

42

60

(96)

48

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

Reference 

Section

- Page

or

- Content 

Title

Perform at number of miles, kilometers 
or months, whichever comes first.

Miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

7.5

(12)

6

15

(24)

12

22.5

(36)

18

30

(48)

24

37.5

(60)

30

45

(72)

36

52.5

(84)

42

60

(96)

48

Brake  lines  and  cables

I

I

I

I

MA-39

Brake  pads  and  rotors

I

I

I

I

MA-39

Automatic  transmission  fluid

I

I

I

I

MA-29

Transfer  fluid  and  front  final  drive  oil

I

I

I

I

MA-32

, 

MA-34

Rear  final  drive  oil

I

I

I

I

MA-35

Steering gear, linkage, axle, and sus-
pension parts.

I

I

MA-40

, 

MA-41

Tire rotation

NOTE (1)

MA-39

Drive shaft boots and propeller shaft
(4X4)

I

I

I

I

MA-34

Exhaust system

I

I

MA-29

In-cabin  microfilter

R

R

R

R

MA-28

MA-10

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

Fluids and Lubricants

INFOID:0000000001621704

*1: For further details, refer to 

MA-11, "Engine Oil Recommendation"

.

*2: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.

*3: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON

TM

 VI or equivalent ATF may also be used.

*4: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your NISSAN dealer.

*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner Specification Label”.

Description

Capacity (Approximate)

Recommended Fluids/Lubricants

Metric

US measure

Imp measure

Fuel

80 

21 1/8 gal

17 5/8 gal

Unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing of at least 87 AKI (RON 91) *8

Engine oil
Drain and refill

With oil filter 
change

VQ40DE

5.1 

5 3/8 qt

4 1/2 qt

• Engine oil with API Certification 

Mark *1

• Viscosity SAE 5W-30

VK56DE

6.2 

6 1/2 qt

5 1/2 qt

Without oil 
filter change

VQ40DE

4.8 

5 1/8 qt

4 1/4 qt

VK56DE

5.9 

6 1/4 qt

5 1/4 qt

Dry engine (engine overhaul)

VQ40DE

6.3 

 6 5/8 qt

5 1/2 qt

VK56DE

7.6 

 8 qt

6 3/4 qt

Cooling system
(with reservoir at 
“MAX” level)

Without rear A/C

10.2 

2 3/4 gal

2 1/4 gal

Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze coolant or equivalent

With rear A/C

13.4 

3 1/2 gal

3 gal

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

10.3 

10 7/8 qt

9 1/8 qt

Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *2

Rear final drive oil

VQ40DE

1.4 

3 pt

2 1/2 pt

API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Oil 
(Part No. 999MP-DF200P) or equiva-
lent *9

VK56DE

1.75 

3 3/4 pt

3 1/8 pt

Transfer fluid

ATX14B

3.0 

3 1/8 qt

2 5/8 qt

Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Conti-
nental U.S and Alaska) or Canada 
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Flu-
id *7

TX15B

2.0 

2 1/8 qt

1 3/4 qt

Front final drive oil

VQ40DE

0.85 

1 3/4 pt

1 1/2 pt

• Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil 

Hypoid Super GL-5  80W-90

• API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *6

VK56DE

1.6 

3 3/8 pt

2 7/8 pt

Power steering fluid (PSF)

1.0 

2 1/8 pt

1 3/4 pt

Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent 
*3

Brake fluid

—

—

—

Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty 
Brake Fluid or equivalent,
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116) *4

Multi-purpose grease

—

—

—

NLGI No. 2 (lithium soap base)

Windshield washer fluid

4.5 

1 1/4 gal

1 gal

Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer 
Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or 
equivalent

A/C system re-
frigerant

Without rear A/C

0.70 

±

 0.05 kg

1.54 

±

 0.11 lb

1.54 

±

 0.11 lb

HFC-134a (R134a) *5

With rear A/C

0.85 

±

 0.05 kg

1.87 

±

 0.11 lb

1.87 

±

 0.11 lb

A/C system oil

Without rear A/C

180 m

6.1 fl oz

6.3 fl oz

NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or 
equivalent *5

With rear A/C

210 m

7.1 fl oz

7.4 fl oz

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS

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*6: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0

°

 C (32

°

 F).

*7: Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF or equivalent (if available) may also be used. 

*8: For further details, refer to 

GI-40, "Precaution for Fuel"

. For improved performance, NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded pre-

mium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96).

*9: See your NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.

Engine Oil Recommendation

INFOID:0000000001621705

NISSAN recommends the use of an energy conserving oil in order to
improve fuel economy. Select only engine oils that meet the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute (API) certification and International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Commottee (ILSAC) certification and
SAE viscosity standard (2). These oils have the API certification
mark (1) on the front of the container. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.

 ANTI-FREEZE COOLANT MIXTURE RATIO

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality, long life, year-round, anti-freeze coolant
solution. The anti-freeze solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Therefore, additional cooling system
additives are not necessary.

CAUTION:

• When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze cool-

ant or equivalent with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineralized water or
distilled water.

• Other types of coolant solutions may damage your cooling system.

ALPIA0001ZZ

For outside temperatures down to:

Anti-freeze coolant mixture ratio

°

 C

°

 F

Genuine NISSAN Long Life 

Antifreeze coolant 

Demineralized water or distilled 

water

– 35

°

– 30

°

50 %

50 %

MA-12

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ40DE)

ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ40DE)

Checking Drive Belts

INFOID:0000000001621706

Drive Belt Routing

WARNING:

Be sure to perform the inspection when the engine is stopped.

1.

Remove air duct and resonator assembly (inlet) when inspecting the drive belt.

2.

Visually check the entire drive belt for wear, damage or cracks.

DRIVE BELT TENSION

There is no manual drive belt tension adjustment. The drive belt tension is automatically adjusted by the drive
belt auto tensioner.

Changing Engine Coolant

INFOID:0000000001621707

WARNING:

• To avoid being scalded, never change the coolant when the engine is hot.
• Wrap a thick cloth around the cap to carefully remove the cap. First, turn the cap a quarter of a turn

to release any built-up pressure, then push down and turn the cap all the way to remove it.

DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT

1.

Turn ignition switch ON and set temperature control lever all the way to HOT position or the highest tem-
perature position. Wait 10 seconds and turn ignition switch OFF.

2.

Remove the engine front undercover using power tool.

3.

Open the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, and
remove the reservoir cap. This is the only step required when
partially draining the cooling system (radiator only). 

CAUTION:

Do not to allow the coolant to contaminate the drive belts. 

LBIA0427E

1.

Drive belt

2.

Power steering pump pulley

3.

Generator pulley

4.

Crankshaft pulley

5.

A/C compressor

6.

Cooling fan pulley

7.

Idler pulley

8.

Drive belt auto tensioner

LLIA0070E

ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ40DE)

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4.

When draining all of the coolant in the system for engine
removal or repair, it is necessary to drain the cylinder block.
Remove the cylinder block drain plugs, and block heater if
equipped, to drain the cylinder block as shown.
NOTE:
For Canada, the “D” cylinder block drain plug as shown, is not a
cylinder block drain plug but a block heater.

5.

Remove the reservoir tank to drain the engine coolant, then clean the reservoir tank before installing it.

6.

Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration.
If the coolant is contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to "DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT"
.

REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT

1.

Close the radiator drain plug. Install the reservoir tank, cylinder
block drain plugs, and block heater if equipped, if removed for a
total system drain or for engine removal or repair.
• The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and water.
• Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plug.

Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent.
Refer to 

GI-26, "Recommended Chemical Products and Seal-

ants"

 .

Block Plug and Block Heater Installation

WLIA0020E

WLIA0020E

Part

Washer

Tightening Torque

A

No

19.6 N·m (2.0 kg-m, 14 ft-lb)

B

Reuse

No

9.8 N·m (1.0 kg-m, 87 in-lb)

New

6.0 N·m (0.61 kg-m, 53 in-lb)

MA-14

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ40DE)

2.

Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heater ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with
the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.

3.

Remove the vented reservoir cap and replace it with a non-vented reservoir cap before filling the cooling
system.

4.

Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the
radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly
with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap
adapter.

5.

Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is
placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed
position. 
• Use Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze coolant or equiva-

lent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water.
Refer to 

MA-11, "Engine Oil Recommendation"

 .

6.

Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must
be within specification. 

CAUTION:

The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air
dryer.

7.

The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open
the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be visible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is
full of coolant, close the ball valve. This will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.

8.

Continue to draw the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches
of vacuum. The gauge may not reach 28 inches in high altitude
locations, refer to the vacuum specifications based on the alti-
tude above sea level.

9.

When the vacuum gauge has reached the specified amount, disconnect the air hose and wait 20 seconds
to see if the system loses any vacuum. If the vacuum level drops, perform any necessary repairs to the
system and repeat steps 6 - 8 to bring the vacuum to the specified amount. Recheck for any leaks. 

10. Place the coolant container (with the refill hose inserted) at the same level as the top of the radiator. Then

open the ball valve on the refill hose so the coolant will be drawn up to fill the cooling system. The cooling
system is full when the vacuum gauge reads zero.

CAUTION:

C

Yes

62 N·m (6.3 kg-m, 46 ft-lb)

D

Plug

Yes

62 N·m (6.3 kg-m, 46 ft-lb)

Block heater

73.5 N·m (7.5 kg-m, 54 ft-lb)

Part

Washer

Tightening Torque

Tool number

: KV991J0070 (J-45695)

Cooling system capacity 
(with reservoir)

: Refer to 

MA-10, "Fluids 

and Lubricants"

 .

Compressed air 
supply pressure

: 5.7 - 8.5 kPa (5.6 - 8.4 kg/cm

2

 , 

80 - 120 psi)

LLIA0058E

Altitude above sea level

Vacuum gauge reading

0 - 100 m (328 ft)

: 28 inches of vacuum

300 m (984 ft)

: 27 inches of vacuum

500 m (1,641 ft)

: 26 inches of vacuum

1,000 m (3,281 ft)

: 24 - 25 inches of vacuum

LLIA0057E

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Do not allow the coolant container to get too low when filling, to avoid air from being drawn into
the cooling system. 

11. Remove the Tool from the radiator neck opening and install the radiator cap.

12. Remove the reservoir cap.

13. Fill the cooling system reservoir tank to the specified level. Run the engine to warm up the cooling system

and top up the system as necessary before installing the reservoir cap.

FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM

1.

Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to "DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .

2.

Fill the radiator and the reservoir tank (to the “MAX” line), with water. Reinstall the radiator cap and leave
the vented reservoir cap off.

3.

Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4.

Press the engine accelerator two or three times under no-load.

5.

Stop the engine and wait until it cools down.

6.

Drain the water from the engine cooling system. Refer to "DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .

7.

Repeat steps 2 through 6 until clear water begins to drain from the radiator.

Checking Fuel Line

INFOID:0000000001621708

Inspect the fuel lines and fuel tank for improper mounting, leaks,
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing, or deterioration.
As necessary, repair or replace any faulty parts.

Changing Fuel Filter

INFOID:0000000001621709

The fuel filter is part of the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter and fuel pump assembly. Refer to 

FL-11, "Removal

and Installation"

.

WARNING:

Before replacing the fuel filter, release the fuel pressure from the fuel system. Refer to 

EC-481, "Fuel

Pressure Check"

.

Changing Engine Air Cleaner Filter

INFOID:0000000001621710

VISCOUS PAPER TYPE

SMA803A