Nissan Pathfinder: Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities

Basic information

The following are approximate capacities.

The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure described in the "Do-it-yourself" section to determine the proper refill capacity.

Fuel

• For additional information, see "Fuel recommendation".

Engine oil drain and refill

• Genuine "NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SP" (or equivalent) is recommended.
• If the above motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic 0W-20 SP GF-6A motor oil (or engine oil) may be used.

  Damage caused by the use of motor oil (or engine oil) other than as recommended is not covered under NISSAN's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine coolant with reservoir

• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

• Genuine NISSAN Matic R ATF.
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic R ATF ONLY in NISSAN automatic transmissions. Do not mix with other fluids. Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic R ATF may damage the automatic transmission.

  Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as recommended is not covered under the NISSAN's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Differential gear oil

• Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super Semi-synthetic API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 .
• The use of differential gear oil other than the specified may cause vehicle malfunctions and result in non-warranty vehicle repairs.

Coupling oil

• Genuine NISSAN LSC Coupling Transmission Fluid 12-301 or equivalent.

Transfer fluid

• Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super-S GL-5 synthetic 75W-90 or equivalent.

Brake fluid

• Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid* or equivalent DOT 3
  *: Available in mainland U.S.A through a NISSAN dealer

Multi-purpose grease

• NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base).

Air conditioning system refrigerant

• HFO1234yf (R1234yf).
• For additional information, see "Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations".

Air conditioning system oil

• Genuine NISSANA/C System Oil Type PAG (VC100YF oil) or equivalent.

Windshield-washer fluid

• Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent.

Fuel recommendation

Basic information

Except for Rock Creek

Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 91).

For Rock Creek

NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 96). If unleaded premium gasoline is not available, you may use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Research octane number 91), but you may notice a decrease in performance.

CAUTION

• Only vehicles with the E-85 filler door label can operate on E-85. Fuel system or other damage can occur if E-85 is used in vehicles that are not designed to run on E-85.
• Using a fuel other than that specified could adversely affect the emission control system, and may also affect the warranty coverage.
• Under no circumstances should a leaded gasoline be used, because this will damage the three-way catalyst.
• Do not use a fuel containing more than 15% ethanol in your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed to run on a fuel containing more than 15% ethanol.

  Using a fuel containing more than 15% ethanol in a vehicle not specifically designed for a fuel containing more than 15% ethanol can adversely affect the emission control devices and systems of the vehicle.

  Damage caused by such fuel is not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Do not use fuel that contains the octane booster methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).

  Using fuel containing MMT may adversely affect vehicle performance and vehicle emissions. Not all fuel dispensers are labeled to indicate MMT content, so you may have to consult your gasoline retailer for more details. Note that Federal and California laws prohibit the use of MMT in reformulated gasoline.

• U.S. government regulations require ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that region.

Gasoline specifications

NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifications where it is available. Many of the automobile manufacturers developed this specification to improve emission control system and vehicle performance. Ask your service station manager if the gasoline meets the WWFC specifications.

Reformulated gasoline

Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.

NISSAN supports efforts towards cleaner air and suggests that you use reformulated gasoline when available.

Gasoline containing oxygenates

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol, Methyl Tert-butyl Ether (MTBE) and methanol with or without advertising their presence.

NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of which the oxygenate content and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily determined. If in doubt, ask your service station manager.

If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take the following precautions as the usage of such fuels may cause vehicle performance problems and/or fuel system damage.

• The fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that recommended for unleaded gasoline.
• If an oxygenate-blend other than methanol blend is used, it should contain no more than 15% oxygenate.
• If a methanol blend is used, it should contain no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should also contain a suitable amount of appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formulated with appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors, such methanol blends may cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle performance problems.

  At this time, sufficient data is not available to ensure that all methanol blends are suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.

If any driveability problems such as engine stalling and difficult hot-starting are experienced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.

Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.

Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint damage.

E-15 fuel

E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately 15% fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline.

E-15 can only be used in vehicles designed to run on E-15 fuel. U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified with small, square, orange and black label with the common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that region.

E-85 fuel

E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.

E-85 can only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 in your vehicle.

U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that region.

Fuel containing MMT

MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting additive.

NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel may adversely affect vehicle performance, including the emissions control system. Note that while some fuel pumps label MMT content, not all do, so you may have to consult your gasoline retailer for more details.

Aftermarket fuel additives

NISSAN does not recommend the use of any aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain active solvents or similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel system and engine.

Octane rating tips

Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than recommended can cause persistent, heavy "spark knock." ("Spark knock" is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine damage. If you detect a persistent heavy spark knock even when using gasoline of the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on level roads, it is recommended that you have a NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Failure to correct the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not responsible.

Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may cause excessive fuel consumption or engine damage. If any of the above symptoms are encountered, have your vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for servicing.

However, now and then you may notice light spark knock for a short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a cause for concern, because you get the greatest fuel benefit when there is light spark knock for a short time under heavy engine load.

Engine oil and oil filter recommendations

Selecting the correct oil

It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and performance.

For additional information, see "Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities". NISSAN recommends the use of an energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel economy.

Select only engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification or International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE viscosity standard.

These oils have the API certification mark 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.

Oil additives

NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil additives. The use of an oil additive is not necessary when the proper oil type is used and maintenance intervals are followed.

Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been previously used should not be used.

Oil viscosity

The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes with temperature. Because of this, it is important to select the engine oil viscosity based on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be operated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recommended could cause serious engine damage.

Selecting the correct oil filter

Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a high-quality Genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replacing, use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter or its equivalent for the reason described in "Change intervals."

Change intervals

The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of the specified quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding recommended oil and filter change intervals could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine caused by improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do not have to change the oil before the first recommended change interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend upon how you use your vehicle.

Operation under the following conditions may require more frequent oil and filter changes:

• repeated short distance driving at cold outside temperatures
• driving in dusty conditions
• extensive idling
• towing a trailer
• stop and go commuting

For additional information, see the "Maintenance and schedules" section of this manual.

Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) and NISSAN A/C system oil Type PAG (VC100YF) or the exact equivalents.

CAUTION The use of any other refrigerant or oil may cause severe damage to the air conditioning system and will require the replacement of all air conditioner system components.

The refrigerant HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) in your NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth's ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the earth's atmosphere, certain government regulations require the recovery and recycling of any refrigerant during automotive air conditioner system service. Air conditioner system should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians to ensure proper and safe operation (SAE J2845). A NISSAN dealer has the trained technicians and equipment needed to recover and recycle your air conditioner system refrigerant. Only new and SAEJ2842 certified evaporator(s) shall be used as replacement parts.

A damaged or leaking air conditioning evaporator shall never be repaired or replaced with one removed from a used or salvaged vehicle. To replace a damaged or leaking evaporator, use only new and SAE J2842 certified evaporator(s). It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air conditioner system.