2003 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 225

erate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage. 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. Clutch pedal*: Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and check that it has the proper free travel. Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. Brake pedal and booster*: 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 certain to keep floormats away from the pedal. Parking brake*: Check that the lever has the proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake applied. Automatic transmission P (Park) position mechanism: On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the P position without applying any brakes. Automatic transmission fluid level*: Check the level after putting the selector lever in P (Park) with the engine idling. Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. 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, rot or loose connections. Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily. 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. Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the trouble and correct it. See "Precautions when starting and driving" in the "5. Start- 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. Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank. Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure to wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the sump.) Brake and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir. Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the level when the fluid is cold and the engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc. 8-4 Maintenance and do-it-yourself