check engine light NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator lightMalfunction indicator light
High beam indicator light (Blue)CRUISE indicator lightDoor open warning light
Seat belt reminder light and buzzerAnti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)Tire carrier open warning light
Engine oil pressure warning lightAnti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
Low fuel warning lightAutomatic transmission park warning light
Checking bulbs
Turn the ignition key to ªONº without starting
the engine. The following lights will come on:
,,,or,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.Parking brake indicator
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHT
AND BUZZER
1-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

If the level is below the MINIMUM mark
on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive
until the brake system has been
checked at a NISSAN dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a NIS-
SAN dealer.
IEven if you judge it to be safe, have
your vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped could increase your
stopping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on, and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
Seat belt reminder light
The light and buzzer remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ªONº, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the buzzer will sound
for about six seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªPre-driving checks
and adjustmentsº section for precautions on
seat belt usage.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause seriousdamage to the engine.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
engine off and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light
remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches ªEº.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
needle reaches ªEº.
1-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Low washer fluid warning
light (For Canada)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in
the washer tank is at a low level. Add washer
fluid as necessary. See the ªDo-it- yourself
operationsº section.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the ª4Hº or ª4Lº position.
CRUISE indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system.
If the light flickers while the engine is running,
it may indicate there is something wrong with
the cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
orAnti-lock
brake warning
light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock brake system. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinarybrakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive switch
is pushed in the ªOFFº position.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If the
transfer control is not secured in any drive
position while the automatic transmission se-
lector lever is in the ªPº position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the ª2Hº or
ª4Lº position when the warning light comes on.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic trans-
mission oil temperature is too high. If the light
comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle
speed as soon as safely possible until the light
turns off.
Continued vehicle operation when the A/Toil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The Malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator light comes on steady
Ð An emission control system malfunction
has been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed in.
IMalfunction indicator light blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
* do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72
km/h).
* avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
* avoid steep uphill grades.
* if possible, reduce the load being carried
or towed.
1-11
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed in.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system, which may
affect your warranty coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink. An
example is as follows:
Ivehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
If you suspect that you experienced such a
condition, drive the vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealer and have the vehicle in-
spected. Avoid any unnecessary diagnosis
during the service by informing the dealer of
the condition that may have occurred.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or back door is not closed securely while
the ignition key is ªONº.
Tire carrier open warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the tire carrier is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ªONº.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition key is in the ªONº or
ªSTARTº position, the supplemental air bag
light will illuminate for about 7 seconds and
then turn off. This means the system is opera-
tional.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to your nearest autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
1. The supplemental air bag light goes off
within 7 seconds.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently or remains on. (after 7 seconds)
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System may not function properly.
For additional details on the Supplemental Air
Bag System, see Section 2.
1-12
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The front seat(s) are warmed by built-in heat-
ers. The switches located on the instrument
panel can be operated independently of each
other.
1. Start the engine.
The battery could run down if the heater is
operated while the engine is not running.
2. Push the ª
º (Low) or ªº (High)
position of the switch, as desired, depend-
ing on the temperature. The indicator light
in the switch will illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle's interior is warmed or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch off.
IDo not use the seat heater for a long
time or when no one is seated there.
IDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise,
the seat may become overheated.
IDo not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.
IAny liquid spilled on the heating seat
should be immediately wiped up with
a dry cloth.
IWhen cleaning the seat, never use
benzine, thinner, or any similar mate-
rials.
IIf any abnormalities are found or the
heating seat does not operate, turnthe switch OFF and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
SIC0595
HEATED SEAT (If so equipped)
1-20
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

ªOFFº (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ªACCº (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ªONº Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
ªSTARTº (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a microcomputer to
produce maximum power and smooth opera-
tion.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªDº, ªRº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to
shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of ªPº
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to ªLOCKº or if
the key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ªACCº position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Shifting from ªPº (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ªONº position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift
lever still cannot be moved out of ªPº (Park),
follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ªACCº position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gear-
shift lever to ªNº (Neutral) and start the
engine.
5. Check stop light operation.
If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the ªPº position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunc-
tioning stop lights could cause an acci-
dent injuring yourself and others.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
ªNº (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained. Never drive the vehicle if thestop lights are not operating properly.
ªRº (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Shift into this
position only after the vehicle has completely
stopped.
ªNº (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to ªNº and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
ªDº (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
ª2º (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing, effective engine braking
on downhill grades or starting on slippery
roads.
Do not downshift into the ª2º position at speeds
over the following speeds and do not exceed
the following speeds in the ª2º position:2-wheel drive:
60 MPH (95 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
50 MPH (80 km/h)
ª1º (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking
on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into ª1ºposition at speeds over the
following speeds:
2-wheel drive:
60 MPH (95 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
50 MPH (80 km/h)
Do not exceed the following speeds in the ª1º
position:
2-wheel drive:
30 MPH (50 km/h)
4-wheel drive:
30 MPH (50 km/h)
4-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

c) Push, then quickly release the ªACCELº set
switch. Each time you do this, the set speed
will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,follow
either of these three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
ªCOAST/SETº switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the ªCOAST/SETº switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
ªCOAST/SETº switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed will decrease by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ªRESUMEº set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
IThe cruise indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control switch (Main
switch) is turned ªONº while pushing the
ªRESUME/ACCELº switch or
ªCOAST/SETº switch or ªCANCELº switch
(located on the steering wheel). To properly
set the cruise control system perform thesteps above in the order indicated. (This is
a fail-safe mode. Turn the main switch
ªOFFº and turn it ªONº again without push-
ing the set switch to return to normal opera-
tion.)
IIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The cruise indica-
tor in the meter assembly will then blink to
warn the driver.
IWhen the cruise indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control switch (Main switch) ªOFFº
and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
Avoid using the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
Iwhen it is not possible to keep the vehicle at
set speed.
Iin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
Ion winding or hilly roads.
Ion slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
Iin very windy areas.
On the manual transmission model, do
not shift into neutral position without
depressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is on. This could cause
engine damage. If you shift into neutral
without depressing the pedal, depress
the clutch pedal and turn the main
switch off immediately.
4-14
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the
system helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.It is
not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
If a tire slips on rough roads for more than
10 seconds, the ABS brake warning light
may come on. Turn OFF the ignition key,
restart the engine and drive the vehicle at
speeds above 20 MPH (30 km/h). If the
warning light does not go out, have the
vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the ªself-testº occurs, you may
hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a ªpulsationº in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ªABSº
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair atyour earliest convenience.
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
Refer to ªWheels and tiresº in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
4-24
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

CHANGING OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as fan and drive belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
The fluid level should be checked using the
ªHOTº range (ªLº & ªHº marks) on the dipstick
SDI0417SDI0421
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX