engine coolant NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

1 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................. 1-3
Speedometer and odometer .................................. 1-3
Tachometer ............................................................ 1-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........................ 1-4
Fuel gauge ............................................................. 1-5
Compass and outside temperature display
(If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-5
Clock ....................................................................... 1-8
Warning/indicator light and buzzer .......................... 1-9
Theft warning (If so equipped) .............................. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......................... 1-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................... 1-16
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 1-17
Rear window defogger switch .............................. 1-18
Instrument brightness control ............................... 1-18
Front fog light switch ............................................. 1-19
Hazard warning flasher switch ............................. 1-19
Heated seat (If so equipped) ................................ 1-20Cigarette lighter and ash trays ............................. 1-21
Power socket ......................................................... 1-22
Coin tray ................................................................ 1-22
Cup holder ............................................................. 1-23
Glasses case ......................................................... 1-23
Console box .......................................................... 1-24
Luggage board and box ........................................ 1-25
Tonneau cover ...................................................... 1-26
Power window ....................................................... 1-26
Sunroof ................................................................. 1-28
Interior light ........................................................... 1-29
Spot light ............................................................... 1-30
Inspection light ...................................................... 1-30
Vanity mirror light ................................................. 1-30
Adjustable shock absorber control
(If so equipped) ..................................................... 1-31
Integrated HomeLink
TMtransmitter
(If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-31
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
The gauge indicates the coolant temperature.
The coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
If the gauge indicates over the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible. If the engine is overheated,
continued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See ªIn
case of emergencyº section for immedi-
ate action required.
SIC0588SIC0545
TACHOMETER
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
1-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct hot air from the
floor outlets.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF for
normal heating.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º posi-
tion.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
IThe fan speed will be maintained automati-
cally.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to set the
desired temperature.
IAdjust the temperature control dial to about
75ÉF (24ÉC) for normal operation.
IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.IFor quick heating, push the air recirculation
button ON. Be sure to turn off the air
recirculation button for normal heating.
IWhen starting up from cold with the fan
control dial in the AUTO position, the
blower speed will be fixed in the low mode
until the coolant temperature rises.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side,
center and driver vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º posi-
tion.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
IThe fan speed will be maintained automati-
cally.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to set the
desired temperature.
IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º
position.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
IThe fan speed will be maintained automati-
cally.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
ITo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn the fan control dial to ª3º and
the temperature control dial fully over to the
ªHOTº position.
3-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
IFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button on. Be sure to turn off the air recir-
culation button for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º posi-
tion.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
IThe fan speed will be maintained automati-
cally.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to set the
desired temperature.
IAdjust the temperature control dial to about
75ÉF (24ÉC) for normal operation.IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF to
improve the defogging performance.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º
position.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Operating tips
IKeep windows and sun roof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
IAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This willallow the air conditioner to cool the interior
more quickly.
IThe air conditioning system should be op-
erated for about ten minutes at least once a
month. This helps prevent damage to the
system due to lack of lubrication.
IIf the coolant temperature gauge exceeds
the ªHOTº position, turn the air conditioner
off. See ªIf your vehicle overheats ºin the ªIn
case of emergencyº section for additional
information.
IIf the engine coolant reaches an extremely
high temperature, the air conditioning sys-
tem will automatically turn off. This may
happen for example if the engine is run at
idle for a long time on a hot day.
3-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. For details, see ªChangingEngine Coolantº in the ªDo- it-yourself opera-
tionsº section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, Nissan rec-
ommends the use on all four wheels of
MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires.
Please consult your Nissan dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-25
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
To avoid the danger of being burned,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the gearshift
lever to the neutral position (automatic
transmission to ªPº).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to ªmaximum
hotº and fan control to ªhigh speedº.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.4. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water.
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan or belts.
IIf coolant is leaking, the cooling fan
belt is missing or loose or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the engine.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
5-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution (anti-freeze/water mix-
ture ratio: 50/50) which will ensure protection
against freezing down to þ30ÉF (þ35ÉC). The
anti-freeze solution contains rust and corro-
sion inhibitors, therefore additional cooling
system additives are not necessary.
When adding or replacing the coolant,
be sure to use an ethylene glycol anti-
freeze with the proper mixture ratio of
50% anti freeze 50% soft water.
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeSoft water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solutions
may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure cap.
Use a NISSAN genuine cap or its equivalent
when replacement is required.
Never remove the radiator cap when theengine is hot; serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down.Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in ªIf your vehicle
overheatsº found in the ªIn case of emergencyº
section.
CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the ªMINº level, add coolant to the
ªMAXº level. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiatorwhen
the engine is cold.If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it
to the reservoir tank up to the ªMAXº level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
IMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
DI1383M
7-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from ªOFFº to ªONº.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
ªOFFº.
2. Open the drain valve and radiator cap.
Open the drain plug on the engine block.
3. Open the air release plug to drain the
coolant.4. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.
5. Close the drain valve and drain plug se-
curely.
6. See the ªTechnical informationº section for
cooling system capacity.
Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir
tank slowly up to the ªMAXº level. Then
install the radiator cap and close the air
release plug.
7. Start the engine and warm it up until itreaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load.
Watch the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the
ªMAXº level.
9. Check the drain valve and drain plug for
any sign of leakage.
SDI0409SDI0410SDI0419
7-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Type A
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Type B
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole of the cap/tube assembly (as
shown above), then remove it from the tank. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid.Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manufac-
turer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully marked containers out
of the reach of children.
SDI0389ASDI0423
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
7-12
Z01.2.1/R50-DX