NISSAN PATHFINDER 1997 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
IThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused byoverloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your Nissan dealer. He can obtain
aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Maximum load limits
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
IWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lb (454
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load Speci-
fication Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties.
Information on trailer towing and re-quired towing equipment should be ob-
tained from dealers who specialize in
providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label. The gross vehicle weight
equals the combined weight of the unloaded
vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other optional equipment.
In addition, front or rear gross axle weight must
not exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
CA0036
9-17
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Unit: lb (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VG33E (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588)2,500 (1,134)
5,000 (2,268)*3
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159)250 (113)
500 (227)*3
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628)7,000 (3,175)
9,500 (4,308)*3
RECOMMENDED EQUIP-
MENT*2Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use
of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices
are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway
control device for your trailer.
*3: With oil cooler
Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your receiver
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle,
to help avoid personal injury or property dam-
age due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.
ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and Pathfinder models are
available at your Nissan dealer.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.
ICheck regularly to make sure that all
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
9-18
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (affixed to the
glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federaland/or local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift lever into
the ªPº position. If you move the shift lever
to the ªPº position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
9-19
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the ªHOTº position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For U.S.A.
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emissions Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation and Maintenance Log Booklet which
comes with your NISSAN. If you did not re-
ceive a Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet or it becomes lost, you may
obtain a replacement by writing.
INissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. Con-
sumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena. CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc. P.O. Box 1709, Station
ªBº Mississauga, Ontario, L4Y 4H6
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a crash
or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Ad-
ministration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles,
it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA can-
not become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer,
or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
(For U.S.A.)
9-20
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

You may notify NISSAN by contact-
ing our Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment, toll- free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ªready conditionº for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ªready conditionº
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a ªnot readyº condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to ªCº.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the ªCº and ªHº
(normal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least one more
time.
If step 1, 2 or 3 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 3 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (For
U.S.A.)
9-21
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

A Genuine Nissan Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for
your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illus-
trations and step-by-step diagnostic and ad-
justment procedures, this manual is the same
one used by the factory trained technicians
working at your Nissan dealership. Also avail-
able are Genuine NISSAN Owner's Manuals.
For current pricing and availability of a Genu-
ine NISSAN Service Manual or Genuine
NISSAN Owner's Manual, contact:In the U.S.A.:
See your NISSAN dealer or contact:
Dyment Distribution Services
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
In a hurry? Call 1-800-247-5321 and charge
your purchase to Visa/Master Card.
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please
contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the
phone number and location of a NISSAN
Dealer in your area call the Nissan Satis-
faction Center at 1-800-387-0122 and abilingual NISSAN representative will assist
you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner's Manuals for older Nissan models.
9-22
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See ªSupplemental restraint systemº)
Air bag warning light (See ªSupplemental airbag
warning light or warningº)
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 3-5, 3-9
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-15
Heater and air conditioner........................... 3-3
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................... 9-9
Air flow charts ................................................. 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) .................... 3-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 3-15
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-25
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-4
B
Back door locks ................................................ 2-8
Battery............................................................. 7-13
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-6Before starting the engine ................................ 4-7
Belt hook ......................................................... 2-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-25
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-19
Brake pedal ............................................... 7-18
Brake system............................................. 4-24
Brake pad wear indicators ............... 1-13, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-13, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-16
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Cargo (See ªvehicle loading informationº)
Cassette tape operation ................................. 3-23
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-27
Center and side vent ........................................ 3-2
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking coolant level ...................................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-7
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
34
Child safety ..................................................... 2-28
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-21Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clearing the programming information ........... 1-34
Clock ................................................................. 1-8
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Coin tray ......................................................... 1-22
Cold weather driving ....................................... 4-26
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-29
Compact disc player operation ....................... 3-22
Compass and outside temperature
display ............................................................... 1-5
Console box .................................................... 1-24
Controls ..................................................... 3-3, 3-7
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking coolant level ................................ 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Corrosion protection ....................................... 4-28
Cruise control.................................................. 4-14
Cup holder ...................................................... 1-23
D
Defroster switch
Rear window defroster switch ................... 1-18
Dimensions and weights ................................. 9-12
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 4-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-11
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................................. 4-4
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-17
Emission control information label .................. 9-14
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-20
Engine ............................................................. 9-10
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-7
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Starting the engine .................................... 4-13
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-14
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-19
Front seats ...................................................... 2-12
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-4
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glasses case .................................................. 1-24
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-10
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-19
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-15
Headlights ....................................................... 7-21
Heated seats (If so equipped) ........................ 1-20
Heater and air conditioner ................................ 3-3
Heater operation ........................................ 3-4, 3-8Hood release .................................................... 2-9
I
If your vehicle is ever stolen ........................... 1-35
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-5
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-44
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-18
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped)............................................... 1-31
Interior light ..................................................... 1-30
J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-7, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
Light
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-15
Headlights.................................................. 7-21
Interior light................................................ 1-30
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-21
Other lights ................................................ 7-23
Spot light ................................................... 1-31
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-25
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-31
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-9
10-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-25
Back door locks ........................................... 2-8
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock........................................... 2-10
Power door lock .......................................... 2-3
Rear window locks ...................................... 2-8
Luggage (See ªvehicle loading informationº)
Luggage board and box ................................. 1-26
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-45
Luggage net .................................................... 2-44
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-46
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test ............................................................. 9-22
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-34
Manual antenna .............................................. 3-27
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-44
Outside mirror control................................ 2-42
Outside heated defroster
(If so equipped) ......................................... 1-18
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-43
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-30Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ... 2-4
O
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-6
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions .. 4-
4
Operating the transmitter ................................ 1-33
Outside mirror control ..................................... 2-42
Outside heated defroster (If so
equipped) ........................................................ 1-18
Outside mirrors ............................................... 2-43
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-9
P
Parking ............................................................ 4-23
Parking brake ................................... 4-13, 7-18
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Power
Power antenna (If so equipped)................ 3-26
Power door lock .......................................... 2-3
Power socket ............................................. 1-22
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-24
Power support seat ................................... 2-14
Power window ........................................... 1-27Precautions ....................................................... 7-2
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-21
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................................. 4-4
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-27
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Programming problem diagnosis .................... 1-33
Programming the HomeLink
transmitter ....................................................... 1-32
Protecting against corrosion ............................. 6-5
Push starting ..................................................... 5-9
R
Radio............................................................... 3-15
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) ............... 3-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc
player ......................................................... 3-15
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-27
Radio operation ......................................... 3-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(For U.S.A.)..................................................... 9-21
Rear seats ...................................................... 2-16
Rear window defroster switch......................... 1-18
Rear window locks ............................................ 2-8
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 1-17
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-8
Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-9
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-20
10-3
Z01.2.1/R50-DX