maintenance NISSAN PATHFINDER 1997 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle has been delivered to you with confidence. Your vehicle has been produced
using the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of driving
pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle maintenance
schedules.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the extensive
resources available to him.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a safe
and complete trip for you and your passengers!
INEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
IALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
IALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child re-
straint systems.
IALWAYS provide information about the proper use of
vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
IALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating instruc-
tions for all systems, features and optional equipment that might
appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destination in
North America, including the continental United States, Canada
and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find information in this
manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
For descriptions specified for 4-wheel drive models, a
mark is
placed at the beginning of the applicable sections/items.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an
ordinary passenger car, because it has a higher center of
gravity for off-road use. As with other vehicles with features of
this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or an accident.
Be sure to read ªOn-Pavement and Off-Road driving precau-
tionsº and ªAvoiding collision and rolloverº in the ªStarting and
drivingº section of this manual.
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and
distributes them in 170 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery,
fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply Nissan and
Nissan dealers with materials and services rang-
ing from operation of port facilities and transpor-
tation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts
and accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing.
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.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental Re-
straint System Air Bag may not operate prop-
erly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is designed
to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supplemen-
tal air bag light will remain illuminated after
inflation has occurred. Repair and replace-ment of the supplemental air bag system
should be done only by authorized NISSAN
dealers.
To ensure long-term functioning, the sys-
tem must be inspected 10 years after the
date of manufacture noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side center
pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system and
related parts should be pointed out to the
person conducting the maintenance. The igni-
tion key should always be in the ªLOCKº
position when working under the hood or in-
side the vehicle.
IOnce the supplemental air bag has
inflated, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. The supplemental
air bag module should be replaced by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
supplemental air bag module cannot
be repaired.
IThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an authorizedNISSAN dealer if there is any damage
to the front end portion of the vehicle.
IIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct supplemental air bag dis-
posal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
2-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available which is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The
extender adds approximately 8 inches (200
mm) of length and may be used for either the
driver or right passenger seating position. See
your NISSAN dealer for assistance if the ex-
tender is required.
IOnly NISSAN belt extenders, made by
the same company which made the
original equipment belts, should be
used with NISSAN belts.
IPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result in
serious personal injury in the event of
an accident.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
ITo clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.
IIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.
IPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
IInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
IChildren and infants should never be
carried on your lap. It is not possible
for even the strongest adult to resist
the forces of a severe accident. The
child could be crushed between the
adult and parts of the vehicle. Also,
do not put the same seat belt around
both your child and yourself.
INissan recommends that the child
restraint be installed in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
IAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
CHILD RESTRAINTS FOR
INFANTS AND SMALL CHILDREN
2-34
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the performance
of the tires even with 4WD.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IInstall the same size of winter tires on
all four (4) wheels (such as studless
tires) or install tire chains to the rear
wheels when driving on slippery
roads (e.g., after a snow) and drive
carefully using 4WD.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water as
specified in ªWET BRAKESº under
the heading ªPrecautions when driv-
ingº.
IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-nance may be required. For details,
refer to ªMaintenance under severe
driving conditionsº under the head-
ing ªMaintenance scheduleº.
4-22
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Be sure the ignition key is ªOFFº. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
1. Disconnect spark plug cables. Keep track
of the original cable location.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots Ð not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original location.
SDI0424DI0064
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
7-14
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the ªMainte-
nance scheduleº section. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
Operating the engine with the air cleaner
off can cause you or others to be
burned. The air cleaner not only cleans
the air, it stops flame if the engine back-fires. If it is not there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working
on the engine with the air cleaner off.
SDI0393
AIR CLEANER FILTER
7-16
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

8 Maintenance schedule
General maintenance ............................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance ............................................ 8-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day- to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives the
proper maintenance care. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. It is your responsibility to perform
these procedures regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.However, under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and tuned by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to work
on NISSAN's vehicles before they work on
your vehicle, rather than after they have
worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN deal-
er's service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle Ð in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge peri-
odically when at a service station, including the
spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if
necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX