maintenance NISSAN PATHFINDER 1998 R50 / 2.G Owner's Manual

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Emission control system
maintenanceDrive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated underextremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filter
might become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Timing belt
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission, trans-
fer & differential gear oilVisually inspect for
signs of leakage and replace oil for limited-slip
differential. Under severe driving conditions,
the oil should be replaced at the specified
interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts & drive axle shaft bootsCheck for
damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, more
frequent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage. Under
severe driving conditions, more frequent in-
spection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving condition
(
only).
9-10
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

Propeller shaft greaseApply specified
grease to the greasing points of propeller
shafts in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. In the case of driving in water,
greasing should be performed immediately
afterwards.
Front wheel bearing greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning (4x2).
Check the wheel bearing grease condition or
repack these in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. In case of frequent driving in
muddy water, the bearing grease inspection
should be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
Supplemental air bag systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components for
proper attachment, damage, deformities,
cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance
9-11
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

MEMO9-12
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

10 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......... 10-2
Specifications .......................................................... 10-9
Tires and wheels ................................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your
vehicle in another country ..................................... 10-11
Vehicle identification ............................................. 10-12
Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-14
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-15
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-19
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-19
Readiness for inspection/
maintenance (I/M) test (US only) .......................... 10-20
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. Nissan recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should be
used. This type of oil supersedes the existing
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CERTI-
FICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found.Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must
however, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
cosity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not
mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in
the engine at the same time.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the ve-
hicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart recommended SAE viscos-
ity number shows the recommended oil vis-
cosities for the expected ambient tempera-
tures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious engine
damage.
STI0077
10-6
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine Nissan oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in change intervals.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new Nissan vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
TI0008-A
Technical and consumer information
10-7
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

ENGINE
Model VG33E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60É
Bore´Stroke in (mm) 3.602´3.268 (91.5´83.0)
Displacement
cu in (cm
3)199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*1
Idle speed rpm
See the ªEmission control
labelº on the underside of the
hood. Ignition timing (BTDC)
degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Spark plug BKR4E-11 (Hot)
BKR5E-11 (Standard)
BKR6E-11 (Cold)
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 to 0.043 (1.0 to 1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing belt*2
Alternator belt size
Width´Length
in (mm)0.8409´41.93 (21.36´1,065)
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See ªPeriodic maintenanceº in the ª9.
Maintenanceº section for maintenance intervals.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
TI0001-A
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information
10-9
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT 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 US:1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emissions Performance WarrantyFor 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 USA Consumer
Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena.
CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
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
(US only)
Technical and consumer information
10-19
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

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 not ready 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 C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating 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.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
10-20
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

11 Index
A
ABS ................................................................. 5-25
Adjusting the time ........................................... 2-33
Adjustment
Front manual seat ....................................... 1-2
Front power seat ......................................... 1-4
Head restraint .............................................. 1-8
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-5
Shoulder belt ............................................. 1-22
Air bag
System....................................................... 1-13
Warning label ............................................ 1-15
Warning light .................................... 1-15, 2-10
Air cleaner....................................................... 8-16
Air conditioner
Manual ......................................................... 4-3
Operation, Manual ....................................... 4-5
Operation, Semiautomatic ......................... 4-11
Semiautomatic ............................................. 4-9
Servicing .................................................... 4-13
Specification label ................................... 10-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-8
Aluminum alloy wheels, Cleaning ..................... 7-3
Anchor point location, Top strap..................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-25
Anti-freeze, Cold weather ............................... 5-26
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-25Appearance care
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8
Ashtray ............................................................ 2-22
Audio system .................................................. 4-14
Automatic
Sunroof, Operation .................................... 2-32
Transmission fluid ....................................... 8-9
Transmission, Driving .................................. 5-9
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Back door.......................................................... 3-9
Battery
Cold weather ............................................. 5-26
Maintenance .............................................. 8-13
Replacement, Multi-remote control ............. 3-6
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-8
Belt
Drive .......................................................... 8-14
Extender, Seat........................................... 1-25
Height adjustment, Shoulder ..................... 1-22
Maintenance, Seat .................................... 1-25
Seat ........................................................... 1-17
Brake
Booster ...................................................... 8-19
Fluid ........................................................... 8-11Parking ...................................................... 5-15
Pedal ......................................................... 8-18
System....................................................... 5-24
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-18
Bulb
Checking...................................................... 2-9
Indicator ..................................................... 2-12
Replacement ............................................. 8-22
Warning light ............................................... 2-9
Buzzer ............................................................. 2-13
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricant .. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-26
Carbon monoxide, Exhaust gas ....................... 5-2
Cassette tape player operation....................... 4-16
Cassette tape player operation, with
compact disc (CD) player type ....................... 4-22
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-26
Certification label, F.M.V.S.S. ....................... 10-13
Chain, Tire ...................................................... 8-27
Changing
A flat tire ...................................................... 6-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-8
Engine oil filter............................................. 8-9
Tire and wheel........................................... 8-28
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X