clutch NISSAN PATHFINDER 1998 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSANdealer.
or
Anti-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 ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
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 P position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H or 4L
position when the warning light comes on.IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer lever is in H or 4L and the parking
brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that the
automatic transmission P position will not
function and the transfer lever is in neutral.
IFailure to engage the transfer control lever
in H or 4L could result in the vehicle moving
unexpectedly, resulting in serious personal
injury or property damage.
Instruments and controls
2-11
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONSYour NISSAN is designed for both normal and
offroad use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly de-
signed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
offroad vehicle.
Remember that two wheel drive models are
less capable than four wheel drive models for
rough road driving and extrication when stuck
in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
IDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Offroad ve-
hicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.IMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
IStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
IIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in reverse gear. Never
back down in neutral (N) or with the
clutch depressed, using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.
IHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrownaround when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it will
not be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers.
IAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to rollover. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving of-
froad. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
IBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken if
you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
Starting and driving
5-5
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

To lock the steering wheel, remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.KEY POSITIONSOFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.START (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 ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-8
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park position)
or N (Neutral position). (P preferred)
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral po-
sition), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather ÐUse the accelerator pedal to help start the
engine.
Do not operate the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at least
30 seconds after starting. Drive at moder-
ate speed for a short distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
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. If your vehicle is equipped with four
wheel drive, see ªUsing four wheel driveº later
in this section.Starting the vehicleIAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the D, R, 2 or 1 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 P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the
key is removed from the switch.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving
5-9
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

MANUAL TRANSMISSIONIDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of con-
trol.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.To change gears, fully depress the clutchpedal, then move the gearshift lever. After
shifting, release the clutch slowly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
Reverse. First shift into the Neutral position,
then into Reverse.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
Reverse or 1st, shift into Neutral, then release
the clutch pedal and shift into Reverse or 1st
again. If your vehicle is equipped with four
wheel drive, see
ªUsing four wheel driveº later in this section.
Suggested shift-up speedsThe table below provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These
suggestions relate to fuel economy and ve-
hicle performance. Actual shift ranges should
be adjusted for specific road conditions,
weather conditions and individual driving hab-
its.
ITwo wheel drive models and four wheel
drive models (2H and 4H position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (25)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (65)
4th to 5th 45 (75)
*1 Acceleration:Normal acceleration such as
standing start
*2 Cruise:
Driving without rapid acceleration
or deceleration at moderate speed
which permits maximum fuel
economy
IFour wheel drive model (4L position)
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (20)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (36)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gearDownshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road
driving, use the highest gear suggested for
that speed. Always observe posted speed
limits, and drive according to the road condi-
tions which will ensure safe operation. Do not
overrev the engine when shifting to a lower
gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of
vehicle control.
Allowable maximum speed in each gear
SSD0107
5-14
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

Two wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
Four wheel drive models
2H position
1st 22 (35)
2nd 37 (60)
3rd 56 (90)
4th & 5th 78 (125)
Four wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
4H position
1st 22 (35)
2nd 37 (60)
3rd 50 (80)
4th & 5th 50 (80)
4L position
1st 9 (15)
2nd 19 (30)
3rd 28 (45)
4th & 5th 31 (50)IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
IWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,shift to N (Neutral) and release the
clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.
To apply:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly, push
the button and lower completely.
PD1185M
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving
5-15
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.IBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead to
an accident.
IDo not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
IDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
IDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The cruise indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
IIf the cruise indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
IThe cruise indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned on
while pushing the RES/ACCEL,
COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (located
on the steering wheel). To properly set the
cruise control system, perform the preced-
ing steps in the order indicated.Do not use 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.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is on. This could cause engine damage.
If this happens, depress the clutch pedal
and turn the main switch off
immediately.
CRUISE CONTROL
5-16
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONThe cruise control allows driving at a fixed
speed between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch on. The indicator light on the switch will
come on.
To set at cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. (The
CRUISE light will come on.) Take your foot offthe accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will main-
tain the set speed.
ITo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle will return to the previ-
ously set speed.
IThe vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,follow any of
these three methods:a) Push the cancel switch; The CRUISE light
will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; The CRUISE light will
go out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the ON
indicator and CRUISE light will go out.
IIf you depress the brake pedal while push-
ing the ACCEL set switch and reset at the
cruising speed, turn the main switch off
once and then turn it on again.
IThe cruise control will automatically be can-
celled if the vehicle slows down more than
8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.
IDepress the clutch pedal (manual transmis-
sion), or move the selector lever to N posi-
tion (automatic transmission). CRUISE light
will go out.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,follow
either of these three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the RES/
SSD0019A
Starting and driving
5-17
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch
pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch
pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H or 4L to 4L or
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING PROCEDURES
Starting and driving
5-21
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-3
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-4
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................... 8-9
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-14
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-18
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-20
Fuses....................................................................... 8-20
Lights ....................................................................... 8-21
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-26
Clutch housing drain ................................... 8-30
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X