service NISSAN PATHFINDER 1998 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new NIS-
SAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you
with confidence. It was produced using the
latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand 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 Mainte-
nance 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.
READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable
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 condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and ap-
propriate child restraint systems.
Preteen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
IAlways provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.
For descriptions specified for four wheel drive
models, a
mark is placed at the begin-
ning of the applicable sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
offroad use, failure to operate four wheel
drive models correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. For additional
information, see ªDriving your four wheel
drive safelyº in the ª5. Starting and driv-
ingº section.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVINGThis vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for offroad use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or an accident.
For additional information, see ªOn-
pavement and offroad driving precau-
tionsº and ªAvoiding collision and roll-
overº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section.
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Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come 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 somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern 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
ranging from operation of port facilities andtransportation services to the supply of lubri-
cants, 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 tech-
nician 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 seat 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
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NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN
dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your
NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you
would like to provide NISSAN directly with
comments or questions, please contact our
(NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department us-
ing our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland customers
1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canada customers
1-800-387-0122The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone
number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dash-
board)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information
on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
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If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing.
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds and
then go off as described above.
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 system will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe 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 LOCK position
when working under the hood or inside the
vehicle.IOnce the supplemental air bag has
inflated, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. The supplementalair 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 authorized
NISSAN 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.
1-16
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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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
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being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blink-
ing and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink.
Examples are as follows:
Ivehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
Ifuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the vehicle
to an authorized NISSAN dealer and have thevehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary di-
agnosis during the service by informing the
dealer of the conditions listed above that may
have occurred.
Four wheel drive indicator
light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.BUZZERS
Key reminder buzzerThe buzzer will sound when the driver side
door is opened if the key is left in the ignition
switch. Take the ignition key when you leave
the vehicle.Light reminder buzzerA buzzer will sound if the driver's door is
opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key in the ON position. Turn the light
switch off when you leave the vehicle.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
it will make a high pitched scraping sound.
Have the brakes checked as soon as possible
if the warning sound is heard when the vehicleis moving, whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed.
Instruments and controls
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IIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
ITighten until cap clicks, failure to
tighten fuel cap properly may cause
the
malfunction indicator light
(MIL) to illuminate. If this occurs, it
will be necessary to take your vehicle
in for service by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
SPA0342
3-12
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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exceeds the hot position, turn the air con-
ditioner off. For additional information, see
ªIf your vehicle overheatsº in the ª6. In case
of emergencyº section.
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.
AIR FLOW CHARTSSee earlier in the ªHeater and air conditioner
(manual)º section for air flow charts.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put
anything on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth's
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lu-
bricant are required when servicing your
NISSAN air conditioner. Using improper refrig-
erants or lubricants will cause severe damage
to your air conditioning system. See ªCapaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the
ª10. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally friendly air conditioning
system.
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper
equipment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-13
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IDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
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.
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.
IIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
IDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
IDo not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
IKeep the back door and rear window
closed while driving, otherwise ex-
haust gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the back door on rear win-
dow open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switchOFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
IIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
IIf a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other us-
age, follow the manufacturer's rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)
IThe exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
Starting and driving
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When the battery charge is low, the selec-
tor lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
INever shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.Shifting from P (Park)If the ignition switch is in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the
selector lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park), follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ACC position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the selector
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
5. Check stop light operation.If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position while the
engine is running and the brake pedaldepressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in N
(Neutral) should only be used until service can
be obtained. Never drive the vehicle if the stop
lights are not operating properly.
5-10
Starting and driving
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