automatic transmission NISSAN PATHFINDER 1999 R50 / 2.G Owner's Manual

If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft beforehand
to prevent damage to the transmission.
Four wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that a dolly be used as
illustrated when towing four wheel drive mod-
els.
If towing with the front wheels on the
ground or with the rear wheels on the
ground (if you cannot use towing dol-
lies) is necessary: Move the transfer
case shift lever into the 2H position.
IWhen towing with the front wheels on
the ground: On manual transmission
models to move the shift lever to the
N (neutral) position, turn the ignition
key to the OFF position and secure
the steering wheel in a straightahead
position with a rope on similar de-
vice.
On automatic transmission models to
move the selector lever to N (neutral)
position, turn the ignition key to the
ACC position. After moving the selec-
tor lever to the N (neutral) position,
turn the ignition key to the OFF posi-
tion and secure the steering wheel in
a straightahead position with a rope
or similar device.
Never place the ignition key in the
LOCK position. This will result in
SCE0198
In case of emergency
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-3
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-4
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-5
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................... 8-9
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid ............................................................... 8-11
Clutch fluid .............................................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir ................................ 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Jump starting........................................................... 8-14
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-15Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-17
Cleaning .................................................................. 8-17
Replacement ........................................................... 8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-18
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-18
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-19
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-19
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-20
Checking clutch pedal ............................................. 8-20
Fuses....................................................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-21
Lights ....................................................................... 8-22
Headlights ............................................................... 8-23
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-26
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-26
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-27
Tire chains............................................................... 8-28
Changing tires and wheels...................................... 8-28
Clutch housing drain ................................... 8-31
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
and fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the
engine and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry, and clothing away from any
moving parts such as fan and drive
belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
SDI0417
SDI0488
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Do-it-yourself
8-9
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TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (L & H marks) on the dipstick at
fluid temperatures between 122 and 176ÉF (50
and 80ÉC) after the vehicle has been driven
approximately 5 minutes in urban areas after
the engine is warmed up. The level can be
checked at fluid temperatures between 86 and
122ÉF (30 and 50ÉC) using the COLD range on
the dipstick for reference, after the engine is
warmed up but before driving. However, the
fluid level must be rechecked using the HOT
range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in P.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
IDo not overfill.
IUSE ONLY Nissan Matic D (Continen-
tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission
Fluid (Canada). Dexron
TM
III/
Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be
used. Outside the continental United
States and Alaska contact a NISSAN
dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recom-
mended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/
Mercon
TM
or Dexron
TM
IIE/Mercon
TM
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
SDI0386A
8-10
Do-it-yourself
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uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from
the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure it has the proper distance under it
when depressed fully. Check the brake
booster function. Be certain to keep floormats
away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check that the lever has the proper travel and
confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission P position
mechanism:
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is
held securely with the selector lever in the P
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure
to wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain
back into the sump.)
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level
is between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever
in P (Park) with the engine idling.Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off
any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have
accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no
cracks, deformation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks
or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems
unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes,
immediately locate the trouble and correct it.
See ªPrecautions when starting and drivingº in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for exhaust
gas (carbon monoxide).
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy
9-4
Maintenance
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Schedule 1Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km´1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, rotors, drums & liningsIIIIIIII
Automatic transmission & transfer fluid,
manual transmission & differential gear oil
(exc. LSD)See NOTE (1)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil See NOTE (1)IRIR
Steering gear, linkage & transfer gear, axle & suspension partsIIIIIIII
Drive shaft boots (
) IIIIIIII
Propeller shaft See NOTE (2)LLLLLLLL
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease (
) See NOTE (3)IRIR
Exhaust systemIIIIIIII
Supplemental air bag system and supple-
mental side air bag systems (if so
equipped)See NOTE (4)
Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) vacuum hosesIIII
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles(48,000 km)
or 24 months except for LSD. Change LSD gear oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) The propeller shaft should be re-greased after being immersed in water.
(3) If operating frequently in water, replace grease every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months.
(4) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
9-8
Maintenance
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Schedule 2Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km´1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, rotors, discs, drums & liningsIIII
Automatic transmission & transfer fluid, manual transmission & dif-
ferential gear oil (exc. LSD)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oilIRIR
Steering gear, linkage & transfer gear, axle & suspension parts I I
Drive shaft boots (
) IIII
Propeller shaft See NOTE (1)LLLL
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease (
) IRIR
Exhaust systemII
Supplemental air bag system and supplemental
side air bag systems (if so equipped)See NOTE (2)
Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) vacuum hosesIIII
NOTE: (1) The propeller shaft should be re-greased after being immersed in water.
(2) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
9-10
Maintenance
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Emission control system
maintenanceAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Drive belts*:
Check drive belts for wear, fraying or cracking
and also for proper tension. Replace the drive
belts if found damaged.
Air filter:
Under normal driving conditions, 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. Conse-
quently, the element may have to be replaced
more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines:
Check vapor lines and connections for failure
or looseness. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel lines:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness or deterioration. Replace
any parts if they are damaged.Fuel filter:
If the vehicle is operated under extremely
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 maintenance schedule. However, un-
der severe driving 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 & cables:
Check the brake lines and hoses (including
brake booster vacuum hoses, connections &
check valve) and parking brake cables for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing,
abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings:
Check these and the other neighboring brake
components for wear, deterioration and leaks.
Under severe driving conditions, they may
have to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer & differential gear fluid:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage and re-
place oil for limited-slip differential. Under se-
vere driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear, linkage & transfer gear,
axle & suspension parts & drive axle
shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness and leakage of
oil or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
more frequent inspection should be per-
formed.
Maintenance
9-11
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Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmissionÐ Ð Ð API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)Ð Ð Ð API GL-5*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil Ð Ð ÐOnly LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*2 approved for Nissan
LSD*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental US and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada).*6
Power steering fluidGenuine Nissan PSF II or equivalent*7
Transfer fluidNissan Matic ªDº or Equivalent Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid*6 or API GL-4*1
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease Ð Ð ÐNLGI No. 2 (Molybdenum disulphide lithium soap
base)
Multi-purpose greaseÐ Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricantsÐ Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent*5
*1: For further details, see recommended SAE viscosity number chart.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: See ªVehicle identificationº later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*6: Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*7: Genuine Nissan PSF, Canada Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid, DexronTM
III/Mercon
TM
or equivalent ATF may also be used.
Technical and consumer information
10-3
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