check engine NISSAN PATHFINDER 1999 R50 / 2.G Service Manual

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 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles and 3,750 miles
(6,000 km) for 4WD vehicles. However, the
timing for tire rotation may vary according to
your driving habits and road surface condi-
tions.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe
properly.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors and the engine hood,
operate properly. Also ensure that all latches
lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollersand links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleLights*:
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.INTERIOR MAINTENANCEThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or
strange noises.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and
that the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in
all latched positions.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system
(e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and retrac-
tors) operate properly and smoothly, and are
installed securely. Check the belt webbing for
cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure the pedal does not catch or require
Maintenance
9-3
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X

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
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X

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
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X

eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get thegreatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time.
Technical and consumer information
10-5
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X

11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-25
Air bag
Warning labels........................................... 1-20
Warning light .................................... 1-20, 2-10
Air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-16
Air bag system, side (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-10
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-3, 4-9
Air conditioner service ................ 4-3, 4-9, 4-11
Air conditioner specification
label .......................................... 4-3, 4-9, 10-13
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ............... 4-3, 4-9
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (if so
equipped)..................................................... 4-9
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 10-8
Air flow charts ............................................ 4-6, 4-9
Alcohol drugs and driving ................................. 5-4
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player....................................................... 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-12Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-40
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-25
Power ........................................................ 4-25
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light........................... 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-3
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) .... 2-25
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............. 8-9
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-34
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-4
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-25
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-11
Brake booster ............................................ 8-19
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-11Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-19
Parking brake check ........................ 5-15, 8-18
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-15
System....................................................... 5-25
Warning light ............................................. 2-11
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-18
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-22
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-26
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-26
Cellular phone
Steering switch .......................................... 2-50
Switch operation ........................................ 2-51
Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-41
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
Installation on rear seat center position .... 1-32
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-40
With top tether strap.................................. 1-40
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X

Child safety ..................................................... 1-24
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-14
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-25
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 7-3
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-20
Fluid ........................................................... 8-11
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-27
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-28
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-9
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-5
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-4
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cruise control.................................................. 5-16
Cup holders .................................................... 2-26
DDaytime running light system ......................... 2-20Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-18
Dimensions and weights ............................... 10-10
Door ajar warning light.................................... 2-10
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-14
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-27
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-13
On-pavement and offroad driving ............... 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-19
Emission control information label ................ 10-12
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-18
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Block heater .............................................. 5-28
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant ............................. 8-4
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-3
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-4
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Engine serial number .............................. 10-12
Engine specifications................................. 10-9If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-12
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-16
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-22
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............. 8-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-11
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-4
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-22
Four wheel drive (4WD).................................. 5-19
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-13
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-12
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-12
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-19
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-4
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X
11-2

Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-13
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ........................................ 3-11
Glove box lock........................................... 2-27
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Rear door opener ...................................... 3-10
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-29
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-32
MMaintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 9-2
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle...................................... 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-30
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual antenna .............................................. 4-25
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Map lights ....................................................... 2-35
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5N
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-18
OOdometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirror defogger .................................. 2-18
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-15
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-12
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10
PParking
Brake check............................................... 8-18
Parking brake check.................................. 5-15
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 5-15
Warning light/indicator lights and chimes ... 2-9
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-23
Password, Infiniti Communicator .................... 2-50
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal lights ................................................ 2-36Power
Power antenna .......................................... 4-25
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-24
Socket........................................................ 2-24
Precautions
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-16
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-31
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-23
On supplemental restraint system ............ 1-10
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions .................................................. 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-18
Push starting ................................................... 6-10
R
Rack, Luggage rack ........................................ 2-32
Radio, CB radio or car phone......................... 4-26
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-19
Rear door ........................................................ 3-10
Rear door lock ................................................ 3-10
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Rear door opener ........................................... 3-10
Rear power point ............................................ 2-24
Rear seat adjustment ....................................... 1-6
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 2-17
Registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-11
Z
01.1.22/R50-D/V5
X
11-4