User manual NISSAN PATHFINDER-1997

Foreword Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle has been delivered to you with confidence. Your vehicle has been produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control. This manual has been prepared to help you understand 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 Maintenance 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. NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS OWNER'S MANUAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a safe and complete trip for you and your passengers! ¼ NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ¼ ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions. ¼ ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. ¼ ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle. ¼ ALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety information. This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating instructions for all systems, features and optional equipment that might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destination in North America, including the continental United States, Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find information in this manual that does not apply to your vehicle. For descriptions specified for 4-wheel drive models, a placed at the beginning of the applicable sections/items. mark is ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an ordinary passenger car, because it has a higher center of gravity for off-road use. As with other vehicles with features of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read "On-Pavement and Off-Road driving precautions" and "Avoiding collision and rollover" in the "Starting and driving" section of this manual. MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under NISSAN warranties. All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways: SIC0697 If you see this symbol, it means "Do not do this" or "Do not let this happen". This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely. This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully. © 1996 NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Welcome To The World Of NISSAN Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and has led the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency 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 -- most importantly -- through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control. From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers 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 technician 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 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 -- a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own. AFW0001 Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations. Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world wide, collectively growing to become 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 some cars 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 engineering 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 suppliers and over 170 dealers employ approximately 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 and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. 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 can not assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact our (NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department using 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 1-800-387-0122 The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: -- Your name, address, and telephone number -- Vehicle identification number (on dashboard) -- Date of purchase -- Current odometer reading -- Your NISSAN dealer's name -- Your comments or questions OR You 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. P.O. Box 1709, Station "B" Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4H6 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. Contents Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio system Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and interior care Do-it-yourself operations Maintenance schedule Technical and consumer information Index 1 Instruments and controls Meters and gauges ................................................. 1-3 Speedometer and odometer .................................. 1-3 Tachometer ............................................................ 1-4 Engine coolant temperature gauge ........................ 1-4 Fuel gauge ............................................................. 1-5 Compass and outside temperature display (If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-5 Clock ....................................................................... 1-8 Warning/indicator light and buzzer .......................... 1-9 Theft warning (If so equipped) .............................. 1-13 Headlight and turn signal switch .......................... 1-15 Windshield wiper and washer switch .................... 1-16 Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 1-17 Rear window defroster switch .............................. 1-18 Instrument brightness control ............................... 1-18 Front fog light switch ............................................. 1-19 Hazard warning flasher switch ............................. 1-19 Heated seats (If so equipped) ............................... Cigarette lighter and ash trays ............................. Power socket ......................................................... Coin tray ................................................................ Cup holder ............................................................. Glasses case ......................................................... Console box .......................................................... Luggage board and box ........................................ Tonneau cover ...................................................... Power window ....................................................... Sunroof (if so equipped) ....................................... Interior light ........................................................... Spot light ............................................................... Vanity mirror light ................................................. Integrated HomeLink transmitter (If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-20 1-21 1-22 1-22 1-23 1-24 1-24 1-26 1-26 1-27 1-29 1-30 1-31 1-31 1-31 Driver's supplemental air bag (P.2-23) Meter/gauge (P.1-3) Cruise control set switch (P.4-14) Headlight/dimmer/turn signal switch (P.1-15) Front fog light switch (P.1-19) Cruise control main switch (P.4-14) Outside mirror remote control (P.2-42) Compass/outside air temperature display (P.1-5) Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.1-16) Passenger supplemental air bag (P.2-23) Hazard warning flasher switch (P.1-19) Center ventilator (P.3-2) Side ventilator (P.3-2) Heater/air conditioner control (P.3-3) Instrument brightness control (P.1-18) Theft warning light (P.1-13) Fuse box cover (P.7-21) Coin tray (P.1-22) Hood release handle (P.2-9) Tilting steering wheel adjust lever (P.2-41) Ignition switch/steering lock (P.4-5) Rear window/outside mirror defroster switch (P.1-18) Glove box (P.2-10) Cigarette lighter (P.1-21) Heated seat switch (P.1-20) Radio/CD player (P.3-15)/clock (P.1-8) Rear window wiper/washer switch (P.1-17) See the page indicated in parentheses for operating details. SIC0682 1-2 METERS AND GAUGES SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER SIC0587 Speedometer The speedometer indicates vehicle speed. Odometer The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been driven. SIC0586 Trip odometer The trip odometer records the distance of individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip odometer to zero by pushing the RESET knob. 1-3 TACHOMETER ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE ate action required. SIC0588 SIC0545 The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (r/min). The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature will vary with the outside air temperature and driving conditions. When engine speed approaches the red zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating the engine in the red zone may cause serious engine damage. If the gauge indicates over the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the engine is overheated, continued operation of the vehicle may seriously damage the engine. See "In case of emergency" section for immedi- 1-4 FUEL GAUGE COMPASS AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY (If so equipped) SIC0546 SIC0590 SIC0610 The gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE fuel level in the tank. The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill. The gauge needle is designed to remain in approximately the same position, even when the ignition key is turned "OFF". Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers Empty. This unit is a display unit which possesses the following functions: ¼ Function to measure terrestrial magnetism and indicate heading direction of vehicle ¼ Function to indicate outside air temperature ¼ Function to indicate caution for frozen road surfaces Outside temperature display Push the switch when the ignition key is in the "ACC" or "ON" position. The outside temperature will be displayed in "°F". ¼ Selecting the indication range Push the switch to change from "°F" to "°C". ¼ If the outside temperature drops below the freezing point, the display indicates ICE . 1-5 ¼ When the outside temperature is between 130°F (55°C) and 158°F (70°C), the display shows 130°F (55°C). ¼ When the outside temperature is lower than -20°F (-30°C) or higher than 158°F (70°C), the display shows only "- - -" though it is operating. This is not a problem. ¼ The outside temperature sensor is installed in the front of the radiator. The display may not indicate the precise temperature due to the heat of the road and engine depending on the direction of the wind and driving conditions, etc. ¼ Use the "ICE" indication for reference only. Confirm the traffic information and road conditions to drive safely. SIC0611 1-6 CLOCK Compass display Push the switch when the ignition key is in the "ACC" or "ON" position. The direction will be displayed. ¼ If a magnet is located near the compass or the vehicle is driven where the terrestrial magnetism is disturbed, the compass display may not indicate the correct direction. ¼ In places where the terrestrial magnetism is disturbed, the correction of the direction starts automatically, extinguishing the direction bar. If turn is made one or two times, the correction is complete and the direction bar comes back on. Zone variation change procedure The difference between magnetic north and geographical north is known as variance. In some areas, this difference can sometimes be great enough to cause false compass readings. Follow these instructions to set the variance for your particular location if this happens: 1. Establish your location on the zone map. Record your zone number. 2. Push the "ON/OFF" switch in for five seconds until the current zone entry number is displayed. 3. Press the "ON/OFF" switch repeatedly until the new zone entry number is displayed. Once the desired zone number is displayed, stop pressing the "ON/OFF" switch and the display will show compass direction within a few seconds. Correction functions of the compass display The compass display is equipped with automatic correction function. If the direction is not shown correctly, carry out manual correction procedure set out below. SIC0591 The digital clock displays time when the ignition key is in "ACC" or "ON". If the power supply is disconnected, the clock will not indicate the correct time. Readjust the time. Manual correction procedure 1. Push the switch for about 10 seconds. The direction bar starts blinking. 2. Drive the vehicle slowly in an open and safe area. The initial correction is completed while turning one or two turns. In places where the terrestrial magnetism is extremely disturbed, the initial correction procedure may start automatically. Clock set (Adjustment) Depressing the "CLOCK" and the " " or " " buttons together will set hours. Depressing the "CLOCK" and " " or " " buttons together will set minutes. 1-7 SIC0691 Clock operation By pressing the "CLOCK" button, you can alternate the clock and the radio/cassette tape options in the display. Clock priority mode In this mode the clock will be shown in the display. If any radio or cassette tape functions are activated, the radio, cassette or CD display will illuminate for ten seconds then return to the clock mode. After clock adjustment, the radio is in the clock priority mode. 1-8 WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHT AND BUZZER Turn signal/hazard indicator lights or Brake warning light Low washer fluid warning light (For Canada) 4-wheel drive indicator light CRUISE indicator light Anti-lock brake warning light (Except for Canada) Anti-lock brake warning light (For Canada) Overdrive off indicator light Automatic transmission park warning light Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light or Malfunction indicator light High beam indicator light (Blue) Seat belt reminder light and buzzer Engine oil pressure warning light Charge warning light Low fuel warning light Door open warning light Tire carrier open warning light Supplemental air bag warning light Checking bulbs Turn the ignition key to "ON" without starting the engine. The following lights will come on: , , or , or , Turn signal/hazard indicator lights The light flashes when the turn signal switch lever or hazard switch is turned on. Parking brake indicator The light comes on when the parking brake is applied. Low brake fluid warning The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running, stop the vehicle and perform the following: 1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See "Brake and clutch fluid" in the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. or The following lights come on briefly and then go off: or , , If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the electrical system. Have the system repaired promptly. Brake warning light This light functions for both the parking brake and the foot brake systems. 1-9 2. If the brake fluid level is correct: Have the warning system checked by a NISSAN dealer. High beam indicator light (Blue) This light comes on when the headlight high beam is on, and goes out when the low beams are selected. oil" in the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. ¼ Your brake system may not be working 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 repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed. ¼ Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped could increase your stopping distance and braking will require greater pedal effort as well as pedal travel. ¼ If the level is below the MINIMUM mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive until the brake system has been checked at a NISSAN dealer. Seat belt reminder light The light and buzzer remind you to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition key is turned to "ON", and will remain illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the buzzer will sound for about six seconds unless the driver's seat belt is securely fastened. Refer to "Seat belts" in the "Pre-driving checks and adjustments" section for precautions on seat belt usage. Running the engine with the oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so. Charge warning light If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is something wrong with the charging system. Turn the engine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately. Engine oil pressure warning light This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop. The oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. See "Engine 1-10 CRUISE indicator light Do not continue driving if the belt is loose, broken or missing. The light comes on while the vehicle speed is controlled by the cruise control system. If the light flickers while the engine is running, it may indicate there is something wrong with the cruise control system. Have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. Automatic transmission park model) warning light ( This light indicates that the automatic transmission parking function is not engaged. If the transfer control is not secured in any drive position while the automatic transmission selector lever is in the "P" position, the transmission 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. ¼ When parking, always make sure that the transfer lever is in "H" or "4L" and the parking brake is set. ¼ If the ATP light is "ON", this indicates that the automatic transmission "park" position will not function and the transfer lever is in neutral. ¼ Failure 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. Low fuel warning light This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches "E". There should be a small reserve of fuel remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge needle reaches "E". or Anti-lock brake warning light Low washer fluid warning light (For Canada) This light comes on when the washer fluid in the washer tank is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the "Do-it- yourself operations" section. 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. 4-wheel drive indicator light This light comes on when the transfer shift control lever is in the "4H" or "4L" position. Overdrive off indicator light This light comes on when the overdrive switch is pushed in the "OFF " position. 1-11 Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light model) ( This light comes on when the automatic transmission oil temperature is too high. If the light comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until the light turns off. Continued vehicle operation when the A/T oil temperature warning light is on may damage the automatic transmission. ¼ Malfunction indicator light blinking -- An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emission control system. To reduce or avoid emission control system damage: * do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h). * avoid hard acceleration or deceleration. * avoid steep uphill grades. * if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed. The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking 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. Examples are as follows: ¼ vehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the engine to misfire. ¼ fuel 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 the vehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary diagnosis during the service by informing the dealer of the conditions listed above that may have occurred. or Malfunction indicator light (MIL) Door open warning light This light comes on when any of the doors and/or back door is not closed securely while the ignition key is "ON". If the Malfunction indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control problem. The Malfunction indicator light will come on in one of two ways: ¼ Malfunction indicator light on steady -- An emission control system malfunction has been detected. 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, which may affect your warranty coverage. Some conditions may cause the malfunction indicator light to come on steady or blink. Tire carrier open warning light (If so equipped) This light comes on when the tire carrier is not closed securely while the ignition key is "ON". 1-12 THEFT WARNING (If so equipped) Supplemental air bag warning light When the ignition key is in the "ON" or "START" position, the supplemental air bag light will illuminate for about 7 seconds and then turn off. This means the system is operational. If any of the following conditions occur, the supplemental air bag needs servicing and your vehicle must be taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN dealer. 1. The supplemental air bag light goes off within 7 seconds. 2. The supplemental air bag light flashes intermittently or remains on. (after 7 seconds) 3. The supplemental air bag light does not come on at all. Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental Restraint System may not function properly. For additional details on the Supplemental Air Bag System, see Section 2. accident. Key reminder buzzer The 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 buzzer A 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 warning The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings. 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 vehicle is moving, whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. IC0005 The theft warning system provides visual and audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are disturbed. How to activate the theft warning system 1. Close all windows. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. 3. Close and lock all doors, hood, back door and glass hatch. The doors can be locked either with or without the key. The system can be activated even if the windows are open. If the supplemental air bag warning light is on, it could mean that the supplemental air bag system will not operate in an 1-13 4. Confirm that the indicator light comes on. The light will glow for about 30 seconds and then blink. The system is now activated. If, during this 30 second time period, the door is unlocked by the key or multi-remote controller, or the ignition key is turned to "ACC", the system will not activate. Theft warning system operation The warning system will give the following alarm: ¼ The headlights blink and the horn sounds intermittently. In addition, the starter motor will not operate. ¼ The alarm automatically turns off after 2 to 3 minutes; however, the alarm will reactivate if the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm is activated by: SIC0603 ¼ If the key is turned slowly when locking the door, the system may not activate. Furthermore, if the key is turned excessively to the unlock position, the system may be deactivated when the key is removed. If the indicator light fails to glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door once and lock it again. ¼ Even when the driver and/or passengers are in the vehicle, the system will activate with all doors, hood and back door locked and ignition key off. Turn the ignition key to "ACC" to turn the system off. ¼ Unlocking the door, back door or back door glass hatch without using the key or multiremote controller. (Even if the door is opened by releasing the door inside lock knob, the alarm is activated.) ¼ Opening the hood. 1-14 HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH How to stop alarm The alarm will stop only by unlocking a door or back door with the key or multi-remote controller. The alarm will not stop if the ignition switch is turned to "ACC". If the system does not operate as described above, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer. SIC0188 Lighting Turn the switch to the " " position: The side combination, tail, license plate and instrument lights will come on. Turn the switch to the " " position: Headlights will come on and all the other lights remain on. To select the high beam, push the lever forward. Pull it back to select the low beam. 1-15