User manual NISSAN PATHFINDER-1998

Foreword Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN 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 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. READ FIRST -- THEN DRIVE SAFELY Before driving your vehicle please read your Owner's Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle. For descriptions specified for four wheel drive models, a mark is placed at the beginning 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 "Driving your four wheel drive safely" in the "5. Starting and driving" section. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and comfortable 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. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat. 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. ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD DRIVING This 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, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. For additional information, see "Onpavement and offroad driving precautions" and "Avoiding collision and rollover" in the "5. Starting and driving" section. 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. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways: WHEN READING THE MANUAL This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle. 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 at any time without notice. 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. SIC0697 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. If you see this symbol, it means Do not do this or Do not let this happen. © 1997 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 transportation services to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. 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 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 -- 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 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 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. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. Table of Contents Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio systems Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and care Do-it-yourself Maintenance Technical and consumer information Index 1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Seats ......................................................................... 1-2 Supplemental restraint system ................................. 1-9 Seat belts ................................................................ 1-17 Child restraints ........................................................ 1-25 SEATS FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT ¼ Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle. ¼ After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked. SSS0095 Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries. For most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat belt properly. See "Seat belts" later in this section for precautions on seat belt usage. 1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SPA0097 SPA0099 Forward and backward Pull the lever up while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position. Reclining To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward again, pull the lever and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward. Seat lifter (Driver's seat) Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3 FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT ¼ Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving in order that full attention may be given to the driving operations. ¼ Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls unattended children could become involved in serious accidents. SPA0463 Operating tips ¼ The motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch. ¼ Do not operate the power support seat for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery. Forward and backward Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Reclining Move the recline switch backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seat back forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seat back will move forward. 1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SPA0464 SPA0465 SPA0350 Seat lifter (Driver's seat) Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion. Lumbar support (Driver's seat) Turn the lever forward or backward to adjust the seat lumbar area. REAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT Before folding down the seat, hook the buckle sideways on to the button and hook on the tongue from the top. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5 are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. ¼ Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly. ¼ Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Always replace and adjust them properly if they have been removed for any reason. ¼ If the head restraints are removed for any reason, they should be securely stored to prevent them from causing injury to passengers or damage to the vehicle in case of sudden braking or an accident. ¼ Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury. IC0371 Folding 1. Remove the head restraints. 2. Pull the strap forward and fold the seat cushion up. 3. Pull the lever and pull the seatback forward to fold it down. 4. When resetting the seat, be sure to install the head restraints. ¼ Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop. ¼ It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas 1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems ¼ When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries. ¼ For most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat belt properly. See "Seat belts" later in this section for precautions on seat belt usage. ¼ After adjustment, check to be sure the seat is securely locked. IC0385 Reclining Pull the reclining lever and position the seat back at the desired angle. Release the reclining lever after positioning the seat at the desired angle. ¼ Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7 lower, push the lock knob and push the head restraint down. SPA0014 SPA0351 HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT ARMREST Pull the armrest forward until it is horizontal. Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Adjust the head restraints so the top is level with the top of your ears. To raise the head restraint, just pull it up. To Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury. 1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM This Supplemental Restraint System section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental air bags. The Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag can help reduce impact force to the driver and to the front passenger in certain frontal collisions. The supplemental air bags are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by the driver and passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. The seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel and instrument panel. (See "Seat belts" later in this section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.) After turning the ignition key to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is operational. SSS0096 ¼ The supplemental air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, roll over, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents. ¼ The seat belts and the supplemental air bags are most effective when you are sitting back and upright in the seat. Supplemental air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash and may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practical from the steering Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9 wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts. ¼ Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk that they are injured when the supplemental air bag inflates. SSS0098 1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SSS0006 SSS0007 SSS0008 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11 SSS0009 SSS0099 SSS0100 ¼ Never let children ride unrestrained. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the previous illustrations. ¼ Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental air bag inflates if they are not properly restrained. ¼ Also, never install a rear facing child 1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental air bag could seriously injury or kill your child. See "Seat belts" later in this section for infants and small children. SPA0390B Supplemental air bag system The driver supplemental air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. The supplemental air bag system is designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although it may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental air bag operation. When the supplemental air bag inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire, but care should be taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly. Supplemental air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the occupant. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating supplemental air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13