1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER check engine

Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) re-
mains the same from one pedal application
to the next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a
little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradu-
ally with each depression as the vacuum is
released from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brake checked by your NISSAN dealer.Press the pedal by hand and be sure the free
travel is within the above limit. If free travel is
out of the range shown above, see your NIS-
SAN dealer.
Engine compartment (Headlight
fuses)
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are ªOFFº.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
DI0070-BSDI0395
BRAKE BOOSTER CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-20
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day- to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives the
proper maintenance care. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. It is your responsibility to perform
these procedures regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.However, under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and tuned by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to work
on NISSAN's vehicles before they work on
your vehicle, rather than after they have
worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN deal-
er's service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle Ð in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge peri-
odically when at a service station, including the
spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if
necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
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
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles and
3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD vehicles.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf 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 hoodCheck that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, rollers and 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 VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*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.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesMake
sure that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothlyand that the locks (if so equipped) hold se-
curely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and
retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and
are installed securely. Check the belt webbing
for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require 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.
BrakesCheck 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 ªPark positionº
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that
8-3
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

your vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the ªPº position without applying any
brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The 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 coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck 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.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
ªMAXº and ªMINº lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
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 allowthe oil to drain back into the sump.)
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold and the engine
is turned off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in ªPº
with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake 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 the carbon monox-
ide warning in the ªStarting and drivingº sec-
tion)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. See the ªAppearance and Interior
Careº section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehiclehas been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.
8-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, 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.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filtermight 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 mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing 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 maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.Manual and automatic transmission, trans-
fer & differential gear oilVisually inspect for
signs of leakage and replace oil for limited-slip
differential. Under severe driving conditions,
the oil should be replaced at the specified
interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts & drive axle shaft bootsCheck for
damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, more
frequent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage. Under
severe driving conditions, more frequent in-
spection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving condition
(only).
Propeller shaft greaseApply specified
grease to the greasing points of propeller
shafts in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. In the case of driving in water,
greasing should be performed immediately
afterwards.
8-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ªspark knockº. (ªSpark
knockº 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 the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time.
9-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

10 Index
A
Adjustable shock absorber control (If so
equipped) ........................................................ 1-31
Air bag (See ªSupplemental restraint systemº)
Air bag warning light (See ªSupplemental air bag
warning lightº or ªWarningº)
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 3-5, 3-9
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-15
Heater and air conditioner........................... 3-3
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................. 9-9
Air flow charts ................................................. 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 3-15
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 3-20
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-24
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-4
B
Back door locks ................................................ 2-8
Battery............................................................. 7-13Battery replacement.......................................... 2-6
Before starting the engine ................................ 4-6
Belt hook ......................................................... 2-28
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-24
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-20
Brake pedal ............................................... 7-19
Brake wear indicators ...................... 1-12, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-12, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-15
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-24
Center and side vent ........................................ 3-2
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking coolant level ...................................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-7
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
30
Child safety ..................................................... 2-24
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-21
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clearing the programming information ........... 1-33Clock ................................................................. 1-8
Clutch housing................................... 7-30
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Coin tray ......................................................... 1-22
Cold weather driving cautions ........................ 4-25
Compact disc player operation ....................... 3-22
Compass and outside temperature
display ............................................................... 1-5
Console box .................................................... 1-24
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking coolant level ................................ 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Corrosion protection ....................................... 4-27
Cruise control.................................................. 4-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 1-23
D
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-18
Dimensions and weights ................................. 9-12
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-25
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-20
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-10
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................................. 4-3
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-23
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-15
Emission control information label .................. 9-14
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-20
Engine ............................................................. 9-10
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Starting the engine .................................... 4-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-12F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-14
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-19
Front seats ...................................................... 2-12
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-4
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glasses case .................................................. 1-23
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-10
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-19
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-15
Headlights ....................................................... 7-22
Heated seat (If so equipped) .......................... 1-20
Heater and air conditioner ................................ 3-3
Heater operation ........................................ 3-4, 3-8
Hood release .................................................... 2-9I
If your vehicle is ever stolen ........................... 1-33
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-38
Inspection light ................................................ 1-30
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-18
Integrated HomeLink
TMtransmitter
(If so equipped)............................................... 1-31
Interior light ..................................................... 1-29
J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-7, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-22
Cigarette lighter and ash trays .................. 1-21
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-15
Headlights.................................................. 7-22
Inspection light .......................................... 1-30
Interior light................................................ 1-29
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-22
Other lights ................................................ 7-23
Spot light ................................................... 1-30
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-30
10-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX