
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 ªONº position. Turn the light
switch off when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. 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.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.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
ªACCº, the system will not activate.
IC0005
THEFT WARNING (If so equipped)
1-13
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position
and remove the key.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
INever leave the engine running while
vehicle is unattended.
IDriving with vacuum assisted brake:
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
IDriving with the power assisted steer-
ing:
The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at low
speeds.
IWet brakes:
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until thebrakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
IAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
ITo help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, before going
down a slope or long grade, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear.
IWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or down-
shifting. Abrupt braking actions or sudden
acceleration could cause the wheels to
skid.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN DRIVING
4-23
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

With the engine running, check distance A
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the dash lower panel.
Distance A
M/T models
2-1/2 in (65 mm) or more
A/T models
2-3/4 in (70 mm) or more
If it is out of the range shown above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indi-
cator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not
have audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear
drum brakes, have them inspected as soon as
possible by your NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals shouldbe followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate main-
tenance schedule information in the ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº section of this manual.
DI0453
BRAKE PEDAL
7-19
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and eco-
nomical driving, NISSAN provides two differ-
ent maintenance schedules that may be used,
depending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain both
distance and time intervals, up to 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)/48 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little, your
vehicle should be serviced at the regular time
intervals shown in the schedule.
After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48
months, continue periodic maintenance at
the same mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
IRepeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
IRepeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside temperatures
remaining below freezing.
IOperating in hot weather in stop-and-go
ªrush hourº traffic.
IExtensive idling and/or low speed driv-
ing for long distances, such as police,taxi or door-to-door delivery use.
IDriving in dusty conditions.
IDriving on rough, muddy, or salt spread
roads.
ITowing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in Sched-
ule 1 apply to your driving habits.
Maintenance for off-road driving
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more
frequent maintenance may be required of the
following items:
GBrake pads and discs
GBrake lining and drums
GBrake lines and hoses
GWheel bearing grease
GDifferential, transmission and transfer oil
GSteering linkage
GPropeller shafts and front drive shafts
GAir cleaner filter
GClutch housing (Check water entry. Refer to
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.)
These items should be checked frequently to
assure safe and proper operation of your ve-
hicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
8-5
Z01.2.1/R50-DX
![NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of mile NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of mile](/manual-img/5/597/w960_597-189.png)
SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km´1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsIIIIIIII
Manual & automatic transmission, transfer &
differential gear oil (exc. LSD)See NOTE (1)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil See NOTE (1)IRIR
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension partsIIIIIIII
Drive shaft boots & propeller shaft (
) IIIIIIII
Propeller shaft grease See NOTE (2)LLLLLLLL
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspension ball jointsIIIIIIII
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease (
) See NOTE (3)IRIR
Exhaust systemIIIIIIII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (4)
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles(48,000 km)
or 24 months except for LSD. Change LSD gear oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) The propeller shaft should be re-greased daily if it is immersed in water.
(3) If operating frequently in water, replace grease every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months.
(4) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
8-7
Z01.2.1/R50-DX
![NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of mile NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of mile](/manual-img/5/597/w960_597-191.png)
SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km´1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsIIII
Manual & automatic transmission, transfer & differential gear oil
(exc. LSD)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oilIRIR
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts I I
Drive shaft boots (
) IIII
Propeller shaft grease See NOTE (1)LLLL
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspension ball jointsI
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease (
) IRIR
Exhaust systemII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (2)
NOTE: (1) The propeller shaft should be re-greased daily if it is immersed in water.
(2) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
8-9
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