1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine overheat

The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
The gauge indicates the coolant temperature.
The coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
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 ªIn
case of emergencyº section for immedi-
ate action required.
SIC0588SIC0545
TACHOMETER
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
1-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The front seat(s) are warmed by built-in heat-
ers. The switches located on the instrument
panel can be operated independently of each
other.
1. Start the engine.
The battery could run down if the heater is
operated while the engine is not running.
2. Push the ª
º (Low) or ªº (High)
position of the switch, as desired, depend-
ing on the temperature. The indicator light
in the switch will illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle's interior is warmed or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch off.
IDo not use the seat heater for a long
time or when no one is seated there.
IDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise,
the seat may become overheated.
IDo not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.
IAny liquid spilled on the heating seat
should be immediately wiped up with
a dry cloth.
IWhen cleaning the seat, never use
benzine, thinner, or any similar mate-
rials.
IIf any abnormalities are found or the
heating seat does not operate, turnthe switch OFF and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
SIC0595
HEATED SEAT (If so equipped)
1-20
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
IFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button on. Be sure to turn off the air recir-
culation button for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º posi-
tion.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
IThe fan speed will be maintained automati-
cally.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to set the
desired temperature.
IAdjust the temperature control dial to about
75ÉF (24ÉC) for normal operation.IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF to
improve the defogging performance.
2. Turn the air control dial to the ª
º
position.
3. (Manual mode)
Turn on the fan control dial (1 to 3).
(Auto mode)
Turn the fan control dial to the AUTO
position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Operating tips
IKeep windows and sun roof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
IAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This willallow the air conditioner to cool the interior
more quickly.
IThe air conditioning system should be op-
erated for about ten minutes at least once a
month. This helps prevent damage to the
system due to lack of lubrication.
IIf the coolant temperature gauge exceeds
the ªHOTº position, turn the air conditioner
off. See ªIf your vehicle overheats ºin the ªIn
case of emergencyº section for additional
information.
IIf the engine coolant reaches an extremely
high temperature, the air conditioning sys-
tem will automatically turn off. This may
happen for example if the engine is run at
idle for a long time on a hot day.
3-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device, installed in the exhaust system. In the
converter, exhaust gases are burned at high
temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. While the engine is
running, keep people or flammable
materials away from the exhaust sys-
tem.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials, such as dry
grass, waste paper, or rags as they
may burn easily.
To help prevent damage
IDo not use leaded gasoline.
Deposits from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way catalyst's
ability to help reduce exhaust pollut-
ants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, orelectrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if noticeable
loss of performance or other unusual
operating conditions are detected. Have
the vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance
than passenger cars and a narrower track to
make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. An advantage of
higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the
same speeds as conventional 2-wheel drive
vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
4-3
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal and
off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly de-
signed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that two-wheel drive models are
less capable than four-wheel drive models for
rough road driving and extrication when stuck
in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
IDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
IMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you maystall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
IStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
IIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in reverse gear. Never
back down in neutral (N) or with the
clutch depressed, using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.
IHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it willnot be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers.
IAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to rollover. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
IBefore operating vehicle, ensure that
the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken if
you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your NISSAN
is more affected by gusty side winds.
4-20
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

If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading, or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
To avoid the danger of being burned,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the gearshift
lever to the neutral position (automatic
transmission to ªPº).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to ªmaximum
hotº and fan control to ªhigh speedº.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.4. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water.
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan or belts.
IIf coolant is leaking, the cooling fan
belt is missing or loose or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the engine.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
5-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution (anti-freeze/water mix-
ture ratio: 50/50) which will ensure protection
against freezing down to þ30ÉF (þ35ÉC). The
anti-freeze solution contains rust and corro-
sion inhibitors, therefore additional cooling
system additives are not necessary.
When adding or replacing the coolant,
be sure to use an ethylene glycol anti-
freeze with the proper mixture ratio of
50% anti freeze 50% soft water.
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeSoft water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solutions
may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure cap.
Use a NISSAN genuine cap or its equivalent
when replacement is required.
Never remove the radiator cap when theengine is hot; serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down.Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in ªIf your vehicle
overheatsº found in the ªIn case of emergencyº
section.
CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the ªMINº level, add coolant to the
ªMAXº level. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiatorwhen
the engine is cold.If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it
to the reservoir tank up to the ªMAXº level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX