1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER gas type

The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratcheting
clicks are heard.
IGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. Always stop engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or
sparks near the vehicle when refuel-
ing.
IFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn and wait for anyªhissingº sound to stop, to prevent
fuel from spraying out and possible
personal injury. Then remove the cap.
IUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper opera-
tion of the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap can
result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury.
If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
SPA0341SPA0342
FUEL FILLER CAP
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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
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

CHANGING OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as fan and drive belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
The fluid level should be checked using the
ªHOTº range (ªLº & ªHº marks) on the dipstick
SDI0417SDI0421
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

HEADLIGHTS
Semi-sealed beam type
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halogen)
bulb. A bulb can be replaced inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight
assembly.
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratchedor the bulb is dropped.
Hold the plastic base when handling the
bulb. Never touch the glass envelope.
Removing the headlight bulb
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
3. Turn the bulb retaining ring counterclock-
wise until it is free from the headlight reflec-
tor, then remove it.
4. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake
or rotate the bulb when removing it.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Insert the bulb into the headlight reflector
with the flat side of the plastic base facing
upward.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring and turn it
clockwise until it stops.
3. Push the electrical connector into the bulb
plastic base until it snaps and stops.
4. Connect the battery negative cable.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
IUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 65/45
Bulb no. 9004
IAiming is not necessary after replac-
ing the bulb. When aiming adjust-
ment is necessary, contact your NIS-
SAN dealer.
IDo not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture, and smoke may
enter the headlight body and affect
the performance of the headlight.
DI0156
LIGHT BULBS
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Model VG33E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60É
Bore´Stroke in (mm) 3.602´3.268 (91.5´83.0)
Displacement
cu in (cm
3)199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*1
Idle speed rpm
See the ªEmission Control
Labelº on the underside of the
hood. Ignition timing (BTDC)
degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Spark plug BKR4ES-11 (Hot)
BKR5ES-11 (Standard)
BKR6ES-11 (Cold)
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 to 0.043 (1.0 to 1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing belt*2
Alternator belt size
Width´Length
in (mm)0.8409´41.93 (21.36´1,065)
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. Refer to the appropriate maintenance
schedule in chapter 8.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
TI0001-A
ENGINE
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX