1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER spare tire

2 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key ......................................................................... 2-2
Door locks .............................................................. 2-2
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ......... 2-4
Battery replacement ................................................ 2-6
Spare tire carrier .................................................... 2-7
Back door locks ....................................................... 2-8
Rear window locks .................................................. 2-8
Hood release .......................................................... 2-9
Glove box lock ..................................................... 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock .................................................. 2-10
Fuel filler cap ....................................................... 2-11
Front seats ........................................................... 2-12
Rear seats ............................................................ 2-15
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ............................ 2-18Warning labels ...................................................... 2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light ..................... 2-22
Seat belts ............................................................. 2-24
Child restraints for infants and
small children ....................................................... 2-30
Tilting steering wheel ........................................... 2-36
Sun visor ............................................................... 2-37
Outside mirror control .......................................... 2-37
Outside mirrors .................................................... 2-38
Inside mirror ......................................................... 2-38
Luggage net .......................................................... 2-39
Luggage side finisher hook ................................... 2-39
Luggage hooks........................................................ 2-40
Luggage rack ........................................................ 2-41
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

FCC Notice:
This device complies with FCC rules part
15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference and (2) this de-
vice must accept any interference that may
be received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This device has been tested and complies
with FCC and DOC/MDC rules. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the
device.
When opening the back door, first open the
spare tire carrier in the sequence shown in the
illustration above. Then insert the stopper into
the hole to secure the carrier in the open
position.
IBe certain that there is adequate area to
allow the carrier to open fully.
IOpen the spare tire carrier slowly.
IBefore driving, be certain that the spare
tire carrier is firmly closed and latched.
SPA0385SPA0386
SPARE TIRE CARRIER
2-7
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the
system helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.It is
not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
If a tire slips on rough roads for more than
10 seconds, the ABS brake warning light
may come on. Turn OFF the ignition key,
restart the engine and drive the vehicle at
speeds above 20 MPH (30 km/h). If the
warning light does not go out, have the
vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the ªself-testº occurs, you may
hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a ªpulsationº in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ªABSº
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair atyour earliest convenience.
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
Refer to ªWheels and tiresº in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
4-24
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Getting the spare tire and tools
Remove jacking tools and spare tire from
storage area.Tightening torque of nuts:
48 to 66 ft-lb
(66 to 89 N×m)
Use a suitable padlock.
IDo not insert the jack rod straight as
it is designed to be inserted ob-
liquely.
SCE0112SCE0120
SCE0116A
5-3
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IMake sure the rod tip fits in the fitting
portion of the spare tire hanger and
turn the rod.
IBe sure to center the spare tire sus-
pending plate on the wheel and then
lift the spare tire.
Jacking up and removing wheel
To help avoid personal injury, carefully
read the following instructions.
1. On models with 265/70 R15 size tires, put
the adapter stored in the tool bag on the
jack when jacking up the front side.
Do not use the jack adapter for the rear.
2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up
point.
The jack should be used on level firm
ground.
3. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns byturning counterclockwise with the wheel nut
wrench.
Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire
is off the ground.
4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire
clears the ground. Remove the wheel nuts,
and then remove the wheel. Do not remove
the brake drum with the wheel.
SCE0113
5-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Installing wheel
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly until they are
tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence as illustrated.
As soon as possible tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
87 to 108 ft-lb (118 to 147 N×m)
5. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the glove box lid.
IRetighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum wheel.
6. Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
Always make sure that the spare tire and
jacking equipment are properly secured
after use. Such items can become dan-
gerous projectiles in an accident or sud-
den stop.
SCE0122
5-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

If you have a flat tire, see ªIn case of
emergencyº section.
Maximum inflation pressure
Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sures shown on the side wall of the tire.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the tire pressure (including
spare). Incorrect tire pressure may adversely
affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire pres-
sure should be checked when tires are COLD.
Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle
has been parked for three or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tirepressures are shown on the tire placard affixed
to the center console lid.
The vehicle capacity weight is indicated
on the tire placard. Do not load your
vehicle beyond this capacity. Overload-
ing your vehicle may result in reduced
tire life, unsafe operating conditions due
to premature tire failure, or unfavorable
handling characteristics and could also
lead to a serious accident. Loading be-
yond the specified capacity may also
result in failure of other vehicle compo-
nents.
Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you have loaded your vehicle heavily,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that
the tire pressure is at the specified level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(140 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed capability tires. Driving
faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h) may re-
sult in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
Types of tires
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. Your NISSAN dealer may
be able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability. Replacement tires may have
a lower speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match the
potential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use
all year around, including snowy and icy road
conditions. All Season Tires are identified by
ªALL SEASONº and/or ªM&Sº on the tire side-
wall. Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropriate
in some areas.
DI0047
WHEELS AND TIRES
7-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some mod-
els to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance in snow and
ice will be substantially reduced. Summer tires
do not have the tire traction rating ªM&Sº on
the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use
of ªSNOWº or ªALL SEASONº tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating to
the original equipment tires. If you do not, it
can adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local, state
and provincial laws before installing studded
tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may bepoorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
4-wheel drive model
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
4-wheel drive model.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains is prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer's suggestions.Use only
SEA class ªSº chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manu-
facturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed.
Otherwise, your vehicle may be damagedand/or vehicle handling and performance may
be adversely affected.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in
such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear paved
roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
7-27
Z01.2.1/R50-DX