1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine coolant

1 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................. 1-3
Speedometer and odometer .................................. 1-3
Tachometer ............................................................ 1-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........................ 1-4
Fuel gauge ............................................................. 1-5
Compass and outside temperature display
(If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-5
Clock ....................................................................... 1-8
Warning/indicator light and buzzer .......................... 1-9
Theft warning (If so equipped) .............................. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......................... 1-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................... 1-16
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 1-17
Rear window defroster switch .............................. 1-18
Instrument brightness control ............................... 1-18
Front fog light switch ............................................. 1-19
Hazard warning flasher switch ............................. 1-19Heated seats (If so equipped) ............................... 1-20
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ............................. 1-21
Power socket ......................................................... 1-22
Coin tray ................................................................ 1-22
Cup holder ............................................................. 1-23
Glasses case ......................................................... 1-24
Console box .......................................................... 1-24
Luggage board and box ........................................ 1-26
Tonneau cover ...................................................... 1-26
Power window ....................................................... 1-27
Sunroof (if so equipped) ....................................... 1-29
Interior light ........................................................... 1-30
Spot light ............................................................... 1-31
Vanity mirror light ................................................. 1-31
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-31
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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 engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with
the outside air temperature and driving condi-
tions.
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

Air recirculation button
OFF position
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment when this button is off.
Use the off position for normal heater or air
conditioner operation.
ON position
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the button on when driving on a dusty
road. The indicator light will come on.
Air conditioner button
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (Auto, 1 to 3) position and push the air
conditioner button to turn on the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light will come on when
the air conditioner is on. To stop the air con-
ditioner, push the switch again to return it to
the original position.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct hot air from the
floor outlets.
1. Push the air recirculation button OFF for
normal heating.
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. 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.
IFor quick heating, push the air recirculation
button ON. Be sure to turn off the air
recirculation button for normal heating.IWhen starting up from cold with the fan
control dial in the AUTO position, the
blower speed will be fixed in the low mode
until the coolant temperature rises.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side,
center and driver vents.
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. Turn the temperature control dial to set the
desired temperature.
IThe temperature will be maintained auto-
matically.
3-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
switch should always be in the ªOFFº po-
sition for heating and defrosting.
3-11
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

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 at
your 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
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. For details, see ªChanging
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Engine Coolantº in the ªDo- it-yourself opera-
tionsº section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, Nissan rec-
ommends the use on all four wheels of
MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires.
Please consult your Nissan dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws beforeinstalling tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are in-
stalled according to the chain manufactur-
er's suggestions.Use only SAE Class ªSº
chains.Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the res-
ervoir tank.
4-27
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IAutomatic transmission models can-
not be started by pushing. This may
cause transmission damage.
IThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three-way catalyst may be
damaged.
INever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
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:
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being burned,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
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 ªmaximumhotº and fan control to ªhigh speedº.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
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. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
5-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running fan
or belts.
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.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instruc-
tions are available from your NISSAN dealer.
Local service operators will generally be famil-
iar with the applicable laws and procedures for
towing. To assure proper towing and to pre-
vent accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends that you have a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to
have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
INever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
INever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
IWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and power train are in good order. If
any unit is damaged, a dolly must be
used.IWhen towing with the front wheels on
the ground:
Turn the ignition key to the ªOFFº
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the ªLOCKº
position. This will result in damage to
the steering lock mechanism.
IWhen towing manual transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to the
neutral position.
IFor 4-wheel drive model:
Move the transfer case shift lever into
the ª2Hº position and the transmis-
sion shift lever into the neutral (ªNº)
position.
IAttach safety chains for all towing.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX