1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine Nissan oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in ªchange intervalsº.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new Nissan vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,Ð towing a trailer.
9-7
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
9-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

PATHFINDER
Overall length*1 in (mm) 178.3 (4,530)
Overall width in (mm) 68.7 (1,745)
72.4 (1,840)*2*3
Overall height in (mm) 67.1 (1,705)
67.9 (1,725)*2
Front tread in (mm) 58.3 (1,480)
59.1 (1,500)*2
Rear tread in (mm) 58.5 (1,485)
59.3 (1,505)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 106.3 (2,700)
Gross vehicle weight rating
lb (kg)See the ªF.M.V.S.S. certification
labelº on the driver's side lock
pillar.
Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: On spare tire carrier equipped models, the spare tire carrier adds 9.45 in (240
mm) to the overall length.
*2: SE models
*3: XE models with overfenderWhen planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle's engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating
may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles can be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your ve-
hicle to areas where appropriate fuel is not
available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTSWHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRY
9-12
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifi-
cation for your vehicle and is used in the
vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
STI0095STI0089STI0094
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
IThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused byoverloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your Nissan dealer. He can obtain
aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (affixed to the
glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federaland/or local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift lever into
the ªPº position. If you move the shift lever
to the ªPº position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

You may notify NISSAN by contact-
ing our Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment, toll- free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ªready conditionº for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ªready conditionº
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a ªnot readyº condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to ªCº.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the ªCº and ªHº
(normal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least one more
time.
If step 1, 2 or 3 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 3 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (For
U.S.A.)
9-21
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See ªSupplemental restraint systemº)
Air bag warning light (See ªSupplemental airbag
warning light or warningº)
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 3-5, 3-9
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-15
Heater and air conditioner........................... 3-3
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................... 9-9
Air flow charts ................................................. 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) .................... 3-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 3-15
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-25
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Semiautomatic air conditioner ..................... 3-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-4
B
Back door locks ................................................ 2-8
Battery............................................................. 7-13
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-6Before starting the engine ................................ 4-7
Belt hook ......................................................... 2-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-25
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-19
Brake pedal ............................................... 7-18
Brake system............................................. 4-24
Brake pad wear indicators ............... 1-13, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-13, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-16
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Cargo (See ªvehicle loading informationº)
Cassette tape operation ................................. 3-23
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-27
Center and side vent ........................................ 3-2
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking coolant level ...................................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-7
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
34
Child safety ..................................................... 2-28
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-21Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clearing the programming information ........... 1-34
Clock ................................................................. 1-8
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Coin tray ......................................................... 1-22
Cold weather driving ....................................... 4-26
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-29
Compact disc player operation ....................... 3-22
Compass and outside temperature
display ............................................................... 1-5
Console box .................................................... 1-24
Controls ..................................................... 3-3, 3-7
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking coolant level ................................ 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Corrosion protection ....................................... 4-28
Cruise control.................................................. 4-14
Cup holder ...................................................... 1-23
D
Defroster switch
Rear window defroster switch ................... 1-18
Dimensions and weights ................................. 9-12
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 4-26
Z01.2.1/R50-DX