1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER coolant temperature

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion 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 and 50% distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions may damage your engine cooling
system.
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeDistilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine 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.
IThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use a NISSAN genuine cap
or its equivalent when replacement is
required.
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.
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from ªOFFº to ªONº.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
ªOFFº.
2. Open the radiator drain plug and radiator
cap.
Open the drain plugs on the engine block.3. Open the air release plug to drain the
coolant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.
5. Close the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs securely.
6. See the ªTechnical informationº section for
cooling system capacity.
Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir
tank slowly up to the ªMAXº level. Then
install the radiator cap and close the air
release plug.7. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load.
Watch the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the
ªMAXº level.
9. Check the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs for any sign of leakage.
SDI0409SDI0410SDI0419
7-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km´1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter
(Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
8-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles´1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km´1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Part No. 15208 31U00 or equivalent.)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
8-8
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filtermight become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Timing belt
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.Manual and automatic transmission, trans-
fer & differential gear oilVisually inspect for
signs of leakage and replace oil for limited-slip
differential. Under severe driving conditions,
the oil should be replaced at the specified
interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts & drive axle shaft bootsCheck for
damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, more
frequent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage. Under
severe driving conditions, more frequent in-
spection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving condition
(only).
Propeller shaft greaseApply specified
grease to the greasing points of propeller
shafts in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. In the case of driving in water,
greasing should be performed immediately
afterwards.
Front wheel bearing greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
8-10
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
9-19
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