1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER ECU

The luggage hooks can be used to secure
cargo with ropes or other types of straps.
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.
IUse the suitable ropes and hooks to
secure cargo.
INever allow anyone to ride in the
luggage area. It is extremely danger-
ous to ride in a cargo area inside of a
vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.
Side finisher
IWhen hooking on ropes, do not apply a
load of more than 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb) to a
single hook.
IDo not use the luggage net between the
A and B hooks.
Floor hooks
SPA0408ASPA0365
LUGGAGE HOOKS
2-45
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

The cross-bars can be adjusted forward and
backward. Place your luggage between the
bars (A), adjust the bars (A), and secure the
luggage with rope to the bars (A). There are
also adjustable loops on the side bars for the
rope attachment.
Always evenly distribute the luggage on the
luggage rack.Do not load more than 100 lbs.
(45 kg).Be careful that your vehicle does not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or its Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR front and rear). The GVWR and
GAWR are located on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label (located on the driver's door
pillar). For more information regarding GVWRand GAWR, refer to ªTechnical and customer
informationº.
Use care when placing or removing
items from the luggage rack. If you can-
not comfortably lift the items onto the
luggage rack from the ground, use a
ladder or stool.
SPA0397
LUGGAGE RACK
2-46
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

IDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
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.
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon Monoxide)
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous
gas, and can cause unconsciousness or
death.
IIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
IDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
IDo not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
IKeep the back door and rear window
closed while driving, otherwise ex-
haust gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you must
drive in this manner for some reason,
take the following steps.
1. Open all the windows.2. Set the air recirculate switch
ªOFFº and the fan control at
ªhighº to circulate the air.
IIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
IIf a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other us-
age, follow the manufacturer's rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)
IThe exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
4-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal and
off-road use. However, avoid driving in deep
water or mud as your NISSAN is mainly de-
signed for leisure use, unlike a conventional
off-road vehicle.
Remember that two-wheel drive models are
less capable than four-wheel drive models for
rough road driving and extrication when stuck
in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
IDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
IMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you maystall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
IStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
IIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in reverse gear. Never
back down in neutral (N) or with the
clutch depressed, using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control.
IHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it willnot be thrown forward and cause in-
jury to you or your passengers.
IAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to rollover. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
IBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken if
you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your NISSAN
is more affected by gusty side winds.
4-21
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

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into reverse (automatic transmission in
ªPº).
The transfer control lever must
be in the ª2Hº, ª4Hº or ª4Lº position.
Never place the transfer control lever in
the ªNº position. Otherwise, the vehicle
could roll unexpectedly even if the
manual transmission is in gear or the
automatic transmission is in the ªPº
position. This could result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance person-nel that you require assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
IMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into reverse
(automatic transmission in ªPº).
INever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or a slippery area.
This is hazardous.
INever change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire.
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and could cause personal
injury.
MCE0001
FLAT TIRE
5-2
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.
Spare tire cover (If so equipped)
The spare tire cover cannot be removed or
attached unless the spare tire is detached from
the spare tire carrier.
1. Attach the cover to the entire periphery of
the inner half and the top part of the spare
tire.
2. Secure the spare tire to the spare tire
carrier as shown in the illustration.
3. Fasten the zip fastener of the spare tire
cover.
SCE0150
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.
IIncorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
IDo not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
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)
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.
Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle
has been run for 600 miles (1,000 km) after
installing the aluminum wheel.
SCE0139
SCE0140
SCE0122
5-6
Z01.2.1/R50-DX