1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER ignition

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

Be sure the ignition key is ªOFFº. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
1. Disconnect spark plug cables. Keep track
of the original cable location.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots Ð not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original location.
SDI0424DI0064
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
7-14
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Press the pedal by hand and be sure the free
travel is within the above limit. If free travel is
out of the range shown above, see your
NISSAN dealer.Engine compartment (Headlight
fuses)
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are ªOFFº.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
DI0070-BSDI0395
CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-20
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Passenger compartment
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are ªOFFº.2. Pull to open the fuse box cover/coin tray.
3. Pull the fuse box cover/coin tray horizon-
tally to remove it.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHTS
Semi-sealed beam type
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halogen)
bulb. A bulb can be replaced inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight
assembly.
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
SDI0447DI0156
LIGHT BULBS
7-21
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ªspark knockº. (ªSpark
knockº is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is lightspark knock for a short time.
9-5
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

Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-11
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................................. 4-4
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-17
Emission control information label .................. 9-14
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-20
Engine ............................................................. 9-10
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-7
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-6
Engine serial number ................................ 9-13
Starting the engine .................................... 4-13
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-14
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-19
Front seats ...................................................... 2-12
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-4
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glasses case .................................................. 1-24
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-10
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-19
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-15
Headlights ....................................................... 7-21
Heated seats (If so equipped) ........................ 1-20
Heater and air conditioner ................................ 3-3
Heater operation ........................................ 3-4, 3-8Hood release .................................................... 2-9
I
If your vehicle is ever stolen ........................... 1-35
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-5
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-44
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-18
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped)............................................... 1-31
Interior light ..................................................... 1-30
J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-7, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
Light
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-15
Headlights.................................................. 7-21
Interior light................................................ 1-30
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-21
Other lights ................................................ 7-23
Spot light ................................................... 1-31
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-25
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-31
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-9
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

S
Safety
Child safety................................................ 2-28
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-21
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-20
Seat adjustment .............................................. 2-12
Seat belt
2-point type with retractor (Center position of
rear seat) ................................................... 2-32
3-point type with retractor ......................... 2-30
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-27
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-34
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-34
Seat belts .................................................. 2-27
Semiautomatic air conditioner .......................... 3-7
Spare tire carrier ............................................... 2-7
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-14
Speedometer and odometer ............................. 1-3
Spot light ......................................................... 1-31
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-7
Jump starting ..................................... 5-7, 7-13
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .................................... 4-13
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-24
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-41
Sunroof (If so equipped) ................................. 1-29
Sunvisors ........................................................ 2-42
Supplemental air bag warning light ................ 2-25Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental air
bag system) .................................................... 2-19
Switch
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-15
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-5
Rear window defroster switch ................... 1-18
Rear window wiper and washer
switch......................................................... 1-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-16
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 1-4
Theft warning (If so equipped)........................ 1-13
Three-way catalyst ............................................ 4-3
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 2-41
Timing belt ...................................................... 9-10
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 5-2
Spare tire carrier ......................................... 2-7
Tire placard ............................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ............................................. 7-26
Wheels and tires .............................. 7-26, 9-11
Tonneau cover ................................................ 1-26
Tow truck towing ............................................. 5-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ................................ 5-11
4-wheel drive models ................................ 5-12
Tow truck towing ....................................... 5-10
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-18
Trailer towing ............................................. 9-16
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-16Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-11
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 1-31
Vehicle identification ....................................... 9-13
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ..................................................... 9-13
Vehicle identification number plate ........... 9-13
Vehicle loading information............................. 9-15
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck
vehicle)............................................................ 5-13
W
Warning
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-19
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-25
Theft warning (If so equipped) .................. 1-13
Warning labels........................................... 2-25
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-9
Wheels and tires ................................... 7-26, 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in an-
other country ................................................... 9-12
Window washer fluid ....................................... 7-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 1-16
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switch......................................................... 1-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-16
Wiper blade ............................................... 7-17
10-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX