1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER automatic transmission fluid

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator lightorMalfunction indicator light
High beam indicator light (Blue)CRUISE indicator lightDoor open warning light
Seat belt reminder light and buzzerAnti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)Tire carrier open warning light
Engine oil pressure warning lightAnti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
Low fuel warning lightAutomatic transmission park warning light
Checking bulbs
Turn the ignition key to ªONº without starting
the engine. The following lights will come on:
,,or,or,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.Parking brake indicator
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHT
AND BUZZER
1-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches ªEº.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
needle reaches ªEº.
Low washer fluid warning
light (For Canada)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in
the washer tank is at a low level. Add washer
fluid as necessary. See the ªDo-it- yourself
operationsº section.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the ª4Hº or ª4Lº position.
CRUISE indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system.
If the light flickers while the engine is running,
it may indicate there is something wrong with
the cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
orAnti-lock
brake warning
light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock brake system. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive switch
is pushed in the ªOFFº position.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If the
transfer control is not secured in any drive
position while the automatic transmission se-
lector lever is in the ªPº position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the ª2Hº or
ª4Lº position when the warning light comes on.
IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer lever is in ªHº or ª4Lº and the
parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ªONº, this indicates that
the automatic transmission ªparkº position
will not function and the transfer lever is in
neutral.
IFailure to engage the transfer control lever
in ªHº or ª4Lº could result in the vehicle
moving unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
1-11
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Key positions
ªOFFº (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ªACCº (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ªONº Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
ªSTARTº (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a microcomputer to
produce maximum power and smooth opera-
tion.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment. If your vehicle is equipped with
four-wheel drive, see ª
Transfer case
shifting proceduresº in this section.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the selector lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªDº, ªRº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to
shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
ªPº and into any of the other gear positions
if the ignition key is turned to ªLOCKº or if
the key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the selec-
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-7
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Precautions ............................................................ 7-2
Engine cooling system ........................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................... 7-7
Automatic transmission fluid .................................. 7-9
Power steering fluid ............................................. 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid .......................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................................ 7-12
Battery .................................................................. 7-13
Drive belts ............................................................ 7-14
Spark plug replacement ....................................... 7-14
Air cleaner filter .................................................... 7-16
Wiper blade .......................................................... 7-17
Parking brake ....................................................... 7-18
Brake pedal .......................................................... 7-18
Brake booster ....................................................... 7-19
Clutch pedal ......................................................... 7-20
Fuses ................................................................... 7-20
Light bulbs ............................................................ 7-21
Wheels and tires .................................................. 7-26
Clutch housing ........................................... 7-30
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to ªPº
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the
ªOFFº or ªLOCKº position when per-
forming any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
and fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the
engine and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engineoil. Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section gives
instructions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

CHANGING OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry, and clothing away from any
moving parts such as fan and drive
belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
The fluid level should be checked using the
SDI0417SDI0488
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-9
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

ªHOTº range (ªLº & ªHº marks) on the dipstick
at fluid temperatures between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC) after the vehicle has been
driven approximately 5 minutes in urban areas
after the engine is warmed up. The level can
be checked at fluid temperatures between 86
and 122ÉF (30 and 50ÉC) using the ªCOLDº
range on the dipstick for reference, after the
engine is warmed up but before driving. How-
ever, the fluid level must be rechecked using
the ªHOTº range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in
ªPº.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
IDo not overfill.
IUSE ONLY Nissan Matic ªDº (Conti-
nental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission
Fluid (Canada). Dexron
TM
III/MerconTMor equivalent may also
be used. Outside the continental
United States and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/MerconTMor DexronTM
IIE/MerconTMAutomatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
SDI0386A
7-10
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

your vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the ªPº position without applying any
brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
ªMAXº and ªMINº lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. (Be sure to wait a few minutes to allowthe oil to drain back into the sump.)
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold and the engine
is turned off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in ªPº
with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. (See the carbon monox-
ide warning in the ªStarting and drivingº sec-
tion)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. See the ªAppearance and Interior
Careº section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehiclehas been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.
8-4
Z01.2.1/R50-DX