1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER power steering fluid

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

Check the fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the
ªHOTº range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the
ªCOLDº range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
IDo not overfill.
IUse type DEXRONTMIIE, DEXRONTMIII
or equivalent.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the Min. line or the brake warn-
ing light comes on, add DOT 3 fluid up to the
Max. line.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should
be thoroughly checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. The use of im-
proper fluids can damage the brake sys-tem and affect the vehicle's stopping
ability.
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
DI0187MSDI0422
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
7-11
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

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmissionÐ Ð Ð API GL-4*1
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)Ð Ð Ð API GL-5*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil Ð Ð ÐOnly LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*2 approved for Nissan
LSD*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada).*6
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or equivalent
Transfer gear oilType DEXRONTM
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (U.S. F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease Ð Ð ÐNLGI No. 2 (Molybdenum disulphide lithium soap
base)
Multi-purpose greaseÐ Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricantsÐ Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For further details, see recommended SAE viscosity number chart.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your Nissan dealer.
*5: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification labelº.
*6: Dexron
TMIII/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 DexronTMIII/MerconTMor DexronTMIIE/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
9-3
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
10-2
Z01.2.1/R50-DX

Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-25
Back door locks ........................................... 2-8
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock........................................... 2-10
Power door lock .......................................... 2-3
Rear window locks ...................................... 2-8
Luggage (See ªvehicle loading informationº)
Luggage board and box ................................. 1-26
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-45
Luggage net .................................................... 2-44
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-46
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test ............................................................. 9-22
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-34
Manual antenna .............................................. 3-27
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-44
Outside mirror control................................ 2-42
Outside heated defroster
(If so equipped) ......................................... 1-18
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-43
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-30Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ... 2-4
O
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-6
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions .. 4-
4
Operating the transmitter ................................ 1-33
Outside mirror control ..................................... 2-42
Outside heated defroster (If so
equipped) ........................................................ 1-18
Outside mirrors ............................................... 2-43
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-9
P
Parking ............................................................ 4-23
Parking brake ................................... 4-13, 7-18
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Power
Power antenna (If so equipped)................ 3-26
Power door lock .......................................... 2-3
Power socket ............................................. 1-22
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-24
Power support seat ................................... 2-14
Power window ........................................... 1-27Precautions ....................................................... 7-2
Driving safety precautions ......................... 4-21
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions .................................................. 4-4
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-27
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Programming problem diagnosis .................... 1-33
Programming the HomeLink
transmitter ....................................................... 1-32
Protecting against corrosion ............................. 6-5
Push starting ..................................................... 5-9
R
Radio............................................................... 3-15
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) ............... 3-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc
player ......................................................... 3-15
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-27
Radio operation ......................................... 3-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(For U.S.A.)..................................................... 9-21
Rear seats ...................................................... 2-16
Rear window defroster switch......................... 1-18
Rear window locks ............................................ 2-8
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 1-17
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-8
Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-9
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-20
10-3
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