1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER check engine

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities andtransportation services to the supply of lubri-
cants, parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
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According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
IAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
In general, child restraints are designed to be
installed with a lap belt or the lap portion of a
three point type seat belt. Child restraints for
infants and children of various sizes are of-
fered by several manufacturers. When select-
ing any child restraint, keep the following
points in mind:
IChoose only a restraint with a label certify-
ing that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
ICheck that child restraint in your vehicle to
be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's
seat and seat belt system. Choose a child
restraint that meets the guidelines of the
Society of Automotive Engineers recom-
mended practice J1819 for child restraint
installation.
IIf the child restraint is compatible with your
vehicle, place your child in the child re-
straint and check the various adjustments
to be sure the child restraint is compatiblewith your child. Always follow all recom-
mended procedures.
All US states and provinces of Canada
require that infants and small children be
restrained in approved child restraints at
all times while the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
IImproper use of a child restraint can
result in increased injuries for both
the infant or child and other occu-
pants in the vehicle.
IFollow all of the child restraint manu-
facturer's instructions for installation
and use. When purchasing a child
restraint, be sure to select one which
will fit your child and vehicle. It may
not be possible to properly install
some types of child restraints in your
vehicle.
IIf the child restraint is not anchored
properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden stop
greatly increases.
IAdjustable seatbacks should be posi-tioned to fit the child restraint, but as
upright as possible.
IAfter attaching the child restraint,
test it before you place the child in it.
Tilt it from side to side. Try to tug it
forward and check to see if the belt
holds the restraint in place. If the
restraint is not secure, tighten the
belt as necessary, or put the restraint
in another seat and test it again.
IFor a front facing child restraint, if the
seat position where it is installed has
a three-point type lap/shoulder belt,
check to make sure the shoulder belt
does not go in front of the child's face
or neck. If it does, put the shoulder
belt behind the child restraint. If you
must install a front facing child re-
straint in the front seat. See later in
ªChild restraintsº for installation on
front passenger seat.
IWhen your child restraint is not in
use, store it in the trunk or keep it
secured with a seat belt to prevent it
from being thrown around in case of
a sudden stop or accident.
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Engine oil pressure warning light
or
Brake warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Charge warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Door open warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Seat belt warning light and buzzer
Automatic transmission park warning light
CRUISE indicator light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Low washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)
Tire carrier open warning light
Four-wheel drive indicator light
CHECKING BULBSTurn the ignition key to ON without starting the
engine. The following lights will come on:
,
,
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.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND BUZZERS
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Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
engine off and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light
remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear window are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
buzzer
The light and buzzer remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the buzzer will sound
for about six seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition key is in the ON or ªSTARTº
position, the supplemental air bag light will
illuminate for about 7 seconds and then turn
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to your nearest autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds and
then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently or remains on. (after 7 seconds)
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System may not function properly.
For additional details on the Supplemental Air
Bag System, see Section 2.
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag system will not operate in an
accident.
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 ªWindow washer fluidº
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
or
Brake 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 light:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, 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:
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1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSANdealer.
or
Anti-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.
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 P position, the transmis-
sion will disengage and the wheel will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H or 4L
position when the warning light comes on.IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer lever is in H or 4L and the parking
brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that the
automatic transmission P position will not
function and the transfer lever is in neutral.
IFailure to engage the transfer control lever
in H or 4L could result in the vehicle moving
unexpectedly, resulting in serious personal
injury or property damage.
Instruments and controls
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Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic trans-
mission oil temperature is too high. If the light
comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle
speed as soon as safely possible until the light
turns off.
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Tire carrier open warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the tire carrier is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ON.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for two
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks forapproximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.
The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This system
allows the vehicle to be driven even in the
event of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into 3rd gear.
See ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for failsafe before vis-
iting your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on, and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
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.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The Malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator light on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
IMalfunction indicator light blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
* do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72
km/h).
* avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
* avoid steep uphill grades.
* if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
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being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blink-
ing and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink.
Examples are as follows:
Ivehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
Ifuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the vehicle
to an authorized NISSAN dealer and have thevehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary di-
agnosis during the service by informing the
dealer of the conditions listed above that may
have occurred.
Four wheel drive indicator
light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.BUZZERS
Key reminder buzzerThe buzzer will sound when the driver side
door is opened if the key is left in the ignition
switch. Take the ignition key when you leave
the vehicle.Light reminder buzzerA buzzer will sound if the driver's door is
opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key in the ON position. Turn the light
switch off when you leave the vehicle.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
it will make a high pitched scraping sound.
Have the brakes checked as soon as possible
if the warning sound is heard when the vehicleis moving, whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed.
Instruments and controls
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1. Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the instrument panel; the hood will
then spring up slightly.
2. Raise the lever at the front of the hood with
your fingertips and raise the hood.3. Insert the assist bar into the slot in the front
edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the assist bar
to its original position, then slowly close the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
IMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.
IIf you see steam or smoke comingfrom the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
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