1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owners Manual

ACCEL set switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will increase by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,follow
either of these three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the COAST/
SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the resume set switch. The vehicle will
resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
PrecautionsIThe cruise indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control switch (Main
switch) is turned ON while pushing the
RES/ACCEL switch or COAST/SET switch
or CANCEL switch (located on the steering
wheel). To properly set the cruise control
system perform the steps above in theorder indicated. (This is a fail-safe mode.
Turn the main switch OFF and turn it ON
again without pushing the set switch to
return to normal operation.)
IIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The cruise indica-
tor in the meter assembly will then blink to
warn the driver.
IWhen the cruise indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control switch (Main switch) OFF and
have the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow
these recommendations for the future reliabil-
ity and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
IDo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Do not drive over the following speed limits:
Two wheel drive models:
Four wheel drive models
(2H position):
55 MPH (90 km/h)
Four wheel drive models
(4H position):
50 MPH (80 km/h)
Four wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (50 km/h)
IDo not accelerate hard in top gear.
IAvoid quick starts and full acceleration.
IAvoid hard stops as much as possible.
I
For the first 300 miles (500 km), it is rec-
ommended that you drive in the two wheel
drive (2H) position.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
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IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause increased
tire wear and lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
I
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. Four wheel drive operation lowers fuel
economy.
SD0001
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use when driving under the same
conditions as standard 2WD vehicle.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it is
difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving
at normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet,
muddy or sandy roads).
The 4H position provides maximum power
and traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it
will cause loss of traction. Speed over 50
MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not recommend.
4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels aredriven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand, mud
or deep snow. The 4L position provides maxi-
mum power and traction. Avoid raising vehicle
speed excessively, as the maximum speed is
approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N position. Shift the
lever quickly and smoothly when moving
across the N position with the vehicle stopped.
IDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in four wheel drive.
Driving on dry hard surfaces in 4H or
4L may cause unnecessary noise and
tire wear. We recommend driving in
the 2H position under these
conditions.
IWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and shift the transfer
control lever in the 2H, 4H or 4L
position.
IDo not leave the transfer control lever
in the N position. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could roll unexpectedly even if
the manual transmission is in any
gear or the automatic transmission in
the P position. If the ATP light is on,
this indicates that the automatic
transmission P position will not func-
tion and the transfer lever is in neu-
tral.
IFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in
the vehicle moving unexpectedly, re-
sulting in serious personal injury or
property damage.
SSD0108
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE5-20
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TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch
pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to depress the clutch
pedal. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H or 4L to 4L or
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING PROCEDURES
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TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS SHIFT PROCEDURE
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector
lever to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed up to 50 MPH (80 km/h), and it is not necessary to move the selector
lever to the N position. Perform this operation when driving straight.
From 4H or 4L to 4L or
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the N position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
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IDo not park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials, such as dry grass,
waste paper, or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
I
The transfer shift lever must
be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position and the
parking brake must be set to prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
INever place the transfer shift lever in
the N position, otherwise, the vehicle
could roll unexpectedly even if the
manual transmission is in gear or the
automatic transmission is in the P
position. This could result in serious
personal injury or property damage.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the gearshift lever in the 1st position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into the P (Park)
for automatic transmission models or
in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.3. To help prevent the vehicle rolling into the
street when parked on a sloping drive way,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
SSD0067
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.INever leave the engine running while
vehicle is unattended.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit develops a problem, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop
the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
the stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat-up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster and
reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, before going down a
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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slope or long grade, reduce speed and down-
shift to a lower gear.IWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
IIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the
system helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
If a tire slips on rough roads for more than
10 seconds, the ABS brake warning lightmay come on. Turn OFF the ignition key,
restart the engine and drive the vehicle at
speeds above 20 MPH (30 km/h). If the
warning light does not go out, have the
vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
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