1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine overheat

1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
OFF.
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 MAX 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 MAX
level.
9. Check the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs for any sign of leakage.
SDI0409
SDI0410
SDI0419
8-6
Do-it-yourself
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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 spark knock. (Spark
knock 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 thegreatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time.
Technical and consumer information
10-5
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ICheck regularly to make sure that all
trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use.Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (affixed to the
glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations.
When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit at point between
the sensor and stop light switch or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P position. If you move the selector
lever to the P position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
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Technical and consumer information
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Checking
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Bulb ............................................................. 2-9
Engine coolant level .................................... 8-4
Engine oil level ............................................ 8-7
Parking brake ............................................ 8-18
Seat belt operation, Three-point ............... 1-21
Child restraint.................................................. 1-25
Installation on front seat ............................ 1-36
Installation on rear seat center ................. 1-27
Installation on rear seat outboard ............. 1-30
Precaution ................................................. 1-25
Top strap ................................................... 1-34
Child safety
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-3
Seat belt .................................................... 1-18
Chrome parts, Cleaning .................................... 7-3
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-22
Cleaner, Air ..................................................... 8-16
Cleaning
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-33
Adjusting .................................................... 2-33
Operation ................................................... 2-34
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-11
Housing drain,
................................. 8-30
Pedal ......................................................... 8-20
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-26
Compact disc (CD) player operation, with
cassette player type........................................ 4-23
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-25Controls, Heater and manual air conditioner.... 4-3
Controls, Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-9
Cooling system, Engine .................................... 8-4
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau .............................................. 2-29
Cruise control.................................................. 5-16
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24
D
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror............................................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights, Vehicle ................. 10-11
Door .................................................................. 3-2
Door open warning light ................................. 2-10
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 5-4
Drive belt......................................................... 8-14
Driving
Cold weather ............................................. 5-26
On snow or ice .......................................... 5-28
On-pavement and offroad ........................... 5-4
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
The vehicle .................................................. 5-9
Drugs ................................................................ 5-4
EEconomy, Fuel ................................................ 5-19
Emission control
Information label ...................................... 10-13
System warranty...................................... 10-19
Engine
Block heater .............................................. 5-28Compartment check location....................... 8-3
Coolant heater ........................................... 5-28
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Cooling system ............................................ 8-4
Oil ................................................................ 8-7
Oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 10-6
Overheat ...................................................... 6-9
Serial number .......................................... 10-12
Specifications ............................................ 10-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .......... 9-2, 9-10
Exterior and interior light, Replacement ......... 8-23
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-13
Fastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-20
Two-point ................................................... 1-23
Filling, Fuel filler lid ......................................... 3-11
Filter, Air ......................................................... 8-16
Flasher switch, Hazard warning ..................... 2-19
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mats, Cleaning ........................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission ............................... 8-9
Brake ......................................................... 8-11
Engine ......................................................... 8-7
Power steering .......................................... 8-11
Window washer ......................................... 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-19
Four by four clutch housing drain ................... 8-30
Four wheel drive, Using .................................. 5-20
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Key .............................................................. 3-2
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-3
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-11
Lubricant, Capacities and recommended ....... 10-2
Luggage
Hook .......................................................... 2-27
Net ............................................................. 2-28
Rack .......................................................... 2-30
Storage ...................................................... 2-26
M
Maintenance
General ........................................................ 9-2
Item .................................................... 9-2, 9-10
Periodic........................................................ 9-5
Precaution ................................................... 8-2
Seat belt .................................................... 1-25
Manual
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-2
Transmission, Driving ................................ 5-14
Meter
And gauge ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-3
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
Mirror............................................................... 3-14
Inside ......................................................... 3-14
Outside ...................................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4
NNet, Luggage .................................................. 2-28New vehicle, Break-in ..................................... 5-18
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Automatic transmission ............................... 8-9
Brake ......................................................... 8-11
Engine ......................................................... 8-7
Filter recommendation............................... 10-6
Power steering .......................................... 8-11
Opener operation
Back door .................................................. 3-11
Fuel filler lid ............................................... 3-11
Rear window.............................................. 3-11
Trunk lid..................................................... 3-11
Operating tips, Automatic air
conditioner .............................. 4-5, 4-6, 4-11, 4-12
Operation, Clock ............................................. 2-34
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-14
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overheat ........................................................... 6-9
PParking
Brake ......................................................... 5-15
Brake and brake pedal .............................. 8-18
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-23
Pedal
Brake ......................................................... 8-18
Clutch ........................................................ 8-20
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-35Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Seat operating tips ...................................... 1-4
Socket........................................................ 2-21
Steering ..................................................... 5-24
Steering fluid ............................................. 8-11
Window ...................................................... 2-30
Precaution
Maintenance ................................................ 8-2
On child restraint ....................................... 1-25
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On-pavement and offroad ........................... 5-4
When starting and driving ........................... 5-2
Pregnant women, Seat belt ............................ 1-19
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Rack, Luggage................................................ 2-30
Radio............................................................... 4-14
With cassette player .................................. 4-15
With cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player.......................... 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-20
Rear
Door lock, Child safety ................................ 3-3
Seat adjustment .......................................... 1-5
Window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-16
Window wiper and washer switch ............. 2-16
Window, Lock ............................................ 3-10
Recommended
Fuel/lubricant ............................................. 10-2
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