1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owners Manual

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range (L & H 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 COLD range on
the dipstick for reference, after the engine is
warmed up but before driving. However, the
fluid level must be rechecked using the HOT
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 P.
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 D (Continen-
tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission
Fluid (Canada). Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
or 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/Mercon
TM
or Dexron
TM
IIE/Mercon
TM
Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
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Check the fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the
COLD range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).IDo not overfill.
IUse type DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line or the brake
warning 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.
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POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
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Type A:
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Type B:
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole of the cap/tube assembly (as
shown above), then remove it from the tank. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid.Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manufac-
turer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully marked containers out
of the reach of children.
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WINDOW WASHER FLUID8-12
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IKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a
solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
IIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (Ð) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch or
rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your
hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
IKeep the battery out of the reach ofchildren.
If jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX. and MIN. lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable tool.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX. level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
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BATTERY
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Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If
the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake isengaged securely.
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DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS8-14
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS1. Disconnect spark plug cables. Keep track
of the original cable location.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots Ð not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original location.
2. Remove spark plugs with a spark plug
wrench. (Type A or B)
Be sure to use the correct wrench to
remove the plugs. An incorrect wrench
can cause damage.
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3. Check each new spark plug gap with a
feeler gauge. Correct it as required.
4. Install spark plugs.
When installing a plug, turn it in two or
three turns by hand and then tighten with a
spark plug wrench. Be careful not to over-
tighten it.
Tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 N×m)
5. Reconnect the spark plug cables to their
original positions.The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused as it is given a special treatment. We
recommended it be replaced according to the
maintenance intervals. See ªPeriodic mainte-
nanceº in the ª9. Maintenanceº section for
maintenance intervals. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
IOperating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others to
be burned. The air cleaner not onlycleans the air, it stops flame if the
engine backfires. If it is not there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with the
air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in serious injury.
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AIR CLEANER
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CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer of if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaningthe blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
REPLACEMENT1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper arm
until a click sounds.
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when the
engine hood is opened.
Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass. Otherwise, the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
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WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
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