1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owners Manual

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Emission control system
maintenanceDrive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated underextremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filter
might become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Timing belt
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission, trans-
fer & differential gear oilVisually inspect for
signs of leakage and replace oil for limited-slip
differential. Under severe driving conditions,
the oil should be replaced at the specified
interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts & drive axle shaft bootsCheck for
damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, more
frequent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage. Under
severe driving conditions, more frequent in-
spection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving condition
(
only).
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Propeller shaft greaseApply specified
grease to the greasing points of propeller
shafts in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. In the case of driving in water,
greasing should be performed immediately
afterwards.
Front wheel bearing greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning (4x2).
Check the wheel bearing grease condition or
repack these in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. In case of frequent driving in
muddy water, the bearing grease inspection
should be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
Supplemental air bag systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components for
proper attachment, damage, deformities,
cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance
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MEMO9-12
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10 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......... 10-2
Specifications .......................................................... 10-9
Tires and wheels ................................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your
vehicle in another country ..................................... 10-11
Vehicle identification ............................................. 10-12
Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-14
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-15
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-19
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-19
Readiness for inspection/
maintenance (I/M) test (US only) .......................... 10-20
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The following values are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different from them. When refilling, follow the
procedure instructed in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal 80Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
with oil filter 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7IAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving
II*2 *3
IAPI Certification Mark*2 *3 without oil filter 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Cooling system
(with heater and
reservoir tank)11-1/4 qt 9-3/8 qt 10.6Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
*1: See later in this section for fuel recommendation.
*2: See later in this section for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*3: See later in this section for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS10-2
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Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmissionÐ Ð Ð API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
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 ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental US and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada).*6
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent
Transfer fluidNissan Matic ªDº or Equivalent Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid*6 or API GL-4*1
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US 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 USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: See ªVehicle identificationº later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*6: 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
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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FUEL RECOMMENDATIONYour vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
NISSAN supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggest that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE andmethanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. Nissan does not recommend the use of
fuels of which the oxygenate content and the
fuel compatibility for your Nissan cannot be
readily determined.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that rec-
ommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-able for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
After market fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e.: fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvents or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number in these high altitude areas
[over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as: Colorado,
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
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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.
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