1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER ECU

Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P position mecha-
nismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in the P position without applying any brakes.Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. Itshould be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. (Be sure to wait a few minutes to allow
the oil to drain back into the sump.)
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold and the engine
is turned off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P
(Park) with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. See ªPrecautions when
starting and drivingº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section for exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide).
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is veryimportant to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCleaning exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and
careº section.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.9-4
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

cargo as necessary. If either the front or
rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPSIThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life ofyour vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your Nissan dealer. He can obtain
aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
10-15
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VG33E (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,308)
RECOMMENDED EQUIP-
MENT*2Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use
of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices
are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway
control device for your trailer.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchCheck the towing capacity of your receiver
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle,
to help avoid personal injury or property dam-
age due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and Pathfinder models are
available at your Nissan dealer.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.Technical and consumer information
10-17
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

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
10-18
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X

SAE viscosity number ............................... 10-7
Recovery, Freeing a stuck vehicle ................. 6-13
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............................ 10-8
Registering your vehicle in another country . 10-11
Release, Hood .................................................. 3-8
Remote keyless entry, Multi-remote
control ............................................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-19
Restraint, Child ............................................... 1-25
Rollover ............................................................. 5-4
Rotation, Tire .................................................. 8-28
S
Safety
Belt ............................................................ 1-17
Child seat belt ........................................... 1-18
Defects, Reporting................................... 10-19
Towing ..................................................... 10-17
Seat................................................................... 1-2
Heated ....................................................... 2-20
Seat adjustment
Front manual ............................................... 1-2
Front power ................................................. 1-4
Rear ............................................................. 1-5
Seat belt.......................................................... 1-17
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-4
Extender .................................................... 1-25
Hook .......................................................... 1-23
Maintenance .............................................. 1-25
Operation, Three-point .............................. 1-21
Precautions................................................ 1-17
Warning light and buzzer .......................... 2-10
With retractor, Three-point ........................ 1-20Without retractor, Two-point ...................... 1-23
Security system .............................................. 2-14
Selecting correct set of seat belt .................... 1-23
Servicing air conditioner ................................. 4-13
Setting, Clock.................................................. 2-33
Shifting procedure, Transfer ........................... 5-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment (For front
seats) .............................................................. 1-22
Socket ............................................................. 2-21
Sound system, Audio system ......................... 4-14
Sound, Buzzer ................................................ 2-13
Spare tire carrier ............................................... 3-9
Spark plug....................................................... 8-14
Specifications .................................................. 10-9
Speedometer and odometer ............................. 2-3
Starting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-7
Jump ............................................................ 6-7
Manual transmission ................................... 5-6
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
Push ............................................................ 6-9
The engine .................................................. 5-9
Steering
Power ........................................................ 5-24
Wheel ........................................................ 3-13
Storage ........................................................... 2-23
Stuck, Vehicle recovery .................................. 6-13
Sun shade....................................................... 2-32
Sun visor ......................................................... 3-13
Sunroof ........................................................... 2-32
Supplemental
Air bag system .......................................... 1-13
Air bag warning label ................................ 1-15
Air bag warning light ........................ 1-15, 2-10Restraint system.......................................... 1-9
Switch
Front fog light ............................................ 2-19
Hazard warning ......................................... 2-19
Headlight ................................................... 2-17
Ignition ......................................................... 5-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defogger .................................................... 2-16
Turn signal................................................. 2-18
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature display ......................................... 2-6
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant ................ 2-4
Theft warning .................................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-3
Three-point type seat belt with retractor......... 1-20
Tire .................................................................. 8-26
Chain ......................................................... 8-27
Changing ................................................... 8-28
Equipment, Cold weather .......................... 5-27
Flat............................................................... 6-2
Placard .................................................... 10-13
Pressure .................................................... 8-26
Rotation ..................................................... 8-28
Type........................................................... 8-26
Tires, Specifications ...................................... 10-10
Tonneau cover ................................................ 2-29
Top strap child restraint .................................. 1-34
Towing
A trailer .................................................... 10-15
Safety ...................................................... 10-17
Trailer, Towing .............................................. 10-15
Z
01.1.31/R50-D
X
11-5