1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER oil level

Engine oil pressure warning light
or
Brake warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Charge warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Door open warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Seat belt warning light and buzzer
Automatic transmission park warning light
CRUISE indicator light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Low washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)
Tire carrier open warning light
Four-wheel drive indicator light
CHECKING BULBSTurn the ignition key to ON without starting the
engine. The following lights will come on:
,
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
,
or
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND BUZZERS
Instruments and controls
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To lock the steering wheel, remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.KEY POSITIONSOFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, at least
whenever you refuel.
ICheck to be sure that all windows and light
lenses are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any replacement or repair.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving fans
and fan belts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the engine hood
while it is hot. Always turn off the
engine and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
changes or during the break-in period, de-
pending on the severity of operating con-
ditions.
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by warranty.
SDI0420
SDI0487
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Warm up the engine until it reaches oper-
ating temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in thissection for changing engine oil filter.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 N×m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the oil filler cap securely.
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for refill ca-
pacity.
8. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
SDI0416
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(A specialcap-typewrench will assist with
oil filter removal on models with the V6
engine. This tool can be purchased from
your NISSAN dealer.) Then remove the oil
filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry, and clothing away from any
moving parts such as fan and drive
belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
SDI0417
SDI0488
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Do-it-yourself
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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
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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.
Technical and consumer information
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