1998 NISSAN QUEST check engine

N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not downshift into 2 at speeds above 63
MPH (100 km/h). Do not exceed 63 MPH
(100 km/h) in 2.
1 (Low gear):
Use 1 when climbing steep hills slowly or
driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
Do not exceed 38 MPH (60 km/h) in 1.
Do not shift into 1 at speeds above 38 MPH
(60 km/h).Accelerator downshift
In D position
For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into third gear, second gear
or first gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the Fail-safe operation occurs, the
next time the key is turned to the ON
position, the O/D OFF light blinks for ap-
proximately 8 seconds after coming on for 2
seconds. While the vehicle can be driven
under these circumstances, please note
that the gears in the automatic transmission
will be locked in 3rd gear.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur even
if all electrical circuits are functioning properly.
In this case, turn the ignition key OFF and wait
for 3 seconds. Then turn the key back to the
ON position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not re-
turn to its normal operating condition, have an
authorized NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission and repair, if necessary.
OVERDRIVE SWITCH
Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-
mission is automatically ``reset'' to overdrive
ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive
switch is engaged. The transmission
is upshifted into overdrive as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has reached operating tempera-
ture.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine ``braking'' is neces-
sary, push the overdrive switch
ASD0561
Starting and driving5-7
ZX

cMove the selector lever to N (Neutral).
The CRUISE light goes out.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push and release the RES/ACCEL
switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods.
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push and release the COAST/SET
switch. Each time you do this, the setspeed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RES/ACCEL switch. The ve-
hicle resumes the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48
km/h).
Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The CRUISE
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cWhen the CRUISE light blinks, turn the
CRUISE CONT main switch OFF and
have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
cThe CRUISE light in the instrument panel
may blink when the CRUISE CONT main
switch is turned ON while pushing either
the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or the
CANCEL switch (located on the steering
wheel). To properly set the cruise control
system, perform the steps in the order
indicated.During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and fuel economy of your new
vehicle. Failure to follow these recommen-
dations may result in vehicle damage or
shortened engine life.
cDo not drive over 55 MPH (90 km/h) and
do not run the engine over 4,000 RPM.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
Starting and driving5-11
ZX

cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's
Manual index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it in the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter, when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires is substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS-
SAN recommends using MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for
the tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability information.
2.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
Canadian provinces and U.S. states pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. Make sure they
are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-16Starting and driving
ZX

CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it, when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
gearshift lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open
all the windows, move the temperature
control dial to warm and fan control knob
to four.3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 RPM)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is run-
ning. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

WARNING
cBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan, belts, or motor fan.
c
The fan motor may start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down completely,
check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant
to the reservoir tank, if necessary. Have
your vehicle repaired at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Inertia fuel shut-off switch
When the vehicle is involved in a collision,
the inertia fuel shutoff switch is designed to
automatically stop the flow of fuel to the
engine. The impact forces needed to trigger
the switch do not have to be great. Parking
lot bumping or road impacts (such as driving
over potholes) may trigger the switch.
Once the inertia fuel shutoff switch is trig-
gered, it must be reset before the engine
can be started. If your engine cranks but
does not start after a collision, take the
following steps to correctly reset the switch:1. Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push down
the red reset button on the fuel pump
shut-off switch.
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few sec-
onds, then turn it OFF.
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again. If no fuel is detected,
try to start your vehicle again.
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. You
could injure yourself or others. Have all
the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.ACE0018
AFTER AN ACCIDENT
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................8-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............8-8
Power steering fluid................................................8-9
Brake fluid ............................................................8-10
Window washer fluid ............................................8-10
Battery ..................................................................8-11Jump starting ........................................................8-12
Drive belts ............................................................8-12
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-12
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-13
Wiper blades ........................................................8-15
Parking brake check.............................................8-16
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-17
Brake booster .......................................................8-18
Fuses and fusible links.........................................8-18
Light bulbs ............................................................8-20
Headlights ............................................................8-20
Bulb replacement .................................................8-22
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-26
Types of tires........................................................8-27
Tire chains ............................................................8-28
ZX

ADI0570
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled
water.
The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage the engine cool-
ing system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toAnti-
freezeDistilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
c
Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radiator.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use only a genuine NISSAN
cap as a replacement.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1023
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself
ZX