2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine overheat

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system additives
are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing the coolant,
be sure to use only a genuine NISSAN
anti-freeze coolant or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized water/
distilled water. The use of other types of
coolant solutions may damage your en-
gine cooling system.Outside tempera-
ture down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water or
distilled
water ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down. See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº
in the ª6. In case of emergencyº sec-
tion.
IThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below the MIN level, add coolant 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 coolant 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.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plug and radiator
cap.
Open the drain plugs on the engine block.
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SDI0486
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3. Open the air release plug to drain the
coolant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.
5. Close the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs securely.
6. See the ªTechnical informationº section for
cooling system capacity.
Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir
tank slowly up to the MAX level. Then install
the radiator cap and close the air release
plug.7. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load.
Watch the coolant temperature gauge for
signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the MAX
level.
9. Check the radiator drain plug and engine
block drain plugs for any sign of leakage.
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.
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ENGINE OIL
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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 the
greatest fuel benefit when there is lightspark knock for a short time.
Technical and consumer information
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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
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emissions Performance Warranty
For CANADA:
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation and Maintenance Log Booklet which
comes with your NISSAN. If you did not re-
ceive a Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet or it becomes lost, you may
obtain a replacement by writing.
INissan North America, Inc. Consumer Af-
fairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena.
CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
10-18
Technical and consumer information
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Child restraints ................................................ 1-31
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-42
Installation on rear seat outboard
positions .................................................... 1-35
Installation on rear seat center position .... 1-33
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-41
With top tether strap.................................. 1-40
Child safety ..................................................... 1-24
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-13
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-23
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Clutch housing drain (
only) .................. 8-34
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compass display .............................................. 2-7
Console box .................................................... 2-27
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-9
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-4
Cruise control.................................................. 5-17
Cup holders .................................................... 2-25
D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-19
Defogger switch, Glass hatch and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-17
Dimensions and weights ............................... 10-10
Door open warning light ................................. 2-11
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-28
Driving with automatic transmission.......... 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-14
On-pavement and offroad driving ............... 5-3
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Safety precautions....................................... 5-4
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-20
Emission control information label ................ 10-12
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-18
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-9
Block heater .............................................. 5-29
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-4
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Engine serial number .............................. 10-12
Engine specifications................................. 10-9
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-12
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-17
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-21
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
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Engine serial number .............................. 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)......... 10-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-21
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-24
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-20
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-25
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-25
Interior lights .............................................. 2-34
Map lights .................................................. 2-34
Personal lights ........................................... 2-35
Replacement ............................................. 8-24
Spot lights.................................................. 2-34
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-36
Warning/indicator lights and
chimes ................................................ 2-9, 2-12
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-13
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glass hatch lock ........................................ 3-11
Glove box lock........................................... 2-26
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-9
Rear door opener ........................................ 3-9
Luggage hooks ............................................... 2-28
Luggage rack .................................................. 2-31
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-14Explanation of maintenance items ............ 9-10
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 9-2
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle...................................... 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-31
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Map lights ....................................................... 2-34
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirror............................................ 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-30
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-19
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-14
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system engine
start ................................................................... 5-8
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-6
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-15
Outside temperature display ............................. 2-6
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-11
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-19
Parking brake check.................................. 5-16
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-16
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-24
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal lights ................................................ 2-35
Power
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-23
Power steering fluid................................... 8-12
Power steering system .............................. 5-25
Power windows ......................................... 2-32
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-19
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-26
Cruise control operations .......................... 5-19
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-17
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