2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER engine coolant

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ....................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ..................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................................... 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........................... 2-4
Fuel gauge ................................................................ 2-5
Compass and outside temperature display (if so
equipped) .................................................................. 2-6
Outside temperature display ..................................... 2-6
Compass display ....................................................... 2-7
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................... 2-9
Checking bulbs.......................................................... 2-9
Warning lights ........................................................... 2-9
Indicator lights ......................................................... 2-12
Chimes .................................................................... 2-13
Security systems ..................................................... 2-14
Theft warning (if so equipped) ................................ 2-14
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ......................... 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-16
Rear window wiper and washer switch................... 2-16
Glass hatch and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defogger switch ...................................................... 2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-17
Headlight switch ...................................................... 2-17Turn signal switch ................................................... 2-20
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ............................. 2-20
Front fog light switch ............................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-21
Horn......................................................................... 2-21
Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-22
Power outlet ............................................................ 2-23
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (Accessory)............... 2-23
Storage .................................................................... 2-24
Tray ......................................................................... 2-24
Glasses case........................................................... 2-24
Cup holders ............................................................. 2-25
Glove box ................................................................ 2-26
Console box ............................................................ 2-27
Luggage hooks........................................................ 2-28
Cargo net (if so equipped) ...................................... 2-30
Tonneau cover (if so equipped) .............................. 2-30
Luggage rack (if so equipped) ................................ 2-31
Windows .................................................................. 2-32
Power windows (if so equipped) ............................. 2-32
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-33
Automatic sunroof ................................................... 2-33
Interior lights............................................................ 2-34
Personal lights......................................................... 2-35
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Changing the display:
Push the reset knob to change the display as
follows:
ODO,TRIP A,TRIP B,ODO
Resetting the trip odometer:
Push the reset knob for more than 1 second to
reset the trip odometer to zero.
TACHOMETERThe tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with
the outside air temperature and driving condi-
tions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range, stop
SIC0754A
SIC0859
SIC0545
2-4
Instruments and controls
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: Air flow mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot outlets.
To turn the system offPush the OFF button.OPERATING TIPSIWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for 0
to 126 seconds. This is not a malfunction.
After the coolant temperature warms up, air
flow from the foot outlets will operate nor-
mally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put
anything on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant will not harm the earth's
ozone layer.
However, special charging equipment and lu-
bricant are required when servicing your
NISSAN air conditioner. Using improper refrig-
erants or lubricants will cause severe damage
to your air conditioning system. See ªCapaci-
ties and recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the
ª10. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendation.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally friendly air conditioning
system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
SAA0158
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-11
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions.......... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Driving safety precautions ......................................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-6
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-6
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-7
Key positions ............................................................. 5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system ........................... 5-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ................................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission ........................................... 5-10
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-14
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) ................................ 5-17
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-17Cruise control operations ........................................ 5-18
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-19
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-20
Using four wheel drive (4WD) ................................. 5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures........................... 5-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-24
Power steering ........................................................ 5-25
Brake system .......................................................... 5-26
Braking precautions ................................................ 5-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................................. 5-26
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-28
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................... 5-28
Anti-freeze ............................................................... 5-28
Battery ..................................................................... 5-28
Draining of coolant water ........................................ 5-28
Tire equipment ........................................................ 5-28
Special winter equipment ........................................ 5-29
Driving on snow or ice ............................................ 5-29
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................... 5-29
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine cooling systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº
section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for Changing
Engine Coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some Prov-
inces and States prohibit their use, so,
before installing studded tires, check local,
state and provincial laws.
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 if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed ac-
cording to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions. Use of tire chains may be prohib-
ited according to location. Check the local
laws before installing tire chains. When
installing tire chains, make sure they are of
proper size for the tires on your vehicle andare installed according to the chain manu-
facturer's suggestions.Use only SAE
Class S chains.Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed
to prevent the possibility of whipping action
damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle
when using tire chains. In addition, drive at
a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
4. For four wheel drive:
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-28
Starting and driving
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tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
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 radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
IThe engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instruc-
tions are available from your NISSAN dealer.
Local service operators will generally be famil-
iar with the applicable laws and procedures for
towing. To assure proper towing and to pre-
vent accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends that you have a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to
have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
WARNING
INever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
INever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
IWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and power train are in working condi-TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12
In case of emergency
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-12
Brake fluid ............................................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid .............................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid reservoir ................................ 8-13
Battery ..................................................................... 8-14
Jump starting........................................................... 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-16Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-18
Cleaning .................................................................. 8-18
Replacement ........................................................... 8-18
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-19
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-19
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-19
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-20
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-21
Checking clutch pedal ............................................. 8-21
Fuses....................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-22
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........... 8-22
Lights ....................................................................... 8-24
Headlights ............................................................... 8-25
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-28
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-28
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-29
Tire chains............................................................... 8-30
Changing wheels and tires...................................... 8-30
Clutch housing drain ................................... 8-34
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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.
SDI0378
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself
8-5
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