2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER maintenance

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to
you with confidence. It was produced using
the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate ªService and Maintenance
Guideº and ªWarranty Information Book-
letº explains details about the warranties
covering your vehicle and vehicle mainte-
nance schedules. Additionally, a separate
Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S.
only) will explain how to resolve any con-
cerns you may have with your vehicle, as
well as clarify your rights under your
state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to them.
READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
INever drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
IAlways observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Pre-
teen children should be seated in the
rear seat.
IAlways provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features
to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.For descriptions specified for four wheel drive
models, a
mark is placed at the begin-
ning of the applicable sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
offroad use, failure to operate four wheel
drive models correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. For additional
information, see ªDriving your four wheel
drive safelyº in the ª5. Starting and driv-
ingº section.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVINGThis vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for offroad use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or an accident.
For additional information, see ªOn-
pavement and offroad driving precau-
tionsº and ªAvoiding collision and roll-
overº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section.
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Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN'S commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling
design at Nissan Design International in San
Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Technical Center North America in Farmington
Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs
nearly 18,000 people throughout the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional
71,000 people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
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Table of
Contents
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careMaintenance and do-it-yourselfTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systemsSeats ......................................................................... 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment ............................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................... 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Head restraint adjustment .................................... 1-9
Armrest ................................................................. 1-9
Supplemental restraint system ................................ 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ................................................................ 1-10
Supplemental air bag warning labels ................. 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light .................... 1-21
Seat belts ................................................................ 1-22
Precautions on seat belt usage ......................... 1-23
Child safety......................................................... 1-24Pregnant women ................................................ 1-25
Injured persons................................................... 1-25
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ............ 1-25
Two-point type seat belt without retractor (Center of
rear seat) ............................................................ 1-29
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-30
Seat belt maintenance ....................................... 1-31
Child restraints ........................................................ 1-31
Precautions on child restraints ........................... 1-31
Installation on rear seat center position ............. 1-33
Installation on rear seat outboard positions ....... 1-35
Top tether strap child restraint ........................... 1-40
Installation on front passenger seat ................... 1-42
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, dis-
playing
in the instrument panel, monitors
the circuits of the supplemental front air bag
and supplemental side air bag systems, and
pre-tensioner seat belt. The circuits monitored
by the air bag warning light are the diagnosis
sensor unit, satellite sensors, front air bag
modules, side air bag modules, pre-tensioner
seat belt and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the air bag warning light illuminates. The
supplemental air bag warning light will turn offafter about 7 seconds if the systems are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental front air bag and supplemental
side air bag systems and pre-tensioner seat
belt need servicing:
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags and/or
pre-tensioner seat belt may not operate prop-
erly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal front air bag system or supplemental
side air bag system will not operate in anaccident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags and supple-
mental side air bags are designed to inflate on
a one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless
they are damaged, the supplemental air bag
warning light will remain illuminated after infla-
tion has occurred. Repair and replacement of
the supplemental systems should be done
only by authorized NISSAN dealers.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags, pre-tensioner seat
belts and related parts should be pointed out to
the person conducting the maintenance. The
ignition key should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or in-
side the vehicle.
WARNING
IOnce the supplemental front air bags
or supplemental side air bag has in-
flated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be replaced,
SPA1097
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-21
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child could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCEITo clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.
IIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.
IPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
IInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
IInfants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.
INever install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental front air bag could se-
riously injure or kill your child. A rear
facing child restraint must only be
used in the rear seat.INISSAN recommends that the child
restraint be installed in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
IAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
In general, child restraints are designed to be
installed with a lap belt or the lap portion of a
three point type seat belt. Child restraints for
infants and children of various sizes are of-
fered by several manufacturers. When select-
ing any child restraint, keep the following
points in mind:
IChoose only a restraint with a label certify-
ing that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
ICheck the child restraint in your vehicle to
be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's
seat and seat belt system. Choose a child
restraint that meets the guidelines of the
Society of Automotive Engineers recom-CHILD RESTRAINTS
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-31
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Parking brake indicator:
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, stop the
vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct:
Have the warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear window are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
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. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
CAUTION
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.
Instruments and controls
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4WD warning light (model)
The four wheel drive warning light comes on
when the key switch is turned to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning
properly, the warning light will either remain
illuminated or blink. See ª4WD warning lightº in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
CAUTION
IIf the warning light comes on or
blinks during operation, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
IDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. If the
4WD warning light turns on when you
are driving on dry hard surface roads
Iin the AUTO or 4H position, shift
the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
Iin the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission lever to the N position,and shift the 4WD shift switch to
2WD.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid in
the washer tank is at a low level. Add washer
fluid as necessary. See ªWindow washer fluidº
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sec-
tion.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seatbelts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the chime will sound
for about six seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag light will illumi-
nate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the supple-
mental front air bag and supplemental side air
bag systems and pre-tensioner seat belt are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag and pre-tensioner seat
belt need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently.
2-12
Instruments and controls
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