1997 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual

Free owner's manual for 1997 Nissan Pathfinder in PDF. We do not charge any fee for downloading the manual; In case you did not find the information you need, we advise you to look at the manuals for other years.

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1997 Nissan Pathfinder Owner’s Manual — Questions and Answers

What should I check before installing a child seat in my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

Before installing a child seat in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, confirm the restraint is certified to FMVSS 213 and fits your seat and belt system per SAE J1819. Position the adjustable seatback as upright as possible, check that the seating surface and buckles aren’t hot, then test the installed restraint by tilting and tugging it before placing your child inside. Owner’s Manual, p. 76

How long does the rear window defroster stay on in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

In a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, the rear window defroster switch turns the defroster off automatically after about 15 minutes. If the window clears sooner, you can push the switch off manually before that time. Owner’s Manual, p. 23

How do I properly park my Pathfinder on a hill?

Follow these steps to keep the vehicle from rolling once you stop on an incline.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake first
2. On manual models put the shift lever in REVERSE, or in 1st if facing uphill; on automatics move the selector to P
3. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill, away from the curb if facing uphill, or toward the road’s edge if there’s no curb
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove it, and never leave the transfer lever in N since that lets the vehicle roll even in gear or P

Owner’s Manual, p. 138

How can I tell the rear wiper is actually running on my Pathfinder?

You’ll notice the blade sweeping only after cycling the switch OFF then back ON, because it stays motionless if left ON while the window closes. It also won’t move at all whenever the rear window is open. Owner’s Manual, p. 26

What happens if I leave a CD in the eject slot too long in my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

In a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, if you press the EJECT button but leave the compact disc sitting in the slot for more than 10 seconds without removing it, the player will automatically pull the disc back inside and reinsert it. Owner’s Manual, p. 105

What’s the difference between automatic locking mode and emergency locking mode on a seat belt retractor?

Automatic locking mode engages once you pull the shoulder belt fully extended until a click sounds; this is the child restraint mode that keeps the belt cinched tight as it retracts, making a clicking noise. Emergency locking mode is the normal setting the retractor reverts to once the belt is completely retracted, allowing free belt movement until a sudden stop. Owner’s Manual, p. 78

Where are the vent caps on the battery in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

On a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, the vent caps sit on top of the battery itself, if the battery is equipped with them. During jump starting they should be removed, and the battery covered with an old cloth to lower explosion risk before connecting cables. Owner’s Manual, p. 151

How do I turn on the heated seats for the first time in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

In a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, warming up the front seats starts with the engine running before pressing the heater switch.

1. Start the engine before switching on the seat heater to avoid draining the battery.
2. Press the Low or High button depending on how warm you want the seat; the indicator light comes on and a thermostat cycles the heater automatically.
3. Turn the switch off once the interior warms up or before you leave the vehicle.

Owner’s Manual, p. 25

Why did the steering get heavy in my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

Heavy steering usually points to a lost hydraulic assist source.

• The engine has stalled or stopped running, cutting power to the hydraulic pump
• The drive belt that powers the steering pump has broken
• You can still steer the vehicle, but it takes much greater effort, especially in sharp turns or at low speeds

Owner’s Manual, p. 139

What do I need on hand before using the rear washer on my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

You need a filled washer reservoir and a few seconds of patience with the defroster.

• keep the reservoir tank topped up since the washer won’t work when it’s empty
• run the rear defroster first in freezing weather so solution doesn’t freeze on the glass
• limit continuous washer use to under 30 seconds to avoid system damage

Owner’s Manual, p. 22

What is the maximum number of radio station presets in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 1997 Nissan Pathfinder radio lets you memorize up to six stations for each band, AM or FM. Tune to the desired station, hold the select button for more than 1.5 seconds, and the display will show the channel number once saved. Owner’s Manual, p. 103

What speed limit should I follow if the malfunction indicator light starts blinking in my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

In a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, if the malfunction indicator light blinks, avoid driving faster than 45 MPH (72 km/h), skip hard acceleration or deceleration, avoid steep uphill grades, and lighten cargo load if possible. Owner’s Manual, p. 17

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