1996 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 142

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS If your vehicle is overheating indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading, or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps: 4. Open the engine hood. 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 repaired at the nearest NISSAN dealer. If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned. To avoid the danger of being burned, 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. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to the neutral position (automatic transmission to "P"). Do not stop the engine. 2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to "maximum hot" and fan control to "high speed". 3. 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 proceeding. ¼ Be careful not to allow your hands, hair or clothing to come into contact with, or to get caught in, the running fan or belts. ¼ If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt is missing or loose or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine. 5. 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. 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. 5-9