1988 Nissan Pathfinder Service Manual

The 1988 Nissan Pathfinder is a compact SUV featuring a 3.0L V6 engine, 4WD system, automatic or manual transmission options, and advanced off-road capabilities. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, repair instructions, and technical specifications for the WD21 chassis model. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, engine systems, transmission, suspension, electrical systems, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Technical Data 11. Wiring Diagrams

Vehicle Specifications

Key components: 3.0L VG30E V6 engine, 4WD transfer case, independent front suspension, rear coil spring suspension.

Specification	Description
Engine	3.0L VG30E V6, SOHC, 12-valve
Horsepower	153 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	180 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
4WD System	Part-time 4WD with 2WD/4H/4L modes
Fuel System	Multi-port fuel injection
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with ABS
Suspension	Independent front, rigid axle rear
Wheelbase	104.3 inches
Curb Weight	3,850 lbs (4WD model)

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Every 3,000 miles: Change engine oil and filter
Every 7,500 miles: Rotate tires, inspect brakes
Every 15,000 miles: Replace air filter, check spark plugs
Every 30,000 miles: Replace fuel filter, inspect timing belt
Every 60,000 miles: Replace timing belt, coolant flush

WARNING! Use only Nissan-approved fluids and parts. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine Systems

VG30E V6 engine maintenance and repair procedures.

Oil Change: Drain plug torque 22-29 ft-lbs, filter torque 13-16 ft-lbs
Spark Plugs: NGK BPR5ES-11, gap 0.041-0.045 inches
Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 miles, tension 0.35-0.45 in deflection
Cooling System: Capacity 9.5 quarts, thermostat opens at 180°F
Fuel System: Fuel pressure 34 psi, injector resistance 10-14 ohms

CAUTION! Always relieve fuel pressure before servicing fuel system components.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual Transmission: FS5R30A 5-speed, capacity 4.6 pints 75W-90 GL-4
Automatic Transmission: RE4R01A 4-speed, capacity 7.4 quarts Dexron II
Transfer Case: Part-time 4WD, capacity 2.1 pints 80W-90
Front Differential: R180A, capacity 1.6 pints 80W-90
Rear Differential: H233B, capacity 3.7 pints 80W-90
Driveshaft: Two-piece with center support bearing

Suspension & Steering

Front: Independent with torsion bars, shock absorbers, stabilizer bar. Rear: Rigid axle with coil springs, shock absorbers, track bar.

Steering: Recirculating ball type, power assisted. Turning circle 36.1 feet.

Wheel Alignment: Front camber -0°20' to +0°40', caster +2°20' to +3°20', toe-in 0.08-0.20 inches. Rear camber -0°40' to +0°20', toe-in 0.08-0.20 inches.

Brake Systems

Front: Disc brakes, 10.9 inch ventilated rotors. Rear: Drum brakes, 11.0 inch drums.

Brake Fluid: DOT 3, system capacity 1.0 liter
Pad Replacement: Minimum thickness 0.12 inches
Rotor Specifications: Minimum thickness 0.94 inches
Brake Bleeding: Sequence RR-LR-RF-LF

Tip: Always replace brake components in axle sets for even braking.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system. Battery: 12V 60Ah. Alternator: 70 amp output.

Battery Maintenance: Clean terminals, check specific gravity 1.260-1.280
Charging System: Alternator output 13.5-14.5 volts at 2000 rpm
Starting System: Starter draw 130-160 amps, cranking voltage above 9.6V
Fuse Box: Located under dashboard, main fuse 100A
Lighting: Headlight adjustment vertical ±1.5°, horizontal ±2.5°

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work to prevent shorts.

Body & Interior

Body dimensions: Length 176.0", Width 66.5", Height 66.1". Cargo capacity: 42.5 cubic feet.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition	Check fuel pressure, spark, timing
4WD not engaging	Vacuum system, transfer case	Inspect vacuum lines, shift mechanism
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace rotors
Overheating	Cooling system	Check thermostat, radiator, water pump
Transmission slipping	Fluid level, bands	Check fluid, adjust bands if applicable

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to clear ECU codes.

Technical Data

Oil Capacity: 4.0 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 9.5 quarts
Fuel Tank: 21.1 gallons
Tire Size: P225/75R15
Tire Pressure: 26 psi front, 26 psi rear
Torque Specs: Wheel lug nuts 72-87 ft-lbs
Fluid Types: Engine oil 10W-30, coolant ethylene glycol

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for starting, charging, lighting, and accessory systems. Color-coded wiring with connector locations and ground points.

Service: Contact Nissan dealership or certified technician for complex repairs.