2000 NISSAN XTERRA brake fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
ADI1118ADI1119
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately havethe exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil KA24DE 4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0 API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
VG33E 4x2 5-1/8 pt 4-1/4 pt 2.4
4x4 10-3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final drive KA24DE 4x2 M/T 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5 API GL-5*1
VG33E 4x4 Front 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
Rear 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluid 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NIS-
SAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4. *4
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NIS-
SAN Automatic Transmission Fluid. *4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent. *7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
*7: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
Technical and consumer information10-3
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-9
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-11
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-32
Antenna...................................................... 4-35
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-10
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-19
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-28
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-20
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-11
B
Battery........................................................ 8-16
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-25
Brake booster ....................................... 8-25
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-24
Brake system ........................................ 5-24
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators .................. 2-11, 8-25
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-15
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-18
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-10
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-36
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-31
Child restraints ........................................... 1-22
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock .......................................................... 4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-26
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
ZX

Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cover
Tonneau cover ...................................... 2-22
Cruise control............................................. 5-16
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-14
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-18
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
Cold weather driving............................. 5-26
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-18
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-26Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
First aid kit
First aid kit .............................................. 6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-18
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-14
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-4
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
Gear Basket (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-11
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
11-2
ZX

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-4
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-6
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-23
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14Power steering system ......................... 5-24
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-28
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-22
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-36
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-27
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............. 2-10
Rear door lock ........................................... 3-10
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-4
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-18
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ..................................................... 2-17
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
Roof rack with gear basket ........................ 3-11
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-21
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Seat belts.............................................. 1-13
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-16
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 1-19
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-8
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-4
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-29
Shifting
Manual transmission............................. 5-13
Skyroof ....................................................... 2-27
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-19
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-24
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-11
11-4
ZX