2000 NISSAN XTERRA Owners Manual

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove the splash shield.
ORemove the six push pins.
ORemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
7. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
ADI1065ADI1066
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
OWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
OAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING ATF
OThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).
OThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstickafter the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the se-
lector lever through each gear range,
ending in P (Park).3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging
pipe as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is on the low side of either
range, add fluid through the charging
pipe.
ADI1067ADI1068
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
Do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY NIS-
SAN Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Dexron
TMIII/ Mer-
conTMor equivalent may also be
used. Outside the continental United
States and Alaska contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealership for more in-
formation regarding suitable fluids,
including recommended brand(s) of
Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMautomatic
transmission fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the fluid level cannot be read
accurately. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD MAX
range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to
30ÉC).
CAUTION
ODo not overfill.
ORecommended fluid is Genuine NIS-
SAN PSF II or equivalent.
ADI1069ADI1116ADI1120
POWER STEERING FLUID
8-14Do-it-yourself
ZX

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.
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BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

CAUTION
ODo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solu-
tion. This may result in damage to
the paint.
ODo not fill the window washer reser-
voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir tank.OPre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer's rec-
ommended levels before pouring the
fluid into the window washer reser-
voir tank. Do not use the window
washer reservoir tank to mix the
washer fluid concentrate and water.
USA Only
Check the window washer fluid level in the
reservoir tank and add fluid if necessary.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
Canada Only
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add windshield washer sol-
vent to the water for better cleaning. In the
winter season, add windshield washer anti-
freeze.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
OKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
OMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
O
If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ) bat-
tery terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
ODo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
OWhen working on or near the battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.ADI1034
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-16Do-it-yourself
ZX

OBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
OKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
1. Gently pry between the battery cap and
cover as illustrated to remove the cap.
Use a cloth to protect the battery case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
level indicator in each filler opening.Do
not overfill.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see ``Jump
starting'' in the ``In case of emergency'' sec-
tion. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
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Do-it-yourself8-17
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is OFF or LOCK
position. The engine could rotate unex-
pectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
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DRIVE BELTS
8-18Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven-
tional type spark plugs because they last
much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping.
OAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
commended or equivalent ones.1. Disconnect the spark plug cables.
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ADI1076
SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
Do-it-yourself8-19
ZX