2000 NISSAN XTERRA belt

OThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
OThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal restraint system may not function properly.
For additional details on the supplemental
restraint system (supplemental air bag sys-
tem), see the ``Seats, Restraints and Supple-
mental Air Bag Systems'' section of this
manual
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the air
bag will not operate in an accident.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Usethe dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an authorized NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is in the ON position.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

The tie down hooks can be used to secure
cargo with ropes or other types of straps.
WARNING
OProperly secure all cargo to help
prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do
not place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
OUse suitable ropes and hooks to se-
cure cargo.
ONever allow anyone to ride in the
luggage area. It is extremely danger-
ous to ride in a cargo area inside of a
vehicle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
ODo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
OBe sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt prop-
erly.Do not apply a total load of more than 33
lbs (15kg) to a single hook when secur-
ing cargo.
AIC1106AIC1107
TIE DOWN HOOKS
Instruments and controls2-21
ZX

AUTOMATIC POWER WINDOW
SWITCH
To fully open the driver window, completely
press the driver window switch down and
release it; it need not be held. To stop the
window, lift the switch up while the window
is opening.
Opening
Pull the handle down, then push the handle
up to the fully tilted position.The skyroof
cannot be removed.
WARNING
In an accident you could be thrown
from the vehicle through an open sky-
roof. Always use seat belts and child
restraints.
CAUTION
ODo not open skyroof when gear bas-
ket is in place.
OAlways remove the gear basket be-
fore opening skyroof. The skyroof
may be scratched if it is opened with
the gear basket in place.
For instructions to remove the gear
basket, refer to ``Roof rack with gear
basket'' in the ``Pre-driving checks
and adjustments'' section of this
manual.
ODo not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out
of the skyroof opening while the ve-
hicle is in motion.
ORemove water drops, snow, ice or
sand from the skyroof before open-
ing.
ODo not place heavy objects on the
skyroof or surrounding area.
AIC1121A I C 1111
SKYROOF
(if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-27
ZX

A key number is supplied with your key.
Record the key number and keep it in a safe
place (such as your wallet), NOT IN THE
VEHICLE. If you lose your keys, see an
authorized NISSAN dealer for duplicates by
using the key number. NISSAN does not
record key numbers so it is very important to
keep track of your key number plate.
A key number is only necessary when you
have lost all keys and do not have one to
duplicate from. If you still have a key, this
key can be duplicated by an authorized
NISSAN dealer or locksmith.
WARNING
OAlways have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat
belts, this provides greater safety in
the event of an accident by helping
to prevent persons from being
thrown from the vehicle. This also
helps keep children and others from
unintentionally opening the doors,
and will help keep out intruders.
OBefore opening any door, always
look for and avoid oncoming traffic.
ODo not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious acci-
dents.
Locking doors with key
To lock the door, turn the key towards the
front of the vehicle. To unlock, turn it to-
wards the rear.
On power door lock equipped models, lock-
ing the driver's door simultaneously locks all
doors.
APD1025APD1033
KEY DOOR LOCKS
3-2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss
of control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to rollover, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section of this manual, and in-
struct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delaysreaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in the
accident, alcohol can increase the se-
verity of injury.
Nissan is committed to safe driving. But,
you must choose not to drive under the
influence of alcohol. Every year thousands
of people are injured or killed in alcohol
related accidents. Although the local laws
vary on what is considered to be legally
intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all
people differently and most people underes-
timate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and offroad use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your NISSAN is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional offroad vehicle.
Remember that two wheel drive models are
less capable than four wheel drive models
for rough road driving and extrication when
stuck in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
O
Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
ODo not drive across steep slopes. In-
stead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road ve-
hicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

OMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you
may not be able to control your
speed. If you drive across them, you
may roll over.
ODo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
OStay alert when driving to the top of
a hill. At the top there could be a
drop-off or other hazard that could
cause an accident.
OIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed
(manual transmission vehicles), us-
ing only the brake, as this could
cause loss of control.
OHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat and fade, resulting in loss of
control and an accident. Apply
brakes lightly and use a low gear to
control your speed.
OUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
OTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capactiy of the roof rack/gear bin (if
so equipped) and evenly distribute
the load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low
as possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
ODo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving
offroad. The steering wheel could
move suddenly and injure your
hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.OBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
OAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
OLower your speed when encoutering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
ODo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
OAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
OIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two wheel drive ve-
hicles. Failure to operate this vehicle
Starting and driving
5-5
ZX

correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
OAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias
belted or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
OBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See ``Brake system'' later in this sec-
tion for ``Wet brakes''.
OAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
OWhenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See
``Periodic maintenance'' in the
``Maintenance'' section of this
manual.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn
the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
ASD1015
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

ignition switch is in ACC position.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.OMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
OCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
OCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
OVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
OLock all doors.
OPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
OAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
OFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
OCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See9Warning/Indicator lights and
chimes9in the9Instruments and controls9
section.WARNING
ODo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
OCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
ONever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
OWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
OOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
5-8Starting and driving
ZX