2000 NISSAN XTERRA warning light

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks
self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four-
wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, it may be
due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum
brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal, see an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer and have it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakeschecked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Do-it-yourself8-25
ZX

OImproper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheel/tire size'' in the ``Technical and con-
sumer information'' section of this manual.
WARNING
O
The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.OIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause pre-mature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteris-
tics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking effi-
ciency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to ªWheel/tire sizeº in the
ªTechnical and consumer informa-
tionº section of this manual for wheel
off-set dimensions.
ODo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have unknown
structural damage and could fail
without warning.
OThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
MODELS
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer
case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
Do-it-yourself
8-37
ZX

sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodCheck that all doors and
the hood operate properly. Also ensure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and otherlights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. toensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Maintenance
9-3
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

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-14
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-17
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-24
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-6
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Emission control information label...... 10-14
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ...................... 1-11
Light
Air bag warning light ............................. 1-11
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-24
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-24
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3Rear door lock ...................................... 3-10
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-11
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .................... 3-11
Luggage rack (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-11
Manual windows ........................................ 2-25
Map lights .................................................. 2-24
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-17
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-16
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
11-3
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

Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-15
Step rail...................................................... 3-13
Stop light .................................................... 8-30
Sun shade.................................................. 2-28
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-6
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-18
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-16
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Theft warning ............................................. 2-12
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-3
Tie down hooks.......................................... 2-21
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15Tire
Spare tire .............................................. 8-38
Tire chains ............................................ 8-35
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-34
Tire rotation........................................... 8-36
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-37
Types of tires ........................................ 8-34
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-25
Wheels and tires................................... 8-34
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-13
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-21
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-19
Transfer case ............................................. 5-19
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-11
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-12
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-14U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-25
V
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-14
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ............................. 1-11
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Theft warning ........................................ 2-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ...................... 1-11
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-16
11-5
ZX