2000 NISSAN XTERRA coolant

2 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................2-2
Speedometer and odometer ..................................2-3
Tachometer .............................................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge........................2-5
Fuel gauge .............................................................2-6
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................2-7
Theft warning (if so equipped) .............................2-12
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-14
Daytime running light system (Canada only) .......2-14
Front fog light switch (if so equipped)..................2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-16
Rear window wiper and washer switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................2-17
Instrument brightness control ...............................2-17
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-18Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray ...........2-19
Power point (if so equipped) ................................2-19
Storage compartment ...........................................2-20
Tie down hooks ....................................................2-21
Tonneau cover ......................................................2-22
Cup holder ............................................................2-22
Map pockets .........................................................2-23
Dome light ............................................................2-24
Map lights (if so equipped)...................................2-24
Illuminated entry system ......................................2-25
Manual windows ...................................................2-25
Power windows (if so equipped) ..........................2-25
Automatic power window switch ..........................2-27
Skyroof (if so equipped) .......................................2-27
ZX

The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear. Operat-
ing the engine in the red zone may
cause serious engine damage.The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving con-
ditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for im-
mediate action required.
AIC1100AIC1101
TACHOMETER ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Instruments and controls2-5
ZX

2. Turn the air control dial to thepo-
sition.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defrosting/defogging
This mode directs warmed and dryed air to
the defrost outlets to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Turn the air control dial to the
posi-
tion.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
When the
,or positions in be-
tween are selected, the air conditioner au-
tomatically turns on (however the indicator
light will not illuminate) if the outside tem-perature is more than 45ÉF(7ÉC). This de-
humidifies the air which helps defog the
windshield. The
mode automatically
turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn
into the passenger compartment to further
improve the defogging performance.
Operating tips
OKeep windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
OAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
OThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately ten min-
utes at least once a month. This helps
prevent damage to the system due to
lack of lubrication.
OIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See ``If your
vehicle overheats'' in the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and
dial positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting.The air recir-
culation switch should always be in the
OFF position for heating and defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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

WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophisti-
cated device, but it cannot prevent acci-
dents resulting from careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control under braking on
slippery surfaces, but remember that the
stopping distance on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal surfaces
even with the anti-lock brake system.
Stopping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel, or snow covered roads,
or if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of you. Ultimately, the responsi-
bility for safety of self and others rests in
the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
OWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied tire size on all four wheels.
OWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information refer to ``Tire plac-
ard'' in the ``Technical and consumer
information'' section of this manual.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it in the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine cooling system'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-ing the vehicle. For details, see ``Changing
engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use on all four
wheels of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEA-
SON tires. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-26Starting and driving
ZX

perature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 r/min)
until the temperature gauge indicator re-
turns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing, or the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time when
the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reser-
voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle
repaired at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, U.S. States, Ca-
nadian provinces and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. Local service operators
are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
ONever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
ONever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
OWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9
Changing engine oil .............................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ......................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ATF............8-13
Power steering fluid..............................................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-16
Jump starting ........................................................8-17
Drive belts ............................................................8-18Spark plug replacement .......................................8-19
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-20
Wiper blades ........................................................8-22
Parking brake check.............................................8-24
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-24
Brake booster .......................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Light bulbs ............................................................8-29
Headlights ............................................................8-29
Bulb replacement .................................................8-30
Front fog light bulb replacement
(if so equipped) ....................................................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-34
Four-wheel drive models ......................................8-37
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round,
genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant solu-
tion. The anti-freeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze
coolant or equivalent and 50% dem-
ineralized or distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage the engine cooling system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toGenuine
Nissan
Anti-
freeze
coolant or
equivalentDeminer-
alized
water or
Distilled
water ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
ONever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in ``If your vehicle
overheats'' found in the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
OThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below the MIN level, add coolant to the
MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiatorwhen
the engine is cold.If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1026
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX