2000 NISSAN XTERRA cooling

WARNING
OThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
ODo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
ODo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause theinterior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
OPositioning of the heater or air con-
ditioner controls should not be done
while driving, in order that full atten-
tion may be given to the driving
operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
This dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air control dial
This dial allows you to select the air flow
outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and the front and rear
floor outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from the front and
rear floor outlets.
Ð Air flows from defrost outlets and
the front and rear floor outlets.
ÐAir flows mainly from defrost outlets.
Temperature control dial
This dial allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
Air recirculation button
(if so equipped)
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
AHA1151
HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-3
ZX

OFF position (indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlets.
Use the OFF position for normal heater or
air conditioner operation.
ON position (indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the
button to the on position
when:
Odriving on a dusty road.
Oto prevent traffic fumes from entering the
passenger compartment.
Ofor maximum cooling when using the air
conditioner.
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (one to four) position, and push
the air conditioner button to turn on the air
conditioner. The indicator light comes on
when the air conditioner is operating. To turn
off the air conditioner, push the button
again.The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct most of the hot
air to the front and rear floor outlets. Rear
passenger heat is provided by the front
system through floor outlets located under
both front seats. A small amount of air also
flows from the defrost outlets.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position for normal heating.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side
and center vents.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.2. Turn the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Defrosting/defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost
outlets to defrost/defog the windows.
1. Turn the air control dial to the
posi-
tion.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than
45ÉF(7ÉC). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The
mode automatically turns off, allow-
ing outside air to be drawn into the passen-
ger compartment to further improve the
defogging performance.
4-4Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

Bi-level heating
The bi-level mode directs warmed air to the
side and center vents and to the front and
rear floor outlets.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
posi-
tion.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
the desired position.
Heating and defrosting/defogging
This mode directs a portion of the air to the
defrost outlets to defrost/defog the win-
dows, and also directs air to the front and
rear floor outlets to heat the cabin.
1. Turn the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 45ÉF
(7ÉC). This dehumidifies the air which helps
defog the windshield. The
mode au-
tomaticallly turns off, allowing outside air to
be drawn into the passenger compartment
to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the wind-
shield. This improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (one to four) position, and push
in the air conditioner button to activate the
air conditioner. When the air conditioner is
on, cooling and dehumidifying functions are
added to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode directs cooled and dryed air to
the side and center vents to cool and dehu-
midify the cabin.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air control dial to the
posi-
tion.
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.
For quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to the
ON position. Be sure to return the air recir-
culation button to the OFF position for nor-
mal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode directs warmed and dryed air to
the front and rear floor outlets to heat and
dehumidify the cabin.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-5
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

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

COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
tire placard affixed to the inside of the
glove box lid.
ORetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNING
Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can be-
come dangerous projectiles in an acci-
dent or sudden stop.To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
OIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
OExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
ODo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
OKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
OThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.OYour vehicle has and automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
OWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
JUMP STARTING
6-8In case of emergency
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

OBe sure to place the transfer control
lever into the 2H position, and the
transmission selector lever into the
N (Neutral) position.VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
OTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
OPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
OAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
the vehicle at an angle.
OPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
OStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
6-14In case of emergency
ZX