2000 NISSAN XTERRA gas type

The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Turn the cap counter clockwise to
remove. Tighten the cap clockwise until
ratcheting clicks are heard.
WARNING
OGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. You could be burned or se-
riously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.OFuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap one-half turn and wait for
any ``hissing'' sound to stop to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out and
causing possible personal injury.
Then remove the cap.
ODo not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly fire.
OUse only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury.
ONever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
OIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.
OTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illu-
minate. If the
lamp illuminates
because the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap
and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
OFor additional information, see the
(Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)(in
the(Instruments and Controls(sec-
tion earlier in this manual.
APD1082
FUEL FILLER CAP
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
OThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
ODo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
ODo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
OKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-rich fuel flow into the three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat.
Do not keep driving if the engine
misfires, or if noticeable loss of per-
formance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the
vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
OAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
ODo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
ODo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-
ROAD DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than
passenger cars to make them capable of
performing in a variety of on-pavement and
offroad applications. This gives them ahigher center of gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles
any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-
road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers particu-
larly at high speeds. As with other vehicles
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precau-
tions later in this section.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
Starting and driving
5-3
ZX

installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer's suggestions.Use only SAE
Class ``S'' chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tire chain
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be se-
cured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or undercarriage. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected. Never install tire chains on a
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
OWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow, or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have much less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
OWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
O
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
OAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.OWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
ODo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
OSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
Engine block heater (if so equipped)
An engine block heater to assist extreme
cold temperature starting is available
through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
5-27
ZX

FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb.
CAUTION
OHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
OWhen handling the bulb, do not
touch the glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative (2) battery
cable.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
4. Push down the spring retainer.
5. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake
or rotate the bulb when removing it.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
OBe sure the lip of the bulb socket
contacts the headlight body.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
ADI1127
LIGHT BULBS
Do-it-yourself8-29
ZX

Model KA24DE VG33E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 3.504 ý 3.780 (89.0 ý 96.0) 3.602 x 3.268 (91.5 x 83.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 145.78 (2,389) 199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-2-3-4-5-6
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control Label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing degree (BTDC)
at idle speed degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugPFR5G-11 (Standard)*1
PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1
PFR7G-11 (Cold)*1PFR5G-11 (Standard)*1
PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1
PFR7G-11 (Cold)*1
Spark plug gap Nominal: in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing belt *2
Generator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm) 0.413 x 35.63 (10.5 x 905) 0.701 x 31.69 (17.8 x 805)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at an authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See9Periodic maintenance schedules9in the9Maintenance9section.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Ð Causing Equipment
Regulations.
ENGINE
Technical and consumer information10-9
ZX