2000 NISSAN XTERRA transmission

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Door open warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on:
,,,or,
If the driver's seat belt is fastened before the
ignition key is turned to the ON position, the
light will not come on briefly and then
go off.
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

WARNING
OWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H
or 4L position and the parking brake
is applied.
OFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which could cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control lever is not secured in
any drive position while the automatic trans-
mission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, the transmission will disengage
and the vehicle may move unexpectedly.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H,
4H, or 4L position when the warning light
comes on.
OWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer control lever is in 2H, 4H, or 4L
and the parking brake is set.OIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
OFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in
serious personal injury or property dam-
age.
WARNING
OIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer control lever is in the N
(Neutral) position.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential problem
with the anti-lock brake system. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases but the ordinary
brakes continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened and the key is in the ignition switch.
Take the ignition key when you leave the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless
the ignition key is in the ON position. Turn
the headlight switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
O
Malfunction indicator lamp on steady þ An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
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 thelampdoes not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
OMalfunction indicator light blinking þ An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
Odo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
O
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
Oavoid steep uphill grades.
Oif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Instruments and controls
2-11
ZX

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three-way catalyst .................................................5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions .....5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-4
Driving safety precautions ......................................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-6
Manual transmission ..............................................5-6
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-7
Before starting the engine ......................................5-8
Driving with automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ......................................................5-8
Driving with manual transmission ........................5-13Starting the engine ...............................................5-14
Parking brake operation .......................................5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-16
Break-in schedule ................................................5-18
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-18
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................5-19
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................5-20
Tires of four-wheel drive ......................................5-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-23
Power steering system .........................................5-24
Brake system........................................................5-24
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..............................5-25
Cold weather driving ............................................5-26
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

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ig-
nition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the key:
1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.
The shift lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC position. This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged. The shift lever can
also be moved if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a(1(on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not
locked.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.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running. The shifter can be moved if the
ASD1014
Starting and driving5-7
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