2001 NISSAN XTERRA check oil

5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
OProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
OTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
OKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil is hot.
OWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
OCheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)7. Refill engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for drain
and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.ADI1064
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove the splash shield.
ORemove the six push pins.
ORemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
7. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
ADI1065ADI1066
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

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.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operates
properly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level afterparking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and rotors
¶Brake linings and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-
tremely high, the filter may become clogged
more rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
EVAP Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness, or dete-
rioration. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping andconnections for leaks, looseness or deterio-
ration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil and oil filter*Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines and cablesCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
9-10Maintenance
ZX

Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer and differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts and drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving conditions
(
only).
Front wheel bearing grease and free-
running hub greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule (4x2).Check the wheel bearing and free-running
hub for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule. In case of frequent driv-
ing in muddy water, the bearing grease and
free-running hub grease inspection should
be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components
for proper attachment, damage, deformities,
cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance
9-11
ZX

Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cover
Tonneau cover ...................................... 2-25
Cruise control............................................. 5-15
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-18
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-19
Cold weather driving............................. 5-25
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-17
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-26
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8Capacities 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 ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
First aid kit
First aid kit .............................................. 6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-19
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2Clutch 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 ....................................... 5-17
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-13
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) ....................................................... 3-10
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
11-2
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-17
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-18
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-29
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-4L
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)...................... 1-12
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-13
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-17
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-29
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-30
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Rear door lock ........................................ 3-9
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .................... 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-10
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15M
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.......................... 1-22
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-11
Manual windows ........................................ 2-27
Map lights .................................................. 2-30
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
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
11-3
ZX

Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-22
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-23
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-14
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-38
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-24
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-37
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-27
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............... 2-8
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-9
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-3
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ..................................................... 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
Roof rack with gear basket........................ 3-10
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-14
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-22
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-22
Seat belts.............................................. 1-14
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-17
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 1-20
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-3
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) ......................... 2-30
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-12
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 ................................. 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-23
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-14
11-4
ZX