2001 NISSAN XTERRA oil

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
OPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to P (Park).
OBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
ONever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
ONever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.O
If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts, and any other moving parts.
OIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
OAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
OIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
ONever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
OKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
OOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
ODo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
ONever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
OAvoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

and install the radiator cap.
12.Check the drain valve on the radiator and
drain plugs on the engine block for any
sign of leakage.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
ADI1059ADI1060
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill.6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let idle until it
reaches operating temperature, and then
turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
ADI1061ADI1062ADI1063
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

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

Schedule 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.526.25 30 33.75 37.541.25 45 48.75 52.556.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter
(KA24DE only)See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clearance (KA24DE only) See NOTE (4)*
Timing belt (VG33E only) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle speed cannot be increased as the driver wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
9-6Maintenance
ZX

Schedule 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. L = Lubricate [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, rotors, drums & liningsIIIIIIII
Automatic transmission, transfer & differen-
tial gear oil (exc. LSD)See NOTE (1)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil See NOTE (1) I R I I
Manual transmission oil See NOTE (1) I I I [R]
Steering gear (box) & linkage, axle & suspension partsIIIIIIII
Tire rotation See NOTE (4)
Drive shaft boots (
) IIIIIIII
Propeller shaft (
) LLLLLLLL
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease & free-running
hub grease (
)See NOTE (2)IRIR
Exhaust systemIIIIIIII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (3)
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000
miles (48,000 km) or 24 months except for LSD. Change LSD gear oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating frequently in water, replace grease every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months.
(3) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the FMVSS certification label.
(4) Refer to ``Tire rotation'' under the ``General maintenance'' heading earlier in this section.
Maintenance9-7
ZX