2001 NISSAN XTERRA towing

could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
OSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30, SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if
the ambient temperature is above 0ÉF
(-18ÉC).
ATI1028
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MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale
and weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads. Indi-
vidual axle loads should not exceed either
of the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).
The total of the axle loads should not ex-
ceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)
is available from an authorized NISSAN
dealer. This guide includes information on
trailer towing ability and the special equip-
ment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
OWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
example, on slippery boat ramps).
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
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WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. A Nissan Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special
equipment required may be obtained
from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 9 to 11
percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following Towing Load/Specification Chart.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange cargo to allow for proper tongue
load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
FMVSS certification label. The gross vehicle
weight equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the FMVSS certification label.
ATI1025
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lbs. (kg)
Engine KA24DE (4 cyl) VG33E (V6)
Model 2WD 2WD 4WD
Transmission M/T M/T A/T M/T A/T
MAXIMUM
TRAILER
WEIGHT*13,500 (1,588) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE
LOAD350 (159) 350 (159) 500 (227) 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS
COMBINED
WEIGHT
RATING7,700 (3,492) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309)
RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT*2Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000
lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional
trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
Technical and consumer information10-21
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TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
OSpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
OThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
ODo not use axle-mounted hitches.ODo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
OTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
OAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
ORegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
OWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (affixed
to the inside of the glove box lid).
OTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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4) Connect the tow harness connector
(SAE J1239) to your trailer.
5) Confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation.
6) When towing is completed, disconnect
the tow harness from the trailer and the
vehicle. Store the tow harness in the
glove box. Reinstall the connector cap to
the vehicle harness.
If you need further assistance in wiring
a trailer to your NISSAN, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Always confirm proper vehicle and
trailer stop/turn lamp operation every
time the trailer light circuits are con-
nected for use.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
OBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
OBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
O
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
OAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
OAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
OAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
OWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
OIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
10-24Technical and consumer information
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tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
OTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
OAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
OHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
OWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
OCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.OBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
OTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
OAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However, rela-
tive tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
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Steering wheel audio control switch .......... 4-37
Step rail...................................................... 3-12
Sun shade.................................................. 2-28
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-17
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-6
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Theft warning ............................................. 2-12
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-3
Tie down hooks.......................................... 2-24
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Tire chains ............................................ 8-35
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-34
Tire rotation........................................... 8-36
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-37
Types of tires ........................................ 8-34
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-25
Wheels and tires................................... 8-34
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-13
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-21
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-19
Transfer case ............................................. 5-18
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-12
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-25
V
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-14
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Theft warning ........................................ 2-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-12
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-16
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-27
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
Wiper blades......................................... 8-22
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