2001 NISSAN XTERRA Owners Manual

and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. For details, see ``Changing
engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use on all four
wheels of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEA-
SON tires. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according tolocation. Check the local laws before
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.
5-26Starting and driving
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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
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MEMO
5-28Starting and driving
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6 In case of emergency
First aid kit ..............................................................6-2
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire ............................................6-2
Jump starting ..........................................................6-8
Push starting ........................................................6-10If your vehicle overheats ......................................6-10
Towing your vehicle .............................................. 6-11
Towing recommended by Nissan ....................6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle) ............................................................6-14
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A first aid kit is located on the back door trim
panel. To remove the first aid kit, unfasten
the two straps.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse), or the automatic
transmission into P (Park).
WARNING
O
The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
O
Do not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Other-
wise, the vehicle could roll unexpect-
edly even if the manual transmission
is in any gear or the automatic trans-
mission is in the P (Park) position.
This could result in serious personal
injury or property damage.
4. Turn off the engine.
ACE1041
FIRST AID KIT FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
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5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you require assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
OMake sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Reverse),
or the automatic transmission into P
(Park).
ONever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
ONever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling
when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
Getting the spare tire and tools
1. Open the back door.
2. Roll back the cargo area carpet.
3.
Remove the wheel nut wrench and jack rod.
4. Unscrew the tool tray hold down and
remove the tool tray.
5. Use the tool tray to store lug nuts during
a tire change.
WARNING
Never use the tool tray as a jacking
surface.
MCE0001ACE1051
In case of emergency6-3
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6. Unscrew the jack hold down and re-
move the jack.7. Find the oval shaped opening above the
middle of the license plate. Pass the
T-shaped end of the jack rod through
the opening and direct it towards the
spare tire winch, located directly above
the spare tire.
CAUTION
Do not insert the jack rod straight as it
is designed to be inserted at an angle
as shown.8. Fit the square end of the jack rod into
the square hole of the wheel nut wrench
to form a handle.
9. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod
into the T-shaped opening of the tire
winch. Apply pressure to keep the jack
ACE1033ACE1034
WCE0016
6-4In case of emergency
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rod engaged in the spare tire winch and
turn the jack rod counter clockwise to
lower the spare tire.
10.Once the spare tire is completely low-
ered, reach under the vehicle, remove
the retainer chain, and carefully slide the
tire from under the rear of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Be sure to center the spare tire sus-
pending plate on the wheel and then lift
the spare tire.
CE0047MACE1040
In case of emergency6-5
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