2001 NISSAN XTERRA steering wheel

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

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
Technical and consumer information10-19
ZX

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
ZX

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
Technical and consumer information10-25
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-9
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-13
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-33
Antenna...................................................... 4-37
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-24
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
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 ..... 4-37Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-19
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-12
B
Battery........................................................ 8-16
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-24
Brake booster ....................................... 8-25
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-24
Brake system ........................................ 5-23
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators .................. 2-11, 8-25
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-17
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-38
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-32
Child restraints ........................................... 1-22
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock .......................................................... 4-12
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-25
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-37
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
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

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
11-5
ZX