2001 NISSAN XTERRA air filter

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-5
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-13
Power steering fluid..............................................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-16
Jump starting ...................................................8-17
Drive belts ............................................................8-18
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-19
Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-19
Air cleaner ............................................................8-20Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-22
Cleaning ..........................................................8-22
Replacing .........................................................8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-24
Checking parking brake...................................8-24
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-24
Brake booster ..................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Passenger compartment .................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights ....................................................................8-29
Headlights ........................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-31
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-32
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-34
Tire pressure ...................................................8-34
Types of tires ...................................................8-34
Tire chains .......................................................8-35
Changing wheels and tires ..............................8-36
ZX

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

When disconnecting, always hold the
boots Ð not the cables. Mark all cables
to identify their original location.
2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark
plug socket.
3. Fit the new spark plugs, one at a time,
into the spark plug socket and install
them.Use only the specified spark
plugs.Turn each plug several full turns
by hand, then tighten with the spark plug
socket to the correct torque. Do not over-
tighten.Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
4. Reconnect the spark plug cables to their
original positions.
The filter element should not be cleaned
and reused as it is given a special treat-
ment. We recommend it be replaced ac-
cording to the maintenance intervals shown
in the ``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
When replacing the filter, wipe the inside of
the air cleaner housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
WDI0005ADI1079
AIR CLEANER
8-20Do-it-yourself
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 2
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 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter
(KA24DE only)See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Intake and exhaust valve clearance (KA24DE only) See NOTE (3)*
Timing belt (VG33E only) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
NOTE: (1) When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle speed cannot be increased as the driver wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) 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.
9-8Maintenance
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

10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .........10-6
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............................10-8
Specifications .......................................................10-9
Engine .............................................................10-9
Wheels and tires............................................10-10
Dimensions and weights ............................... 10-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ..................................................10-12
Vehicle identification ...........................................10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ......10-12
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ...........................................10-12
Engine serial number ....................................10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........................10-13
Emission control information label ................10-14
Tire placard....................................................10-14
Air conditioner specification label ..................10-14Installing front license plate................................10-15
Vehicle loading information ................................10-15
Terms .............................................................10-15
Determining vehicle load capacity.................10-16
Securing the load ..........................................10-16
Loading tips ...................................................10-17
Payload weight ratings ..................................10-18
Measurement of weights ...............................10-19
Towing a trailer ...................................................10-19
Maximum load limits ......................................10-19
Towing load/specification chart .....................10-21
Towing safety .................................................10-22
Trailer tow harness and module
(if so equipped)..............................................10-23
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-25
Emission control system warranty .....................10-26
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................10-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .....................................................10-27
In the event of a collision ..............................10-30
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