2002 NISSAN XTERRA ECU

OIf 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.
ONever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
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 ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. See ``Owner's Manual/ServiceManual Order Information'' in the ``Technical
and Consumer Information'' Section.
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.
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

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.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)ADI1063WDI0093
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

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.
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.
ADI1065WDI0094
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
OKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
OMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
O
If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ) bat-
tery terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
ODo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
ODo not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery
fluid can cause a higher load on thebattery which can generate heat, re-
duce battery life, and in some cases
lead to an explosion.
OWhen working on or near the battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
OBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
OKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
1. Gently pry between the battery cap and
cover as illustrated to remove the cap.
Use a cloth to protect the battery case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
level indicator in each filler opening.Do
not overfill.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures
or under severe conditions require fre-
quent checks of the battery fluid level.
ADI0709
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
ADI1074
WDI0068
SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
ZX

Replace the battery in the keyfob as follows:
1. Open the lid using a coin.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: Toshiba CR2025
or equivalent.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Press the LOCK button, then the UNLOCK
button two or three times to check the
keyfob operation.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.
OAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
OThe keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
OThe operational range of the keyfob
extends to approximately 33 ft (10 m)
from the vehicle. This range may vary
with conditions.
LPD0081
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31
ZX

TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. An authorized NISSAN
dealer may be able to help you with
information about tire type, size, speed
rating and availability. Replacement
tires may have a lower speed rating
than the factory equipped tires, and
may not match the potential maximum
vehicle speed. Never exceed the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tire.
OFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ``Important Tire Safety
Information'' in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US) or ``Tire Safety
Information'' in the Warranty and
Roadside Assistance information
booklet (Canada).
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance for
use all year around, including snowy and icy
road conditions. All Season Tires are iden-tified by ``ALL SEASON'' and/or ``M&S'' on
the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better
snow traction than All Season tires and may
be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance in
snow and ice will be substantially reduced.
Summer tires do not have the tire traction
rating ``M&S'' on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of ``SNOW'' or ``ALL SEASON'' tires on
all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and maynot match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
States and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
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.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are the proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity 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. Oth-
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ........9-2
Fuel recommendation
(except supercharger) .......................................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ...........9-6
Recommended SAE viscosity number ..............9-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...............................9-8
Specifications .........................................................9-9
Engine ...............................................................9-9
Wheels and tires..............................................9-10
Dimensions and weights ................................. 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................9-12
Vehicle identification .............................................9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ........9-12
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................................9-12
Engine serial number ......................................9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............................9-13
Emission control information label ..................9-14
Tire placard......................................................9-14
Air conditioner specification label ....................9-14Installing front license plate..................................9-15
Vehicle loading information ..................................9-15
Terms ...............................................................9-15
Determining vehicle payload capacity .............9-16
Securing the load ............................................9-16
Loading tips .....................................................9-17
Payload weight capacity ..................................9-18
Measurement of weights .................................9-19
Towing a trailer .....................................................9-19
Maximum load limits ........................................9-19
Towing load/specification chart .......................9-21
Towing safety ...................................................9-22
Trailer tow harness and module
(if so equipped)................................................9-23
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................9-25
Emission control system warranty .......................9-26
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................9-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .......................................................9-27
Owner manual/service manual order
information ............................................................9-29
In the event of a collision ................................9-30
ZX