2002 NISSAN XTERRA light

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Exterior maintenance.........................................8-3
Interior maintenance ..........................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-7
Engine cooling system .........................................8-10
Checking engine coolant level ........................8-10
Changing engine coolant ................................ 8-11
Engine oil ............................................................. 8-11
Checking engine oil level ................................ 8-11
Changing engine oil ........................................8-13
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-14
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-15
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-15
Power steering fluid..............................................8-17
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-17
Window washer fluid ............................................8-18
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................8-18
Battery ..................................................................8-19Jump starting ...................................................8-20
Drive belts ............................................................8-20
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-21
Replacing spark plugs
(except supercharger) .....................................8-22
Replacing spark plugs
(with supercharger)..........................................8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................8-23
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-25
Cleaning ..........................................................8-25
Replacing .........................................................8-25
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-27
Checking parking brake...................................8-27
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-27
Brake booster ..................................................8-28
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-29
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-29
Fuses ....................................................................8-30
Passenger compartment .................................8-30
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-31
Lights ....................................................................8-32
Headlights ........................................................8-32
ZX

Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-33
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-34
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-37
Tire pressure ...................................................8-37Types of tires ...................................................8-38
Tire chains .......................................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires ..............................8-39
ZX

During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have an authorized NISSAN
dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should
notify an authorized NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precau-
tions in this ``Maintenance and do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge at
least once a month and always prior to longdistance trips, including the spare, and ad-
just to the specified pressure if necessary.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or exces-
sive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
OFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ``Important Tire Safety Informa-
tion'' in the Warranty Information Booklet
(US) or ``Tire Safety Information'' in the
Warranty and Roadside Assistance infor-
mation booklet (Canada).
WindshieldClean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZX

Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operatesproperly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
OWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
OAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
OThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).OThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the se-
lector lever through each gear range,
ending in P (Park).
ADI1067
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD MAX
range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to
30ÉC).
CAUTION
ODo not overfill.
ORecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
ADI1120ADI1118ADI1119
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
ZX

CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
CAUTION
ODo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solu-
tion. This may result in damage to
the paint.
ODo not fill the window washer reser-
voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain thegrille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir tank.
OPre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer's rec-
ommended levels before pouring the
fluid into the window washer reser-
voir tank. Do not use the window
washer reservoir tank to mix the
washer fluid concentrate and water.
For US
Check the window washer fluid level in the
reservoir tank and add fluid if necessary.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
For Canada
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add windshield washer sol-
vent to the water for better cleaning. In the
winter season, add windshield washer anti-
freeze.
LDI0070
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks
self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four-
wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, it may be
due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum
brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal, see an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer and have it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakeschecked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.''
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedalapplication to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX