2002 NISSAN XTERRA checking oil

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning light
Seat belt warning light and chimeCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light (model)
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Door open warning light
CHECKING BULBS
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on:
,,,or,
If the driver's seat belt is fastened before the
ignition key is turned to the ON position, the
light will not come on briefly and then
go off.
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

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

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An authorized NISSAN dealer can change
the engine coolant. The service procedure
can be found in the NISSAN Service
Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
OTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
ONever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
OAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.OKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
WDI0090
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
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

Cover
Tonneau cover ...................................... 2-29
Cruise control............................................. 5-15
Cup holders ............................................... 2-26
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-20
Dimensions and weights ............................ 9-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-19
Cold weather driving............................. 5-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-17
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-26
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant ...................... 8-11Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14
Checking engine coolant level ............. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ...................... 8-11
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ......................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......... 2-12
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
First aid kit ................................................... 6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-22
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-15
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-17, 9-3
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-17
Engine coolant ...................................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17Window washer fluid ............................ 8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................... 9-13
Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-17
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-13
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-30
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
Gear Basket (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-20
Headlights .................................................. 8-32
10-2
ZX

Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .................................................. 2-10
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-21
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-33
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Emission control information label........ 9-14
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-14
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ................ 2-10
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-20
Headlights ............................................. 8-32
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-33
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-32
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-34
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................. 2-10
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Rear door lock ........................................ 3-9
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .................... 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-10
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-15M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-3
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-5
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-3
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-14
Manual windows ........................................ 2-31
Map lights .................................................. 2-34
Meters and gauges .............................. 2-2, 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system) .................................. 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14
Checking engine oil level ...................... 8-11
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
10-3
ZX