2003 NISSAN XTERRA warning

For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical 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 sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WDI0283WDI0284
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the light comes
on (if so equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.
WDI0285
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
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cKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. 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 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.cWhen working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
cBattery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
1. Remove the battery caps with a screwdriver
as shown. Use a cloth to protect the battery
case.
WDI0224
BATTERY
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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 bottom of
the filler opening.Do not overfill.Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
1 Crankshaft
2 Water pump
3 Generator
4 Air conditioner compressor
5 Power steering fluid pump
: Tension checking points
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
LDI0302
KA24DE engine
WDI0286
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance schedule, but do not reuse
the spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
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 re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
Except supercharger
1. Disconnect the spark plug cables.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots — not the cables. Mark all cables
to identify their original location.
2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug
socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that holds
the spark plug so it does not fall when it is
pulled out. Make sure each spark plug is
snugly fitted into the spark plug socket.
WDI0005
KA24DE engine
WDI0193
SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
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WARNING
cOperating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.cNever pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER (if so
equipped)
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” for
change intervals.
To change the filter, perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Pivot pins
2. Glove box
1. Remove the two pivot pins from the glove
box. Remove the glove box.
CAUTION
Do not disturb the front of the air bag
module.
WDI0291WDI0315
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
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CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
From the released position, firmly push the park-
ing brake down. If the number of clicks is out of
the range listed, see a NISSAN dealer.
c6–7 clicks under depressing force of 44 lb
(196 N) .
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distanceA
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Distance A: Under depressing force of 110
lb (490 N)
Automatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
4 1/4 in (110 mm) 4 in (100 mm)
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 vehicles self-adjust
every time the parking brake is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on four-wheel drive vehicles
self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal,
it may be due to lack of adjustment of the rear
drum brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not return
to normal, see a NISSAN 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 re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
WDI0293WDI0197
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
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If you have a flat tire, see the “In case of
emergency” section in this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE
Maximum inflation pressure
Do not exceed the maximum inflation pressures
shown on the sidewall of the tire
s1.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressure (including the spare) at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips. Incorrect tire pressure may ad-
versely affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire
pressure should be checked when tires areCOLD. Tires are considered COLD after the
vehicle has been parked for three or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds. COLD tire pressures are shown on the
tire placard affixed to the inside of the glove box
lid.
WARNING
cImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
cThe vehicle weight capacity is indicated
on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label. Do
not load your vehicle beyond this ca-
pacity. Overloading your vehicle may
result in reduced tire life, unsafe oper-
ating conditions due to premature tire
failure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a seri-
ous accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
cBefore taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level.cDo not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(137 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed rated tires. Driving faster
than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to Important Tire Safety In-
formation (US) or Tire Safety Informa-
tion (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
cWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability. 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 maximum speed rat-
ing of the tire.
WDI0210
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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