
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
US
measureImp measure Liter Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fuel
without supercharger 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.4 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
with supercharger 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.4 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE With oil filter 3–3/4 qt 3–1/8 qt 3.5 • API Certification Mark *2
• API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2
• ILSAC grade GF-II & GF-III Without oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
VG33E/VG33ER With oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
Without oil filter 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
KA24DE M/T 4X2 7–3/4 qt 6–3/8 qt 7.3
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VG33E/VG33ER A/T & M/T 11–5/8 qt 9–5/8 qt 10.95
Manual transmission gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 4–1/4 pt 3–1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 VG33E/VG33ER 4X2 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
4X4 10–3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Final drive gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 M/T 2–3/4 pt 2–1/4 pt 1.3
API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1 or 80W-90 LS*1 for Limited Slip Differential (LSD) applications*2 VG33E/VG33ER 4X4 Front 3–3/4 pt 3–1/8 pt 1.75
Rear 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluid2–3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 or NISSAN Matic Fluid D (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.NISSAN Matic Fluid D (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent Dot 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 – 1.54 (0.60 – 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*5
Winshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze
*1: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0 ° (32° F) .
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Dexron™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more informationregarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
02/24/03Ðtbrooks
X

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-19, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter............8-22
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-15
Anchor point locations.............1-42
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-24
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-10
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-15
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Auto-lock free-running hubs..........5-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-32
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-12
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-7
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-19
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-24
Brake booster................8-30
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Brake pedal.................8-29
Brake system................5-23
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-29
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-15
Self-adjusting brakes............8-29
Break-in schedule................5-18
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-36C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-29
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD player (See audio system).........4-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-13
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-41
Child restraints.......1-23, 1-24, 1-30, 1-39
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-42
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-13, 4-18
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-16
Cold weather driving..............5-27
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-15
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-28
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/17/03Ðcathy
X

Cover
Tonneau cover................2-30
Cruise control..................5-16
Cup holders...................2-27
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-19
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
Cold weather driving............5-27
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-13
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-18
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
..........................2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants
.........................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-16
Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Window washer fluid............8-17
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-18
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-31
G
Gascap.....................3-13
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..............8-2
Glove box....................2-27
Glove box lock.................2-27
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlights....................8-33
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
10-2
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/17/03Ðcathy
X

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..........3-16, 3-17
Outside mirrors.................3-16
Overdrive switch................5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-12
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-15
Parking/parking on hills...........5-22
Power
Power door locks...............3-3
Power outlet.................2-24
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-23
Power windows...............2-31Rear power windows............2-32
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-4
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-21
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting..................6-11
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear door lock..................3-9
Rear power windows..............2-32
Rear seat..................1-4, 1-6
Rear window defogger switch.........2-20
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-19
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25
Roof headliner net...............2-26
Roof rack with gear basket...........3-10S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-25
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-21
Seat belt extenders.............1-29
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Seat belts..................1-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-27
Three-point type with retractor.......1-25
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt)............1-28
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat................1-4, 1-6
Separate seats...............8-44
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-29
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-11
Manual transmission............5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-27
Spark plug replacement............8-21
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-35
SRS warning label...............1-19
10-4
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/17/03Ðcathy
X

Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11
Starting the engine..............5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-23
Tilting steering wheel............3-15
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-28
Step rail.....................3-13
Stop light....................8-36
Storage.....................2-25
Sunroof.....................2-33
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-19, 2-12
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-19
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-8
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-32
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-13
Power door lock switch...........3-3
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tie down hooks.................2-29
Tilting steering wheel..............3-15
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-40
Tire rotation.................8-42
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-44
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-40
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-41
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-13
4-wheel drive models............6-14
Flat towing..................6-15
Tow truck towing..............6-13
Towing load/specification chart......9-19
Trailer towing................9-17
Transfer case..................5-19
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-13Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-10
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-20, 2-21
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-25
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.................6-15
Vehicle security system.............2-15
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-19, 2-12
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-10
Door open warning light..........2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
10-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/17/03Ðcathy
X

1. Engine coolant 8-9
2. Battery 8-18
3. Power steering fluid 8-15
4. Automatic transmission fluid 8-14
5. Heater and air conditioner 4-2;
Audio system 4-12, 4-16
6. Passenger supplemental air bag 1-8
7. Fuel filler cap 3-11;
Fuel recommendations 9-3
8. Spare tire 6-2
9. Rear door lock 3-7
10. Seat belts 1-21
11. Door locks 3-2
12. Driver supplemental air bag 1-8
13. Hood release 3-6
14. Meters and gauges 2-3
15. Clutch fluid 8-16
16. Brake fluid 8-16
17. Engine oil 8-10
18. Window washer fluid 8-17
QUICK REFERENCE
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/17/03Ðcathy
X