2003 NISSAN XTERRA ignition

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the selector lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
cIf 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.cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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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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1. Fuse box
2. Spare fuses
3. Fuse puller
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Pull the fuse box cover to remove
sA.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
sB.
WDI0304
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31
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Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any fuel
additives (for example, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these ad-
ditives intended for gum, varnish or deposit re-
moval may contain active solvents or similar in-
gredients that can be harmful to the fuel system
and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 (except supercharger) or 91 (super-
charger ) AKI (Anti-Knock Index) . However, you
may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number in
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyo-
ming, northeastern Nevada, southern Idaho,
western South Dakota, western Nebraska, and
the part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Sparkknock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE
Model KA24DE VG33E/VG33ER
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60°
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.504 x 3.780 (89. x 96.0) 3.602 x 3.268 (91.5 x 83.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 145.78 (2,389) 199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1–3–4–2 1–2–3–4–5–6
Idle speed rpm
See the “Emission Control label” on the underside of the hood.
Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.) at idle speed degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Except Supercharger Supercharger
Spark plug PFR5G-11 (Standard)*1 PFR5G-11 (Standard)*1 PFR6G-11 (Standard)*1
PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1 PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1 PFR7G-11 (Cold)*1
PFR4G-11 (Hot) *1 PFR5G-11 (Hot) *1
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.039–0.043 (1.0–1.1) 0.039–0.043 (1.0–1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing belt*2
Generator belt size
Width x Length in (mm) 0.413 x 35.63 (10.5 x 905) 0.701 x 31.69 (17.8 x 805)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See “Periodic maintenace schedules” in the “NISSAN Service and Maintenace Guide.”
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
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Hood release...................3-8
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-23
Increasing fuel economy............5-18
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-16
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-35
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-39
J
Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) plate..................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-19
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
Children) System................1-39
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-19, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-36
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlights..................8-33
Interior light.................2-35
Light bulbs..................8-33
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Spotlights (See map light).........2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-35
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-2Glove box lock...............2-27
Power door locks...............3-3
Rear door lock................3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
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). . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-13
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-33
Map lights....................2-35
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-16
Outside mirror control........3-16, 3-17
Outside mirrors...............3-16
Vanity mirror.................3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
Multi-remote controller battery replacement. .8-32
10-3
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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
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