2003 NISSAN XTERRA wheel

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
Unit: lbs (kg)
Engine KA24DE (4 cyl) VG33E/VG33ER (V6)
Model 2WD 2WD 4WD
Transmission M/T M/T A/T M/T A/T
Maxiumum Trailer Weight*1 3,500 (1,588) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
Maximum Tongue Load 350 (159) 350 (159) 500 (227) 350 (159) 500 (227)
Gross Combined Weight
Rating7,700 (3,492) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309)
Recommended
Equipment*2Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device
*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000lb (1,361 kg) .
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a prop-
erly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
Technical and consumer information9-19
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Trailer tow harness and module (if so
equipped)
The trailer tow module on your vehicle allows
turn/stop lamp control of a trailer being towed by
your NISSAN.The trailer tow module includes:
ctrailer tow module which draws power from
the vehicle stop lamp fuse
cone subharness containing a SAE J1239
specified connector
1. Vehicle harness connector end
2. Connector cap
3. SAE J1239 connector (to trailer)
4. Tow harness connector (to vehicle har-
ness)
To use the tow harness:
1. Remove the connector cap using a suitable
tool from the vehicle harness, located be-
hind the right rear wheel well attached to the
frame. Store the connector cap in vehicle
glove box for reinstallation.
2. Connect the tow harness so the vehicle
harness located behind the right rear wheel
well attached to the frame.
WTI0063
WTI0064
Technical and consumer information9-21
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3. Route the trailer tow harness so that it does
not block access to the spare tire winch
socket.
4. Connect the tow harness connector (SAE
J1239) to your trailer.
5. Confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn
lamp operation.
6.
When towing is completed, disconnect the
tow harness from the trailer and the vehicle.
Store the tow harness in the glove box. Rein-
stall the connector cap to the vehicle harness.
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to
your NISSAN, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Always confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation every time the
trailer light circuits are connected for use.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
c
Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test courses.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual driv-
ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-23
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WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest) , B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause tire material to degenerate,
reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can
lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds
to a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B rep-
resent higher levels of performance on laboratory
test wheels than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For US
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
9-24Technical and consumer information
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DYNAMOMETER TESTING FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M)
TEST (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some states/areas,
your vehicle may be tested for emissions on a
dynamometer. The transfer control lever (if so
equipped) MUST be in the 2H position for I/M
testing on a two wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
cIf the transfer control lever is not in the
2H position during the dynamometer
I/M testing, the vehicle could come off
the dynamometer and cause serious
personal injury and/or body damage to
the vehicle.
cSerious damage will occur to the 4WD
system if the transfer control lever is
not in the 2H position.
9-26Technical and consumer information
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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
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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
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