2004 NISSAN XTERRA coolant temperature

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A 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 overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren 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 more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks. This is the normal operating
oil level range. If the oil level is below the L
(Low) mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.Do
not overfill.
KA24DE engine
WDI0272
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0273
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

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
KA24DE (4 cylinder) 18–3/4 15–5/8 71.0 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
VG33E (6 cylinder) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.5
VG33ER (6 cylinder with supercharger) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.5 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 conservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2
• ILSAC grade GF-I, 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
Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent 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 Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the in-
structions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (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 or equivalent
*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:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

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.
Reinstall 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 rearview 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.cAlways 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.
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
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 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”’ when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-24Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-19, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
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.........4-14
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.....2-38
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-13
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-8, 8-32
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
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..........5-16
Self-adjusting brakes............8-29
Break-in schedule................5-18
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
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) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-27
CD player (See audio system).........4-14
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-14
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.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-27
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-14
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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cover
Tonneau cover................2-32
Cruise control..................5-16
Cup holders...................2-29
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
Cold weather driving............5-27
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Dual 12 volt power outlets...........2-26
E
Economy - fuel.................5-18
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking 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 viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
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.................8-17
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..........9-10Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-18
Fuel filler cap................3-11
Fuel filler lid.................3-11
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-11
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-31
G
Gascap.....................3-11
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)........2-33
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-30
Glove box lock.................2-30
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
10-2
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
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 pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..........3-14, 3-15
Outside mirrors.................3-14
Overdrive switch................5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-11
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Parking/parking on hills...........5-22
Power
Dual 12 volt power outlets.........2-26
Power door locks...............3-3
Power outlet.................2-24Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-23
Power windows...............2-36
Rear power windows............2-38
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........................9-24
Rear door lock.................3-10
Rear power windows..............2-38
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. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-24Roof headliner net...............2-27
Roof rack with gear basket...........2-33
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-24
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-23
Infants and small children.........1-24
Injured Person................1-24
Larger children...............1-24
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-21
Pregnant women..............1-24
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...............8-49
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-29
Service manual order form...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-13
10-4
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X

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)...........2-41
SRS warning label...............1-19
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............3-13
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-28
Step rail.....................3-11
Stop light....................8-36
Storage.....................2-26
Sunroof.....................2-39
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-19, 2-13
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.....2-38
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Ignition switch................5-7Overdrive switch..............5-13
Power door lock switch...........3-3
Rear window defogger switch.......2-20
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-19
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-11
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tie down hooks.................2-31
Tilting steering wheel..............3-13
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire chains..................8-46
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-40
Tire rotation.................8-47
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-49
Types of tires................8-46
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.........1-41Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-13
4-wheel drive models............6-14
Flat towing..................9-22
Tow truck towing..............6-12
Towing load/specification chart......9-18
Trailer towing................9-16
Transfer case..................5-19
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-13
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch)...............2-20, 2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-24
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-25
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-15
10-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Xterra(xtr)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/23/03Ðdebbie
X