2004 NISSAN XTERRA check engine light

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
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients 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.” (“Spark
knock” 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
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
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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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
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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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

Headlights....................8-33
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-20
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
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...................3-13
Instrument brightness control.........2-22
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-40
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.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-19
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System................1-39
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-19, 2-13
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.................2-40
Light bulbs..................8-33
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Spotlights (See map light).........2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-41
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-2
Glove box lock...............2-30Power door locks...............3-3
Rear door lock...............3-10
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..................2-33
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-33
Luggage rack
(see roof rack with gear basket)........2-33
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
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)........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-38
Map lights....................2-41
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-22
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-13
Outside mirror control........3-14, 3-15
Outside mirrors...............3-14
Vanity mirror.................3-13
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
10-3
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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