2004 NISSAN XTERRA ECO mode

cIf you have to tow manual transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing dol-
lies) or four wheels on the ground:
cAlways release the parking brake.
cMove the transmission shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position.
cObserve the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances for manual
transmission models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles (805
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before towing
to prevent damage to the transmission.
Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the ve-
hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground, as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
cTo disengage auto-lock free- running
hubs see the “Starting and driving”
section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift lever to
the 2H position.
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure
the steering wheel by turning the ig-
nition key to the LOCK position. This
may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
ACE1038
6-14In case of emergency
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cIf you have to tow manual transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing dol-
lies) or four wheels on the ground:
cTo disengage auto-lock free- running
hubs see the “Starting and driving”
section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift lever to
the 2H position.
cMove the transmission shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position.
cAlways release the parking brake.
cObserve the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances for manual
transmission models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles (805
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before towing
to prevent damage to the transmission.VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
cDo not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
CAUTION
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the sus-
pension, steering, brake or cooling
systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never
pull the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
In case of emergency6-15
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Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not
have audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum
brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible
by a NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) remains
the same from one pedal application to the
next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for about
30 seconds. The pedal height should not
change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If you have a flat tire, see the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips. The
recommended tire pressure specifications are
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label
(this label is also known as the tire placard) under
the9Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure9
heading. The Tire and Loading Information label
is affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire
pressures should be checked regularly because:
cMost tires naturally lose air over time.
cTires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
cImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
cThe vehicle weight capacity is indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not load your vehicle beyond
this capacity. Overloading your vehicle
may result in reduced tire life, unsafe
operating conditions due to premature
tire failure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
cBefore taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level.
cDo not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(137 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed rated tires. Driving faster
than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury.cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that should be seated in the ve-
hicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the Technical and consumer information
section.
s3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s4Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The recommended
cold tire inflation is set by the manufacturer
to provide the best tire wear and vehicle
handling characteristics based on the ve-
hicles GVWR.
s5Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
s6ands7Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped) .
type a
LDI0392
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s2Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The recommended
cold tire inflation is set by the manufacturer
to provide the best tire wear and vehicle
handling characteristics based on the ve-
hicles GVWR.
s3Spare tire size or compact spare tire size (if
so equipped) .
Checking tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge squarely onto the
valve stem. Do not press too hard or force
the valve stem sideways, or air will escape. If
the hissing of air escaping from the tire is
heard while checking the pressure, reposi-
tion the gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem
and compare to the specification shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label.
type b
LDI0421LDI0393
8-42Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
cWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability. Replacement tires may have a
lower speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match the
potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rat-
ing of the tire.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S
on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow
traction than All Season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex-
ceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installingstudded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class “S” chains.Class9S9chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are de-
signed to meet the minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains or
cables) . The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the
tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully load-
ing your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your
vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
8-46Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the low tire pressure warn-
ing system will not function. Contact
your NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible for tire replacement and/or sys-
tem resetting (for models with the low
tire pressure warning system) .
cDo not install a deformed wheel or tire
even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not
recommended.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet .
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
cDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
cNISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-49
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