2006 NISSAN XTERRA transmission

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.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
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.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing 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) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
c
When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to
reduce chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating. However, for long steep grades,
do not stay in 1st gear when driving above 35
MPH (56 km/h) or 2nd gear when driving
above 58 MPH (93 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.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
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.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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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
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
c
After towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing may
cause damage to internal transmission parts.
9-24Technical and consumer information
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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) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of comput-
ers that monitor and control a number of systems
to optimize performance and help service techni-
cians with diagnosis and repair. Depending on
the equipment on your vehicle, some of the com-
puters monitor emission control systems, braking
systems, engine systems, transmission systems,
tire pressure systems, and airbag systems. Some
data about vehicle operation may be stored in the
computers for use during servicing. Other data
may be stored if a crash event occurs. For ex-
ample, air bag readiness, air bag performance,
and seat belt use by the driver or passenger may
be recorded, depending on vehicle equipment.
These types of systems are sometimes called
Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehicle’s
computers (sounds are not recorded) . NISSAN
and NISSAN dealers have equipment to access
some of this data; others may also have this
equipment. The data may be retrieved during
routine vehicle servicing or for special research. It
might also be accessed with the consent of the
vehicle owner or lessee, in response to a request
by law enforcement, or as otherwise required or
permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
Technical and consumer information9-27
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-12
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-30
Active head restraint...............1-5
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-46
Air bag warning labels.............1-53
Air bag warning light...........1-54, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
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).........2-18
Anchor point locations.............1-31
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-29
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-18Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-24
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-19
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-16, 4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-25
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-13
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-16
Booster seats..................1-35
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-29
Brake booster................8-23
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-22
Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-18, 8-22Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-26
Cargo light...................2-45
Cargo net....................2-38
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-24
CD player (See audio system).........4-19
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-30
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-22, 1-29
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-22, 1-35
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-31
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-18
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-29
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C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-19
Console box...................2-32
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-25
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-17
Cup holders...................2-34
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-51
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-24
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-22
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-24
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-16
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-11
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel.................5-19
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-28
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-26
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-10
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-25
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants........9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-25
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-46
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-19
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-9
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-24
10-2
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Recorders
Event data..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-26
Roof rack....................2-39
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...........1-22, 1-35
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-26
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
Infants and small children.........1-13
Injured Person................1-14
Larger children...............1-13
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Pregnant women..............1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-52
Rear center seat belt............1-16
Seat belt extenders.............1-21
Seat belt maintenance...........1-21
Seat belts..................1-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-20
Three-point type with retractor.......1-14
Seat belt warning light.............2-14
Seatback pockets................2-33
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-16
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-20, 3-2, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-22
Service manual order form...........9-28
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-11
Manual transmission............5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-20
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-51
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-53
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-11
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-25
Stop light....................8-28
Storage.....................2-31
Storage bin...................2-36
Storage tray...................2-31
Sun visors....................3-11
Sunglasses case................2-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-53
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-54, 2-14Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-46
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-53
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-39
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-28
Fog light switch...............2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-23
Headlight control switch..........2-23
Hill descent control (HDC) switch.....2-27
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-14
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-22
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-22
Turn signal switch..............2-25
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-21
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
10-5
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Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-20, 3-2, 5-9
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-11
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire chains..................8-38
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-31
Tire rotation.................8-38
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-40
Types of tires................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-25
Wheels and tires..............8-31
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Tire pressure monitoring system........5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-30
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13
Flat towing..................9-24
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-20
Trailer towing................9-18
Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-11
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-13
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4
Turn signal switch................2-25U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-25
V
Vanity mirror...................3-12
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-30
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..............6-14, 7-2
Vehicle security system.............2-18
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start . .2-20, 3-2, 5-9
Ventilators.....................4-2
Visors......................3-11
Voltmeter.....................2-8
W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-12
Air bag warning light.........1-54, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Door open warning light..........2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-25
Low fuel warning light...........2-12
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Seat belt warning light...........2-12
Vehicle security system...........2-18
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Warning lights..................2-9
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-21
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-31
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-13
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-43
Manual windows..............2-44
Power rear windows............2-43
Power windows...............2-42
Rear power windows............2-43
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-21
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-21
Wiper blades................8-19
10-6
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1. Battery 8-13
2. Power steering fluid 8-11
3. Engine coolant 8-7
4. Window washer fluid 8-13
5. Automatic transmission fluid 8-11
6. Heater and air conditioner 4-2; Audio
system 4-10
7. Passenger supplemental air bag 1-39
8. Spare tire 6-2
9. Rear door lock 3-5
10. Fuel filler cap 3-10; Fuel recommenda-
tions 9-3
11. Seat belts 1-10
12. Door locks 3-3
13. Driver supplemental air bag 1-39
14. Hood release 3-8
15. Meters and gauges 2-3
16. Clutch fluid 8-12
17. Brake fluid 8-12
18. Engine oil 8-8
WGS0026
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