2007 NISSAN XTERRA steering wheel

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-11
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Clutch fluid...................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Variable Voltage Control System...................8-15Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-19
Cleaning.....................................8-19
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-22
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-24
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-26
Lights...........................................8-27
Headlights....................................8-27
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-28
Wheels and tires.................................8-31
Tire pressure..................................8-31
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts*When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check
for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the grom-
met seal, valve core and cap of the transmitter in
vehicles equipped with TPMS at every tire re-
placement or when reaching the wear limit of the
tires.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet .
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion and keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brakeConfirm that your vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. A NISSAN 7–pin
tow harness kit is available from your dealer. If
your trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec-
tor, an adapter will be needed to connect the
trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available
at auto parts stores and hitch retailers.
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.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
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.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
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.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.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.
9-24Technical and consumer information
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cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
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.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
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.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See9Automatic transmission
park warning light9in the9Instruments and
controls9section and9Using four wheel
drive9in the9Starting and driving9section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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 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) .
Technical and consumer information9-25
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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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
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
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. 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.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
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.
9-26Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Xterra(xtr)
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-12
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-32
Active Head Restraint..............1-5
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-41
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-48
Air bag warning labels.............1-56
Air bag warning light...........1-56, 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.............1-25
Antenna.....................4-27
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-31
Audible reminders................2-18Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-42
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
AUX jack.....................4-25
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-36
Booster seats..................1-36
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-31
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28Brake system................5-30
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-18, 8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-20
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.............4-27
Cargo light...................2-44
Cargo net....................2-37
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-23
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-25
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-22, 1-24
Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-30, 1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-25
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-18
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
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Clock......................4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-29
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Console box...................2-32
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-26
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..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-34
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-53
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 belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving............5-35
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-27
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-28
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-28
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-36
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. . . .8-6
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.............5-11Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-30
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
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..................8-11
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............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-25
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-48
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-9
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
10-2
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Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-13
Luggage hook..................2-35
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-38
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-35
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-21
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-15
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-43
Map lights....................2-44
Map pocket...................2-33
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-24
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-12
Outside mirrors...............3-13
Vanity mirror.................3-12
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-20, 3-2, 5-10
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-13
Overdrive switch................5-15
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-30
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-30
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-29
Power
Power door locks...............3-4Power outlet.................2-29
Power rear windows............2-42
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-30
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-42
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-30, 1-36
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-41
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-54
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-27
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-29
Rear center seat belt..............1-16
Rear power windows..............2-42
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-22
10-4
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Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
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