2008 NISSAN XTERRA check engine

CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
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, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap
sAby turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
sB.
5. Remove the drain plug
sBwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
cCheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
WDI0500
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
4. Unscrew the plate covering the oil filter ex-
posing the filter.
5. Loosen the oil filter
sAwith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.
7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
8. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WDI0502
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
cUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake and clutch system
and affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
cClean the filler cap before removing.
cBrake and clutch fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
WDI0282
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

1. Remove the battery caps with a screwdriver
as shown. Use a cloth to protect the battery
case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it is
necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level up to the bottom of
the filler opening.Do not overfill.Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
WDI0224
LDI0302
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is
in poor condition or is loose, have it replaced
or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belt checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace iridium-tippedsA
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance log shown in the “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do not service
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or regap-
ping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for assistance.
SDI1895
SPARK PLUGS
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
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.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”.
Two types of fuses are used. Type A is used in the
fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Type B is
used in the passenger compartment fuse box.
Type A fuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type A fuses can be installed in the engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.
LDI0455
BRAKESFUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

If a type A fuse is used to replace a type B fuse,
the type A fuse will not be level with the fuse
pocket as shown in the illustration. This will not
affect the performance of the fuse. Make sure the
fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.
Type B fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type A fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The
fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
LDI0457LDI0444
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
cDO NOT TOUCH THE BULB WITH BARE
HANDS.
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 65/55Bulb No. HB5/9007*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.cDo not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture and smoke may enter
the headlight body and affect the per-
formance of the headlight.
cAiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.
LIGHTS
8-26Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X