2012 NISSAN XTERRA height

Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
●The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, VDC system, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
● If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an acci-
dent and personal injury. ●
If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics, affect
the VDC system and/or interference
with the brake discs/drums. Such inter-
ference can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS. ●
Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
● The use of retread tires is not
recommended.
● For 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels16x7.0J
17x7.5J
Tires P265/70R16
P265/75R16
P265/65R17
Spare tire Full size
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm)178.7 (4,539)
Overall width in (mm)72.8 (1,849)
Overall height in (mm)74.9 (1,902)
Front Track in (mm)61.8 (1,570)
Rear Track in (mm)61.8 (1,570)
Wheelbase in (mm)106.3 (2,700)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg)
See the “F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label” on the cen-ter pillar between the driver’s side front and rear doors.
Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
Technical and consumer information9-9

●Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification” chart -
9,658 lb. (4,380 kg) .
● Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 5,000 lb.
(2,268 kg) .
5,400 lb. (2,449 kg) GVWR
– 4,900 lb. (2,222 kg) GVW
= 500 lb. (226 kg) Available for tongue weight
9,658 lb. (4,380 kg) GCWR
– 4,900 lb. (2,222 kg) GVW
= 4,758 lb. (2,158 kg) Capacity available for towing
500 lb. (226 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 4,758 lb. (2,158 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
Towing Load/Specification” chart. The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width
of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
US & CAN
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2 5,000 lb.
(2,268 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load 500 lb.
(227 kg)
Maximum Gross Com- bined Weight Rating 9,658 lb.
(4,380 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 60 sq ft (5.52 sq me-
ters)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
*2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is
recommended when towing over 5,000 lb (2,268
kg) .
9-22Technical and consumer information

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) .
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,587 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) .
CAUTION
● Special hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
● The hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
9-24Technical and consumer information

Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see “Electric trailer brake controller” in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
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
● Be 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load 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.
● Check 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.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle. ●
Determine 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When 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.
9-26Technical and consumer information

Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-26
Recorders Eventdata..................9-31
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system ...........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-30
Roof rack .....................2-43
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Child seat belts .....1-26,1-32,1-37,1-40
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-30
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Seatback pockets ................2-39
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-24
Infantsandsmallchildren..........1-25
Injured Person ................1-16
Largerchildren................1-25
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-13
Pregnant women ...............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-57
Rear center seat belt ............1-19
Seat belt extenders .............1-23
Seat belt maintenance ............1-23
Seat belts ...................1-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-22
Three-point type with retractor .......1-16
Seatbeltwarninglight..............2-18 Seats
Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Security indicator light ..............2-21
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-24,3-2,5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
Service manual order form ...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner .............4-17
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-14
Manual transmission .............5-18
Shiftlockrelease.................5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-22
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-56
Sparkplugreplacement.............8-17
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-58
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Jump starting .................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-11
Starting the engine .............5-12
Steering Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel ............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-36
Stoplight.....................8-29
Storage......................2-36
Storagebin....................2-40
Storage tray ...................2-36
Sunglassescase.................2-38 Sun visors
....................3-12
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-59, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-58
Precautions

on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-44
Switch Automatic power window switch ......2-47
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch ....2-34
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ................2-33
Fog light switch ...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-31
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-27
Headlight control switch ..........2-27
Hill descent control switch .........2-32
Ignition switch ................5-10
Overdrive switch ...............5-17
Power door lock switch ............3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-26
Turnsignalswitch..............2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-32
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer ....................2-6
10-5