2012 NISSAN XTERRA automatic transmission

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSANTwo-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
●
Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) , as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to
the transmission. If it is necessary to
tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised always use towing dollies under
the rear wheels.
● When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by placing
the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering
lock mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism) . ●
If 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:
● Always release the parking brake.
● Move the transmission shift selector
to the N (Neutral) position
● Observe 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.
AAutomatic Transmissions (A/T)
BManual Transmissions (M/T)
WCE0196
In case of emergency6-13

●Attach recovery devices only to main
structural members of the vehicle or the
recovery hooks (if so equipped) .
● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow
or free a stuck vehicle.
● Only use devices specifically designed
for vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
● Always pull the recovery device straight
out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle.
● Route recovery devices so they do not
touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed specifi-
cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
● Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do 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.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control Sys- tem.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
● Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) (automatic transmission
models) or 1st (low) and R (Reverse)
(manual transmission models) . ●
Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D (automatic
transmission models) or 1st and R
(manual transmission models) .
● Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55
km/h) .
5. If the vehicle can not be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15

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 ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
5-speed automatic transmission fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16Drive belt
........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-26
Keyfob ....................................... 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior

and interior lights ....................... 8-29
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39

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 (lug 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 components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If 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 wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean 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 pedal Check 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
mechanism
On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift selector in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check 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 and
headrests move up and down smoothly and the
locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
● If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
● Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
● Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe 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
Awith 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. When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
●
Use Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. If
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not
available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
may also be used.
● Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic trans-
mission durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.
WDI0502
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID (if so
equipped)
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal80Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI
(RON 91) *1
Engine oil *8 Drain and RefillWith oil filter
change 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt
5.1
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter
change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt
4.8
Cooling system With reservoir 2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent
Manual transmission gear oil 2WD 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi
75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
4WD 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.2
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equiva-
lent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— —NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil —— —Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Transfer fluid 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt2.0Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *7
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt0.85Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90
or API GL-5, Viscosity 80W-90, *9
Rear final drive oil With A/T
With M/T 3-3/8 pt
4-1/4 pt2-7/8 pt
3-1/2 pt 1.6
2.0API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *10
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil synthetic 75W-140 or API
GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140 *10
Windshield-washer fluid (shared between front and
rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal
4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*3: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*4: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label” in this section.
*7: Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*10: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3