2000 Nissan Xterra Owners Manual

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for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, turn the key off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again. 7. After starting your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the positive cable. In case of emergency 6-9 Z X 8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be con- taminated with corrosive acid. PUSH STARTING CAUTION O Automatic transmission models can- not be push or tow started. This may cause transmission or other vehicle damage. O Never try to start the vehicle by tow- ing it. When the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the ve- hicle to collide with the tow vehicle. IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge read- ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power, or detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow- ing steps: WARNING O Do not continue to drive if your ve- hicle overheats. Doing so could cause a vehicle fire. O To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury. O Do not open the hood if steam is coming out. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral), or the au- tomatic transmission into P (Park). Do not stop the engine. 2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped). Open all of the windows, move the heater or air conditioner tem- 6-10 In case of emergency Z X WARNING Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any time when the coolant temperature is high. 7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reser- voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN dealer. perature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed. 3. If engine overheating is caused by climb- ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 r/min) until the temperature gauge indicator re- turns to normal. 4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the ra- diator before opening the hood. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before proceeding. 5. Open the hood. WARNING If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned. 6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leak- ing, or the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine. TOW TRUCK TOWING Incorrect When towing your vehicle, U.S. States, Ca- nadian provinces and local regulations for towing must be followed. towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow- ing instructions are available from an autho- rized NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis- able to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions: O Never ride in a vehicle that is being WARNING towed. O Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by a tow truck. CAUTION O When towing, make sure that the transmission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working con- dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used. In case of emergency 6-11 Z X O Be sure to place the transfer control lever into the 2H position, and the transmission selector lever into the N (Neutral) position. O Always attach safety chains before towing. O When towing with the front wheels on the ground or with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): Move the trans- fer control lever into the 2H position. O When towing with the front wheels on the ground: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neutral) position. To move the se- lector lever to the N (Neutral) posi- tion on automatic transmission mod- els, turn the ignition key to the ACC position. After moving the selector lever to the N (Neutral) position, turn the ignition key to the OFF position and secure the steering wheel in the straight ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the LOCK position. This will result in damage to the steering lock mechanism. O When towing manual transmission models with rear wheels on the ground: Always release the parking brake and move the transmission shift lever to the N (Neutral) position. 6-12 In case of emergency ACE1037 TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground as illustrated. Z X CAUTION If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground or with front wheels raised (with rear wheels on the ground), observe the following re- stricted towing speeds and distances: Automatic transmission model: O Speed: Below 30 MPH (48 km/h) O Distance: Less than 40 miles (64 km) Manual transmission model: O Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) O Distance: Less than 500 miles (805 km) If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft before- hand to prevent damage to the transmis- sion. CAUTION Never tow your vehicle from the rear (i.e., backward) with four wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission. ACE1038 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS NISSAN recommends that a dolly be used as illustrated when towing your vehicle. CAUTION If you have to tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground or with the front or rear wheels raised, observe the fol- lowing restricted towing speeds and distances: Automatic transmission model: O Speed: Below 30 MPH (48 km/h) O Distance: Less than 40 miles (64 km) Manual transmission model: O Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h) O Distance: Less than 500 miles (805 km) If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the front and rear propeller shafts beforehand to prevent damage to the transmission. CAUTION O Never tow your vehicle from the rear (i.e., backward) with four wheels on the ground as this may cause seri- ous and expensive damage to the transmission. In case of emergency 6-13 Z X O Be sure to place the transfer control lever into the 2H position, and the transmission selector lever into the N (Neutral) position. VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) O Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural members of the vehicle. O Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the suspension, steering, brake or cooling systems. O Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull the vehicle at an angle. O Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery. O Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. WARNING 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. 6-14 In case of emergency Z X 7 Appearance and care Cleaning exterior and interior.................................7-2 Corrosion protection...............................................7-4 Z X CLEANING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MAI0001 In order to maintain the appearance of your vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it. In the following cases, please wash your vehicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface: O after a rainfall to prevent possible dam- age from acid rain. O after driving on coastal roads. O when contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface. 7-2 Appearance and care O when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your ve- hicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint sur- face when putting on or removing the body cover. Washing Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. CAUTION O Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gaso- line or solvents. O Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted. O Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so that the paint surface is not scratched or damaged. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There- fore, these areas must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to avoid water spots. Waxing Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a ‘‘weathered’’ appearance. An authorized NISSAN dealer can assist Z X you in choosing the proper product. O Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax. O Do not use a wax containing any abra- sives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish. O If the surface does not polish easily, use a ‘‘road tar’’ remover and wax again. Machine compounding or aggressive pol- ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Removing spots Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid per- manent damage or staining. Special clean- ing products are available at an authorized NISSAN dealer or any automotive accesso- ries store. Underbody In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regu- larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing corrosion on the underbody and suspension. Before the win- ter period and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if neces- sary, retreated. Cleaning glass Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor- mal for glass to be coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this film. CAUTION When cleaning the inside of the win- dow, do not use sharp-edged tools or abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could dam- age the electrical conductors, radio an- tenna elements or rear window defog- ger elements. Chrome parts Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish. Cleaning interior Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manu- facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric protectors contain chemicals that stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth damp- ened only with water, to clean the meter and gauge lens. CAUTION O Never use benzine, thinner or any similar material. Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels Wash regularly, especially during winter months in areas where road salt is used. Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed. O Never use fabric protectors unless recommended by the manufacturer. O Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens cover. Appearance and care 7-3 Z X Floor mats The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are prop- erly positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn. Seat belts The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com- pletely before using them. WARNING Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or chemical solvents to clean the seatbelt, since these materials may severely weaken the seat belt webbing. CORROSION PROTECTION Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion. 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas. 2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents. Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion. Moisture The accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the underside of the body accelerates cor- rosion. Floor sections which have snow and ice trapped under the floor matting will not dry. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: O in areas of high relative humidity. O in areas where the temperatures stay above freezing. O where atmospheric pollution exists. O where road salt is used. Z X AAI0500 Floor mat positioning aid (Driver side only) Some models include a floor mat pin to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your vehicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Po- sition the mat by placing the floor mat pin through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the footwell. Periodi- cally check to make certain that the mats are properly positioned. 7-4 Appearance and care Temperature A temperature increase accelerates the rate of corrosion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will also accelerate the disintegra- tion of paint surfaces. To protect your vehicle from corro- sion: O wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the vehicle clean. O always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible. O keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors and tailgate open to avoid water accumulation. O check the underbody and inside the pick-up box. If any sand, dirt or salt is accumulated, wash it off with water as soon as possible. CAUTION O NEVER remove dirt, sand or other debris from the passenger compart- ment by washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom. O Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic com- ponents inside the vehicle as this may damage them. Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion and deterioration of underbody components such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders. In winter, cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and corrosion, which may be required in some areas, consult an authorized NISSAN dealer. the underbody must be Appearance and care 7-5 Z X MEMO 7-6 Appearance and care Z X 8 Do-it-yourself Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2 Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3 Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5 Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5 Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6 Engine oil ...............................................................8-9 Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9 Changing engine oil .............................................8-10 Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12 Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ......................8-13 Temperature conditions for checking ATF............8-13 Power steering fluid..............................................8-14 Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-15 Window washer fluid ............................................8-16 Battery ..................................................................8-16 Jump starting........................................................8-17 Drive belts ............................................................8-18 Spark plug replacement .......................................8-19 Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-20 Wiper blades ........................................................8-22 Parking brake check.............................................8-24 Brake pedal ..........................................................8-24 Brake booster.......................................................8-25 Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26 Fuses....................................................................8-27 Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28 Light bulbs............................................................8-29 Headlights ............................................................8-29 Bulb replacement .................................................8-30 Front fog light bulb replacement (if so equipped) ....................................................8-33 Wheels and tires ..................................................8-34 Four-wheel drive models......................................8-37 Z X MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS When performing any inspection or mainte- nance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precautions which should be closely observed. WARNING O Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake securely and block the wheels to prevent the ve- hicle from moving. For manual trans- mission models, move the shift lever to N (Neutral). For automatic trans- mission models, move the shift lever to P (Park). O Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing any parts replacement or repairs. O Never leave the engine or automatic transmission related component harnesses disconnected while the ignition switch is in the ON position. O Never connect or disconnect the bat- tery or any transistorized compo- nent while the ignition switch is in the ON position. 8-2 Do-it-yourself O 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. O It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc. before working on your vehicle. O Always wear eye protection when- ever you work on your vehicle. O If you must run the engine in an enclosed space such as a garage, be sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust gases to escape. O Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is necessary to work under the vehicle, support it with safety stands. O Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from the fuel tank and battery. O On gasoline engine models with the multiport fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by an authorized NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines are under high pressure even when the engine is off. CAUTION O Do not work under the hood while the engine is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. O Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any transistorized component connector while the igni- tion is on. O Avoid contact with used engine oil. Improperly disposed engine oil and/or other vehicle fluids can dam- age the environment. Always con- form to local regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid. This ‘‘Do-it-yourself’’ section gives instruc- tions 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 your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Z X ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS ADI1129 Do-it-yourself 8-3 Z X 8-4 Do-it-yourself ADI1052 Z X WARNING O Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Wait until the en- gine and radiator cool down. Serious burns could be caused by high pres- sure fluid escaping from the radiator. See precautions in ‘‘If your vehicle overheats’’ found in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section of this manual. O The radiator is equipped with a pres- sure type radiator cap. To prevent engine damage, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality, year-round, genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant solu- tion. The anti-freeze solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional engine cooling system additives are not necessary. CAUTION When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only an ethylene glycol anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio of 50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent and 50% dem- ineralized or distilled water. The use of other types of coolant solutions may damage the engine cooling system. Outside tempera- ture down to °C −35 °F −30 Genuine Nissan Anti- freeze coolant or equivalent Deminer- alized water or Distilled water 50% 50% ADI1026 CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level. Do-it-yourself 8-5 Z X If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer. 5. See ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section for cool- ing system capacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill the reservoir tank slowly up to the MAX level. CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT O Major cooling system repairs should be performed by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The service procedures can be found in the appropriate NISSAN Ser- vice Manual. O Improper servicing can result in reduced heater performance and engine over- heating. WARNING O To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the engine is hot. O Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator. 1. Open the radiator drain valve. Open the drain plugs on the engine block. 2. Open the radiator cap to drain the coolant. 3. Flush the cooling system by running fresh water through the radiator. 4. Close the radiator drain valve and drain plug on the engine block securely. 8-6 Do-it-yourself Z X ADI1113 ADI1054 6. Remove the splash shield. O Remove the six push pins. O Remove the six bolts and the splash shield. 7. Open and close the air release plug to release air. Then fill the radiator again and install the radiator cap. ADI1053 Do-it-yourself 8-7 Z X ADI1055 ADI1056 ADI1057 8. Start the engine and warm it up until it reaches normal operating temperature. Then race the engine two or three times under no load. Watch the engine coolant temperature gauge for signs of overheat- ing. 9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools down, refill the radiator up to the filler opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the MAX level. 10. Open and close the air release plug to release air. Then fill the radiator again and install the radiator cap. 8-8 Do-it-yourself Z X ENGINE OIL ADI1058 ADI1059 ADI1060 11. Check the drain valve on the radiator and drain plugs on the engine block for any sign of leakage. CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 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. 3. Turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. 4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way. Do-it-yourself 8-9 Z X ADI1061 ADI1062 ADI1063 level. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil It should be between the H (High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill. 6. Recheck oil level with dipstick. It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the sever- ity of operating conditions. CAUTION Oil level should be checked regularly. Operating the engine with an insuffi- cient amount of oil can damage the engine, and such damage is not cov- ered by warranty. 8-10 Do-it-yourself CHANGING ENGINE OIL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. 2. Start the engine and let it reaches operating temperature, and then turn it off. idle until 3. Remove the oil filler cap. 4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug. Z X WARNING O Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin can- cer. O Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible. O Keep used engine oil out of reach of children. ADI1064 CAUTION 5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and completely drain the oil. If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and replace it at this time. See ‘‘Chang- ing engine oil filter’’ later in this section. Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil is hot. Waste oil must be disposed of properly. Check 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 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm) 7. Refill engine with a recommended oil through the oil filler opening then install the oil filler cap securely. See ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section 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. Cor- rect as required. 9. Turn the engine off and wait several level with the minutes. Check the oil dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary. Do-it-yourself 8-11 Z X 8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis- tance 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 several minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if necessary. ADI1065 ADI1066 CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. CAUTION Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil may be hot. 2. Turn the engine off. 3. Remove the splash shield. O Remove the six push pins. O Remove the six bolts and the splash shield. 4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter. filter 5. Loosen the oil filter by filter with an oil wrench. Then remove the oil turning it by hand. 8-12 Do-it-yourself 6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag. Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket remaining on the mounting surface of the engine. 7. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with engine oil. Z X AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) WARNING O When the engine is running, keep hands, jewelry and clothing away from any moving parts such as the cooling fan and drive belts. O Automatic transmission fluid is poi- sonous and should be stored care- fully in marked containers out of the reach of children. TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR CHECKING ATF O The fluid level should be checked using the HOT range on the dipstick after the following conditions have been met: — The engine should be warmed up to operating temperature. — The vehicle should be driven at least 5 minutes. — The ATF should be warmed to between 122 and 176°F (50 and 80°C). O The ATF can be checked at fluid tem- peratures of 86 to 122°F (30 to 50°C) using the COLD range on the dipstick ADI1067 ADI1068 after the engine is warmed up and before driving. However, the fluid should be re-checked using the HOT range. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. 2. Start the engine and then move the se- lector lever through each gear range, ending in P (Park). 3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling. 4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with lint-free paper. 5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe as far as it will go. 6. Remove the dipstick and note the read- ing. If the level is on the low side of either range, add fluid through the charging pipe. Do-it-yourself 8-13 Z X POWER STEERING FLUID ADI1069 ADI1116 ADI1120 CAUTION DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY NIS- SAN Matic ‘D’ (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid. DexronTM III/ Mer- conTM or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact an autho- rized NISSAN dealership for more in- formation regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTM automatic transmission fluid. III/MerconTM 8-14 Do-it-yourself NOTE: If the vehicle has been driven for a long time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot weather, or if it is being used to pull a trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accurately. You should wait until the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes). The fluid level should be checked using the HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C). CAUTION O Do not overfill. O Recommended fluid is Genuine NIS- SAN PSF II or equivalent. Z X BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID CAUTION Do not spill the fluid on any painted surfaces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is spilled, immediately wash the surface with water. ADI1118 ADI1119 Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake warning light comes on, add DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line. Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir (manual transmission only). If the fluid level is below the MIN line, add DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added frequently, the system should be thoroughly checked by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer. For further brake and clutch fluid specifica- tion information, refer to ‘‘Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants’’ in the ‘‘Tech- nical and consumer information’’ section of this manual. WARNING Use 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 affect the vehicle’s stopping ability. Do-it-yourself 8-15 Z X WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY ADI1034 CAUTION O Do not substitute engine anti-freeze coolant for windshield washer solu- tion. This may result in damage to the paint. O Do not fill the window washer reser- voir tank with washer fluid concen- trates at full strength. Some methyl alcohol based washer fluid concen- trates may permanently stain the grille if spilled while filling the win- dow washer reservoir tank. 8-16 Do-it-yourself O Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with water to the manufacturer’s rec- ommended levels before pouring the fluid into the window washer reser- voir tank. Do not use the window washer reservoir tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate and water. USA Only Check the window washer fluid level in the reservoir tank and add fluid if necessary. Add a washer solvent to the water for better cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind- shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu- facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio. Canada Only Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning light comes on. Add windshield washer sol- vent to the water for better cleaning. In the winter season, add windshield washer anti- freeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio. O Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any corrosion should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and water. O Make certain the terminal connections are clean and securely tightened. O If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or longer, disconnect the negative (−) bat- tery terminal cable to prevent discharge. WARNING O Do not expose the battery to flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas generated by the battery is explo- sive. Do not allow battery fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery or battery cap, do not touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If the acid contacts your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush with water for at least 15 min- utes and seek medical attention. O When working on or near the battery, always wear suitable eye protection and remove all jewelry. Z X O Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after han- dling. O Keep the battery out of the reach of children. ADI0709 ADI0710 1. Gently pry between the battery cap and cover as illustrated to remove the cap. 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 level indicator in each filler opening. Do not overfill. JUMP STARTING If jump starting is necessary, see ‘‘Jump starting’’ in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ sec- tion. If the engine does not start by jump starting, the battery may have to be replaced. Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Do-it-yourself 8-17 Z X DRIVE BELTS WARNING Be sure the ignition key is OFF or LOCK position. The engine could rotate unex- pectedly. 1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have it replaced or adjusted by an autho- rized NISSAN dealer. 2. Have the belts checked regularly for con- dition and tension in accordance with the maintenance schedule found in the ‘‘Maintenance’’ section of this manual. 8-18 Do-it-yourself ADI1073 ADI1074 Z X SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT 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 remove the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can damage the spark plugs. ADI1075 Platinum-tipped spark plugs It is not necessary to replace platinum- tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven- tional type spark plugs because they last much longer. Follow the maintenance schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs by cleaning or regapping. O Always replace spark plugs with rec- commended or equivalent ones. 1. Disconnect the spark plug cables. ADI1076 Do-it-yourself 8-19 Z X AIR CLEANER HOUSING FILTER Spark plug tightening torque: 14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm) 4. Reconnect the spark plug cables to their original positions. WDI0005 When disconnecting, always hold the boots — not the cables. Mark all cables to identify their original location. 2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug socket. 3. Fit the new spark plugs, one at a time, into the spark plug socket and install them. Use only the specified spark plugs. Turn each plug several full turns by hand, then tighten with the spark plug socket to the correct torque. Do not over- tighten. 8-20 Do-it-yourself ADI1079 The filter element should not be cleaned and reused as it is given a special treat- ment. We recommend it be replaced ac- cording to the maintenance intervals shown in the ‘‘Maintenance’’ section of this manual. When replacing the filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing and the cover with a damp cloth. Z X O Never pour fuel into the throttle body or attempt to start the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could result in serious injury. ADI1080 WARNING O Operating the engine with the air cleaner removed can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, and be careful when working on the engine with the air cleaner removed. Do-it-yourself 8-21 Z X WIPER BLADES CAUTION O After wiper blade replacement, return the wiper arm to its original position; otherwise it may be damaged when the hood is opened. O Make sure the wiper blades contact the glass; otherwise the arms may be damaged from wind pressure. If your windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer or if a wiper blade chat- ters when running, wax or another material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear water. Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter- gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If your windshield is still not clear after cleaning the blades and using the wiper, replace the blades. 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind- shield. 8-22 Do-it-yourself ADI1111 2. Push the release tab, then move the wiper blade down the wiper arm to re- move. 3. Remove the wiper blade. 4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until it clicks into place. Z X Rear wiper blade replacement 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind- shield. 2. Push the tab, then slide the wiper blade down the wiper arm to remove. 3. Insert a new wiper blade onto the wiper arm and press down until the blade clicks into place. ADI1126 Do-it-yourself 8-23 Z X PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL ADI1035 DI0453 Pull the parking brake lever up. If the num- ber of clicks is out of the range listed above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer. With the engine running, check distance A between the upper surface of the pedal and the metal floor. Distance A: Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission Four Wheel ABS 4 in. (100mm) 4 1/4 in. (110mm) If it is out of the range shown above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer. MDI0005 If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not to let wax get into the washer nozzle. This may cause clogging or im- proper windshield washer operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or small pin. 8-24 Do-it-yourself Z X checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator sound is heard. Under some driving or climate conditions, occasional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to moderate stops is nor- mal and does not affect the function or performance of the brake system. The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not have audible wear indicators. Should you ever hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible by an authorized NIS- SAN dealer. Proper brake inspection intervals should be followed. For more information regard- ing brake inspections, see the appropriate maintenance schedule information in the ‘‘Maintenance Schedule’’ section of this manual. Self-adjusting brakes Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes. The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the parking brake is applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four- wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal, it may be due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum brakes. Apply the parking brake several times. WARNING If the brake pedal height does not re- turn to normal, see an authorized NIS- SAN dealer and have it checked. Brake pad wear indicators The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible wear indicators. When a brake pad requires replacement, it will make a high pitched scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes BRAKE BOOSTER Check the brake booster function with the following steps: 1. With the engine off, press and release times. When the brake pedal several brake pedal movement (distance of travel) remains the same from one pedal application to the next, continue on to next step. 2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the engine. The pedal height should drop a little. 3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for about 30 seconds, the pedal height should not change. 4. Run the engine for one minute without depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times. The pedal travel distance will de- crease gradually with each depression as the vacuum is released from the booster. If the brakes do not operate properly, have the brakes checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Do-it-yourself 8-25 Z X CLUTCH PEDAL ADI0528 Press the pedal by hand and be sure the free travel is within the above limit. If free travel is out of the range shown above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer. 8-26 Do-it-yourself Z X FUSES 3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. 4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse. 5. If a new fuse opens again, have the electrical system checked and repaired by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Passenger compartment CAUTION Never use a fuse of a higher amperage rating than specified on the fuse box cover. This could damage the electrical system or cause a fire. If the electrical equipment does not operate, check for an open fuse. 1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight switch are OFF. 2. Remove the fuse box cover. ADI1128 Do-it-yourself 8-27 Z X MULTI-REMOTE CONTROLLER BATTERY REPLACEMENT Replace the battery in the multi-remote con- troller as follows: 1. Open the lid using a coin. 2. Replace the battery with a new one. Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or equivalent. 3. Close the lid securely. 4. Press the button, then the button two or three times to check the multi- remote controller operation. 8-28 Do-it-yourself If the battery is removed for any reason other than replacement, perform step 4 above. O An improperly disposed battery can hurt the environment. Always confirm local regulations for battery disposal. O The multi-remote controller is water- resistant; however, if it does get wet, immediately wipe completely dry. O The operational range of the multi- remote controller extends to approxi- mately 33 ft (10 m) from the vehicle. This range may vary with conditions. APD1087 Z X LIGHT BULBS HEADLIGHTS FCC Notice: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for com- pliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. 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 re- ceived including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. ADI1127 The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which uses a replaceable headlight (halo- gen) bulb. CAUTION O High pressure halogen gas is sealed inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may break if the glass envelope is scratched or the bulb is dropped. O When handling the bulb, do not touch the glass envelope. Replacing the headlight bulb 1. Open the engine hood. 2. Disconnect the negative (2) battery cable. 3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the rear end of the bulb. 4. Push down the spring retainer. 5. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake or rotate the bulb when removing it. 6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal. O Be sure the lip of the bulb socket contacts the headlight body. DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB. Do-it-yourself 8-29 Z X O Use the same number and wattage CAUTION as originally installed: Wattage 65/45 Bulb No. HB1/9004* *: Always check with the Parts Depart- ment at an authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information. O Aiming is not necessary after replac- ing the bulb. O Do not leave the bulb out of the headlight reflector for a long period of time as dust, moisture, and smoke may enter the headlight body and affect the performance of the head- light. O When aiming adjustment is neces- sary, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. 8-30 Do-it-yourself BULB REPLACEMENT Item Wattage (W) Bulb No.* Front combination light: Turn signal light Parking light Rear combination light: Turn signal Stop/Tail Back-up License plate light Fog light Dome light Map light High-mounted stop light 27 3.8 27 27/7 16 3.8 35 10 12.8 1156NA 194 3157NAk 3057k 921 168 H3 68 578 912 *: Always check with the Parts Department at an authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information. Z X ADI1131 Replacing procedures All other lights are either type A, B, C or D. When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens and/or cover. Do-it-yourself 8-31 Z X 8-32 Do-it-yourself ADI1130 Z X FRONT FOG LIGHT BULB RE- PLACEMENT (if so equipped) CAUTION O High pressure halogen gas is sealed inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may break if the glass envelope is scratched or the bulb is dropped. O When handling the bulb, do not touch the glass envelope. 1. Unclip the two metal clips on the side of the fog lamp. 2. Pull out and support the fog lamp assem- bly. 3. Disconnect the fog lamp bulb connector. 4. Lift the spring retainer. 5. Remove the fog lamp bulb. O The fog lamp bulb can not be separated from the wire and is serviced as an assembly. 6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal. DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB. ADI1110 Do-it-yourself 8-33 Z X WHEELS AND TIRES DI0047 If you have a flat tire, see the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section of this manual. Maximum inflation pressure Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sures shown on the side wall of the tire. Tire inflation pressure Periodically check the tire pressure (includ- ing the spare). Tire pressure should be checked when tires are COLD. COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the inside of the glove box lid. Incorrect tire pressure may adversely 8-34 Do-it-yourself affect tire life and vehicle handling. COLD pressure: After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). O Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH (137 km/h) unless it is equipped with high speed rated tires. Driving faster than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. WARNING O Improperly inflated tires can fail sud- denly and cause an accident O The vehicle weight capacity is indi- cated on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label. Do not load your vehicle be- yond this capacity. Overloading your vehicle may result in reduced tire life, unsafe operating conditions due to premature tire failure, or unfavorable handling characteristics and could also lead to a serious accident. Load- ing beyond the specified capacity may also result in failure of other vehicle components. O Before taking a long trip, or when- ever you have loaded your vehicle heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the tire pressure is at the specified level. Types of tires WARNING When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type (i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and construction. An authorized NISSAN dealer may be able to help you with information about tire type, size, speed rating and availability. Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped tires, and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maxi- mum speed rating of the tire. All season tires NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some models to provide good performance for use all year around, including snowy and icy road conditions. All Season Tires are iden- Z X tified by ‘‘ALL SEASON’’ and/or ‘‘M&S’’ on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than All Season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas. Summer tires NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating ‘‘M&S’’ on the tire sidewall. If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of ‘‘SNOW’’ or ‘‘ALL SEASON’’ tires on all four wheels. Snow tires If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating to the original equipment tires. If you do not, it can adversely affect the safety and han- dling of your vehicle. If you install snow tires, they must be the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. Generally, snow tires will have lower speed ratings than factory equipped tires and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. States and Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. Tire chains Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer’s sug- gestions. Use only SAE class ‘‘S’’ chains. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Oth- erwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains must be installed only on the rear wheels and not on the front wheels. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. When driv- ing on clear paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD. Do-it-yourself 8-35 Z X WARNING O After rotating the tires, check and adjust the tire pressure. O Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.). O Do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation. ADI1115 Tire rotation NISSAN recommends rotating the tires ev- ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km). See ‘‘Flat tire’’ in the ‘‘In case of emergency’’ section for tire replacing procedures. Wheel nut tightening torque: 87 to 108 ft-lb (118 to 147 Nzm) 8-36 Do-it-yourself MDI0004 Tire wear and damage WARNING O Tires should be periodically in- spected for wear, cracking, bulging or objects caught in the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found, the tire(s) should be replaced. O The original tires have a built-in tread wear indicator. When the wear indicators are visible, the tire(s) should be replaced. Z X O Improper service of the spare tire may result in serious personal in- jury. If it is necessary to repair the spare tire, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Changing tires and wheels When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread design, speed rating and load carrying capacity as originally equipped. Recom- mended types and sizes are shown in ‘‘Wheel/tire size’’ in the ‘‘Technical and con- sumer information’’ section of this manual. WARNING O The use of tires other than those recommended 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, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight aim and bumper height. Some of these effects may lead to accidents and could result in serious personal injury. O If the wheels are changed for any reason, always replace with wheels which have the same offset dimen- sion. Wheels of a different offset could cause pre-mature tire wear, de- grade vehicle handling characteris- tics and/or interference with the brake discs/drums. Such interference can lead to decreased braking effi- ciency and/or early brake pad/shoe wear. Refer to “Wheel/tire size” in the “Technical and consumer informa- tion” section of this manual for wheel off-set dimensions. O Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even if it has been repaired. Such wheels or tires could have unknown structural damage and could fail without warning. O The use of retread tires is not recom- mended. 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 damage the transmission, transfer case and differential gears. If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom- mended that all four tires be replaced with tires of the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment should also be checked and corrected as necessary. Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Wheel balance Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han- dling and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required. Wheel balance service should be performed 8-37 Do-it-yourself Z X with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balanc- ing the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to transmission damage. Care of wheels O Wash the wheels when washing the ve- hicle to maintain their appearance. O Clean the inner side of the wheels when the wheel is changed or the underside of the vehicle is washed.

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2000 Nissan Xterra Owners Manual