2003 Nissan Xterra Owners Manual

only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro- priate for level highway driving may have to be reduced on very steep grades or in low traction situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).

WARNING

Vehicle damage and/or personal injury re- sulting from improper towing procedures are not covered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing information on trailer towing ability and the special equipment required may be obtained from a NISSAN dealer.

CA0009

Tongue load Keep the tongue load between 9 - 11 percent of the total trailer load within the maximum tongue load limits shown in the following Towing Load/Specification Chart. If the tongue load be- comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for proper tongue load.

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ATI1025

Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum gross axle weight The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S. certification label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com- bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen- gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear gross axle weight must not exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S. certification label.

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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART

Engine Model

Transmission

KA24DE (4 cyl)

2WD M/T

Maxiumum Trailer Weight*1

3,500 (1,588)

Maximum Tongue Load Gross Combined Weight

Rating

Recommended Equipment*2

350 (159)

7,700 (3,492)

VG33E/VG33ER (V6)

2WD

4WD

M/T

3,500 (1,588)

350 (159)

8,000 (3,628)

A/T

5,000 (2,268)

500 (227)

9,500 (4,309)

M/T

3,500 (1,588)

350 (159)

8,000 (3,628)

A/T

5,000 (2,268)

500 (227)

9,500 (4,309)

Unit: lbs (kg)

Sway Control Device

Sway Control Device

Sway Control Device

Sway Control Device

Sway Control Device

*1: All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lb (1,361 kg). *2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch outlet for a prop- erly designed sway control device for your trailer. M/T = Manual Transmission A/T = Automatic Transmission 2WD = 2-wheel drive 4WD = 4-wheel drive

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TOWING SAFETY Trailer hitch Check the towing capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal injury or property damage due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.

CAUTION

c Special hitches which include frame re- inforcements are required for towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genu- ine NISSAN hitches for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles are available at a NISSAN dealer.

c The hitch should not be attached to or the impact-

the operation of

affect absorbing bumper.

c Do not use axle-mounted hitches. c Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys- tem, brake system, etc. to install a trailer hitch.

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Trailer lights Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer.

c To reduce the possibility of additional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practical, remove the hitch and/or receiver when not in use. c After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or dust from entering the passenger compartment.

c Regularly check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted.

Tire pressures c When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended cold tire pressure indi- cated on the tire placard.

c Trailer tire condition, size,

load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accor- dance with the trailer and tire manufacturer(cid:146)s specifications.

Safety chains Always use suitable safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should be crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners.

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WTI0064

Vehicle harness connector end

1. 2. Connector cap 3. 4.

SAE J1239 connector (to trailer) Tow harness connector (to vehicle har- ness)

Trailer tow harness and module (if so equipped) The trailer tow module on your vehicle allows turn/stop lamp control of a trailer being towed by your NISSAN.

The trailer tow module includes: c trailer tow module which draws power from

the vehicle stop lamp fuse

c one subharness containing a SAE J1239

specified connector

WTI0063

To use the tow harness: 1. Remove the connector cap using a suitable tool from the vehicle harness, located be- hind the right rear wheel well attached to the frame. Store the connector cap in vehicle glove box for reinstallation.

2. Connect the tow harness so the vehicle harness located behind the right rear wheel well attached to the frame.

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3. Route the trailer tow harness so that it does not block access to the spare tire winch socket.

4. Connect the tow harness connector (SAE

J1239) to your trailer.

5. Confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn

lamp operation.

6. When towing is completed, disconnect the tow harness from the trailer and the vehicle. Store the tow harness in the glove box. Rein- stall the connector cap to the vehicle harness.

If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your NISSAN, contact a NISSAN dealer. Always confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn lamp operation every time the trailer light circuits are connected for use. Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it conforms to federal and/or local regulations and that it is properly installed.

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system di- rectly to the vehicle brake system.

Pre-towing tips c 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.

c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle. Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle(cid:146)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. c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. c Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. c Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.

c Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, first block the wheels and apply the parking brake, and then move the transmission shift selector lever into the P (Park) position. If you move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi- tion before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur.

c When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When going up a long grade, downshift the transmission to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of engine over- loading and/or overheating. However, for long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h). c If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioner system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the windows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position.

c Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal

circumstances.

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c Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle(cid:146)s first

500 miles (805 km).

c Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended Maintenance Schedule in the (cid:147)NISSAN Ser- vice and Maintenance Guide(cid:148).

c When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger than normal turning radius during the turn.

c Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus- ing vehicle sway. When being passed by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible changes in crosswinds that could affect ve- hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead, and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve- hicle speed. This combination will help sta- bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

c Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires con- siderably more distance than normal pass- ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes.

c To maintain engine braking efficiency and electrical charging performance, do not use 5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).

c Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced braking efficiency.

When towing a trailer, transmission oil/fluid should be changed more fre- quently. For additional information, see the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section earlier in this manual.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

Treadwear

Treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on tire wear rate when tested under controlled conditions on specified government test courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the govern- ment course as a tire graded 100. However, relative tire performance depends on actual driv- ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA, A, B and C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire(cid:146)s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea- sured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con- crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

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WARNING

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es- tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei- ther separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

The traction grade assigned to your ve- hicle tires is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not in- clude acceleration, cornering, hydroplan- ing or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

Temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C. They represent a tire(cid:146)s resistance to heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem- perature can cause tire material to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a performance level which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B rep- resent higher levels of performance on laboratory test wheels than the minimum required by law.

9-24 Technical and consumer information

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For US 1. Emission Defects Warranty 2. Emissions Performance Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191

For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US only)

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/ MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the Na- tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or NISSAN. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans- portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con- sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800- NISSAN-1. In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.

Due to legal requirements in some states and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re- quired to be in what is called the (cid:147)ready condi- tion(cid:148) for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control system.

The vehicle is set to the (cid:147)ready condition(cid:148)(cid:146) when it is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.

If a powertrain system component is repaired or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to a (cid:147)not ready(cid:148) condition. Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or do not want to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.

WARNING

Always drive the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner according to traffic con- ditions and obey all traffic laws.

1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Al- low the engine to idle until the gauge needle points between the C and H (normal oper- ating temperature).

2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h), then quickly release the accelerator pedal completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.

3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of 53 - 60 mph (85 - 97 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.

4. Stop the vehicle. 5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55 km/h)

and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.

6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three

times.

7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least 3 min- utes.

8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. 9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more

time.

If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept- able between steps. Do not stop the engine until step 7 is completed. If you cannot or do not want to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.

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DYNAMOMETER TESTING FOR INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US only) Due to legal requirements in some states/areas, your vehicle may be tested for emissions on a dynamometer. The transfer control lever (if so equipped) MUST be in the 2H position for I/M testing on a two wheel dynamometer.

WARNING

c If the transfer control lever is not in the 2H position during the dynamometer I/M testing, the vehicle could come off the dynamometer and cause serious personal injury and/or body damage to the vehicle.

c Serious damage will occur to the 4WD system if the transfer control lever is not in the 2H position.

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OWNER(cid:146)S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of service and repair information for your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro- cedures, this manual is the same one used by the factory trained technicians working at NISSAN dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. For USA For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 2000 model year and later contact: Tweddle Litho Company 1-800-639-8841
www.nissan-techinfo.com For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 1999 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact: DDS Distribution Service, Ltd. 20770 Westwood Road Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321

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that restrict insurance companies from authoriz- ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro- tect you, so you can take action to protect your- self. It(cid:146)s your right! If you should need further information visit us at: www.nissanusa.com.

For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for the 2003 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:

DDS Distribution Service, Ltd. 20770 Westwood Road Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada

To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser- vice Manual or Owner(cid:146)s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num- ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800- 387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa- tive will assist you.

Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely event, there is some important information you should know.

Many insurance companies routinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.

Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN collision parts! If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts made to NISSAN(cid:146)s original exacting specifica- tions (cid:150) if you want to help it to last and hold its resale value, the solution is simple. Tell your insurance agent and your repair shop to only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts. NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts, nor does NISSAN(cid:146)s warranty apply to damage caused by a non-genuine part. Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro- tection and maintain the resale value of your vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un- necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the end of your lease. NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non- genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often show premature wear, rust and corrosion. Why should you take a chance? In over 40 states, the law says you must be advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws

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10 Index

Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) . Air bag warning light. Air cleaner housing filter . Air conditioner

Air conditioner operation. Air conditioner service . Air conditioner specification label . Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubrication recommendations . Heater and air conditioner controls . Servicing air conditioner .

Air flow charts . Alarm system (See vehicle security system) . Anchor point locations . Antenna . Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . Anti-lock brake warning light . Audible reminders. Audio system . Compact disc (CD) player . FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) changer . FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) player Radio . Steering wheel audio control switch.

Auto-lock free-running hubs .

Automatic

.2-32
Automatic power window switch . .8-14
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Driving with automatic transmission . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-12

.1-8
.1-19, 2-12
.8-22

.4-5
.4-9
.9-12

.9-6
.4-2
.4-9
.4-6

.2-15
.1-42
.4-28
.5-24
.2-10
.2-15
.4-10
.4-15

.4-16

.4-12
.4-10
.4-28
.5-20

Battery .

Charge warning light .

Battery replacement (See remote keyless entry system) . Before starting the engine . Belts (See drive belts) . Brake

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . Brake booster . Brake fluid . Brake light (See stop light). Brake pedal . Brake system . Brake warning light . Brake wear indicators . Parking brake check . Parking brake operation . Self-adjusting brakes .

Break-in schedule. Brightness control

.8-18
.2-11

.3-7
.5-9
.8-19

.5-24
.8-30
.8-16
.8-36
.8-29
.5-23
.2-10
.2-15, 8-29
.8-29
.5-15
.8-29
.5-18

Instrument panel

Bulb check/instrument panel Bulb replacement .

.2-21
.2-9
.8-36

.9-2
.4-29
.9-13
.4-15

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Car phone or CB radio . Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . CD player (See audio system) . Check engine indicator light (See malfunction indicator light) . Child restraint with top tether strap . Child restraints .

.2-13
.1-41
.1-23, 1-24, 1-30, 1-39
.1-30
.1-42
.3-4
.2-15
.7-2
.4-13, 4-18

Precautions on child restraints. Top tether strap anchor point locations .

Child safety rear door lock. Chimes, audible reminders . Cleaning exterior and interior . Clock . Clutch

Clutch fluid .

Cold weather driving . Compact disc (CD) player . Controls

.8-16
.5-27
.4-15

Audio controls (steering wheel) . Heater and air conditioner controls .

Coolant

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Changing engine coolant. Checking engine coolant level. Engine coolant temperature gauge .

Corrosion protection .

.4-28
.4-2

.9-2
.8-10
.8-9
.2-5
.7-5

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Cover

Tonneau cover.

Cruise control . Cup holders .

.2-30
.5-16
.2-27

Daytime running light system (Canada only) . Defogger switch

Rear window defogger switch .

Dimensions and weights . Door locks . Door open warning light . Drive belts . Driving

.2-21

.2-20
.9-9
.3-2
.2-11
.8-19

Auto-lock free-running hubs . Cold weather driving . Driving with automatic transmission . Driving with manual transmission . Precautions when starting and driving .

.5-20
.5-27
.5-10
.5-13
.5-2

Economy - fuel Emission control information label . Emission control system warranty . Engine

Before starting the engine . Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Changing engine coolant. Changing engine oil Changing engine oil filter.

.5-18
.9-12
.9-24

.5-9

.9-2
.8-10
.8-11
.8-13

Checking engine coolant level. Checking engine oil level. Engine compartment check locations. Engine coolant temperature gauge . Engine cooling system . Engine oil Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . Engine oil pressure warning light Engine oil viscosity . Engine serial number . Engine specifications. Starting the engine .

Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)

.8-9
.8-10
.8-9
.2-5
.8-9
.8-10
.9-5
.2-11
.9-5
.9-11
.9-7
.5-9
.5-2

First aid kit Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) Flat tire . Floor mat positioning aid.