NISSAN XTERRA 2000 WD22 / 1.G Owners Manual

Precautions
OThe cruise indicator light in the instru-
ment panel may blink when the cruise
control main switch is turned ON while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET,
or CANCEL switch. To properly set the
cruise control system, perform the follow-
ing steps in the order indicated.
OIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The CRUISE
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
OIf the cruise light blinks, turn the cruisecontrol main switch off and have the
system checked by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
OWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
OIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
OOn winding or hilly roads.OOn slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
OIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,
depress the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
The cruise control allows driving at a fixed
speed between 30 and 90 MPH (48 and 145
km/h) without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch on. The CRUISE CONT indica-
tor light comes on.
To set at cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The
CRUISE light in the instrument panel comes
ASD1020
CRUISE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
5-16Starting and driving
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on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
To pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
set speed.
OThe vehicle may not maintain the set
speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the CRUISE
light in the instrument panel goes out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light
goes out.
c)
Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
CONT and CRUISE lights go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the CRUISE light goes out if:
Oyou depress the brake pedal while push-
ing the RES/ACCEL set switch.
Othe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.Oyou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL set
switch. When the vehicle attains the
speed you desire, release the switch.
c)
Push, and release the RES/ACCEL set
switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, and release the COAST/SETswitch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RES/ACCEL switch. The ve-
hicle returns to the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48
km/h).
Starting and driving
5-17
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During the first 1,000 miles (1,609 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
ODo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
O
Do not drive over the following speed limits:two-wheel drive models and four-
wheel drive models (2H position):
Do not exceed the legal speed limit.
four-wheel drive models
(4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
ODo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
OAvoid quick starts.
OAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
ODo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).OAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
ODrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
OAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
OUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
OAvoid unnecessary engine idling.OKeep your engine tuned up.
OFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
OKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
OKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
OAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
OWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
O
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. Four-wheel drive operation lowers
fuel economy.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-18Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Do not drive on dry, hard surface roads
in four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard
surfaces in 4H or 4L may cause unnec-
essary noise, tire wear and increased
fuel consumption. NISSAN recom-
mends driving in the 2H position under
these conditions.
WARNING
OWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and shift the transfer
control lever into the 2H, 4H or 4L
position.
ODo not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could roll unex-
pectedly even if the manual
transmission is in any gear or the
automatic transmission is in the P
(Park) position. If the ATP light is on,
this indicates that the automatic
transmission P position will not
function and the transfer control le-
ver is in the N position.OFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
resulting in serious personal injury
or property damage.
2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear
wheels are driven. Use for driving under the
same conditions as standard 2WD vehicles
or state dynamometer I/M testing.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it
is difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e.,
driving at normal speeds on snow covered,
icy, wet, muddy or sandy roads).
4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand,
mud or deep snow. The 4L position provides
maximum power and traction. Avoid raising
vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum
speed is approximately 30 MPH (48 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N (Neutral) position.
Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when
moving across the N (Neutral) position with
the vehicle stopped.
ASD1022
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
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Your NISSAN is equipped with auto-lock
free-running hubs.
The auto-lock free-running hub is designed
to allow for automatic four-wheel drive en-
gagement when the shift lever is moved to
the 4H or 4L position. Follow these opera-
tional cautions:
CAUTION
OThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.OAccelerating quickly from a stop af-
ter shifting from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive may not allow en-
gagement of the auto-locking free-
running hubs and may cause a clat-
tering noise. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. In such a case, release
the accelerator pedal to reduce the
engine speed or stop the vehicle.
OIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from four-
wheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.
OUnder extremely cold conditions
[below 5ÉF (-15ÉC)], the front axle
shafts may rotate even with the
transfer lever in the 2H position. If
this occurs, the auto-locking hubs
may make a clattering noise. To
avoid this, drive first in four-wheel
drive to warm up the vehicle and
differential gear oil. Then, shift to
two-wheel drive.OIn cold weather, it may be necessary
to reduce speed or stop the vehicle
in order to shift from two-wheel drive
to four-wheel drive.
OWhen shifting into or out of four-
wheel drive while driving, do not
stop shift lever movement midway.
An incomplete shift may cause a
clattering noise from the auto-
locking hubs. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. Drive in four-wheel
drive to stop the noise. Shift to two-
wheel drive as described.
SD0021
AUTO-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
5-20Starting and driving
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TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H at speeds below 25 MPH (40 km/h). It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform
this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform
this operation when driving straight.
NOTE:
AUTO-LOCK hubs will not disengage until the vehicle is moved about 3 feet (1 m) in the opposite direction of
travel:
OWhen driving forward, stop and move the vehicle 3 feet (1 m) in reverse.
OWhen backing up, stop and move 3 feet (1 m) forward, then move the vehicle about 3 feet (1 m) in reverse.
Disengaging the AUTO LOCK hubs will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear.
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
NOTE:
Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.
Starting and driving5-21
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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.
Snow tires
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, with a gauge. Adjust to
the specified pressure if necessary. Tirepressures are shown on the tire placard
affixed to the glove box.
Tire chain
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
TIRES OF FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE
5-22Starting and driving
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WARNING
ODo not park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
O
The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position
and the parking brake set to prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
ONever place the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could roll unex-pectedly even if the manual trans-
mission is in gear or the automatic
transmission is in the P (Park) posi-
tion. This could result in serious in-
jury or property damage.
OSafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and
the transmission placed into P (Park)
for automatic transmission models
or in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and resultin an accident. Make sure the shift
lever has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved
without depressing the button at the
end of the lever.
ONever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
O
Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
OIf the ATP lamp is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(park) position will not function and
the transfer control lever is in the N
(neutral) position. Failure to engage
the transfer control lever in the 2H,
4H or 4L position could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, result-
ing in serious personal injury or
property damage.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in the R (Re-MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-23
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verse) position. When parking on an up-
hill grade, place the gearshift lever in the
1st position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
O
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
OHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
OHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is needed,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit develops a problem,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function cor-
rectly.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
5-24Starting and driving
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Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster,
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade.
WARNING
OWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
OIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Normal Operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). (The speeds vary according to road
conditions.)
When driving, the anti-lock brake system
controls the wheels so they will not lock
when braking abruptly or when braking on a
slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and
swerving of the vehicle due to locked
wheels is minimized. The system detects
the wheel rotation rate and electronically
controls the pressure applied to each brake.
Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise usually occurs while the
ABS system is operating. Such vibration
and noise encountered during abrupt brak-
ing is not a problem, but indicates that the
system is functioning.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids con-
trolled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the sys-
tem each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, youmay hear a ``clunk'' noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and is not an indication of any malfunction. If
the computer senses any malfunction, it
switches the anti-lock brake system off and
turns on the ABS brake warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. The
ABS brake warning light will then come on.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS)
Starting and driving5-25
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