engine NISSAN XTERRA 2002 WD22 / 1.G Owner's Manual
Page 105 of 263
the defrost outlets to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Turn the air control dial to the
posi-
tion.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
When the
,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automati-
cally turns on (however the indicator light
will not illuminate) if the outside temperature
is more than 45ÉF(7ÉC). This dehumidifies
the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, al-
lowing outside air to be drawn into the
passenger compartment to further improve
the defogging performance.
Operating tips
OKeep windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
OAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open tovent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
OThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately ten min-
utes at least once a month. This helps
prevent damage to the system due to
lack of lubrication.
OIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See ``If your
vehicle overheats'' in the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and
dial positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting.The air recir-
culation switch should always be in the
OFF position for heating and defrosting.
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RADIO
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and
press the power on switch to turn on the
radio. If you listen to the radio with the
engine not running, the key should be
turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the
vehicle may influence radio reception
quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to en-
hance radio reception. These circuits are
designed to extend reception range, and to
enhance the quality of that reception.
However there are some general character-
istics of both FM and AM radio signals that
can affect radio reception quality in a mov-
ing vehicle, even when the finest equipment
is used. These characteristics are com-pletely normal in a given reception area,
and do not indicate any malfunction in your
NISSAN radio system.
Reception conditions will constantly change
because of vehicle movement. Buildings,
terrain, signal distance and interference
from other vehicles can work against ideal
reception. Described below are some of the
factors that can affect your radio reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 to
30 miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural
(single channel) FM having slightly more
range than stereo FM. External influences
may sometimes interfere with FM station
reception even if the FM station is within 25
miles (40 km). The strength of the FM signal
is directly related to the distance between
the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many
of the same characteristics as light. For
example they will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away
from a station transmitter, the signals will
tend to fade and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference
from buildings, large hills or due to antennaposition, usually in conjunction with in-
creased distance from the station transmit-
ter, static or flutter can be heard. This can be
reduced by adjusting the treble control
counterclockwise to reduce treble re-
sponse.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflec-
tive characteristics of FM signals, direct and
reflected signals reach the receiver at the
same time. The signals may cancel each
other, resulting in momentary flutter or loss
of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency,
can bend around objects and skip along the
ground. In addition, the signals can be
bounced off the ionosphere and bent back
to earth. Because of these characteristics.
AM signals are also subject to interference
as they travel from transmitter to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas
with many tall buildings. It can also occur for
several seconds during ionospheric turbu-
lence even in areas where no obstacles
exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
AUDIO SYSTEM
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FM-AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC (CD) PLAYER (if so
equipped)
Audio main operation
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains, and other
external influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the
vehicle may influence radio reception
quality.
PWR/VOL control
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position, then push the PWR/VOL control
knob button. If you listen to the radio with
the engine not running, turn the key to the
ACC position. The mode (radio or CD)
which was playing immediately before the
system was turned off resumes playing.
When no CD is loaded, the radio comes on.
Push the PWR/VOL control knob button
again turns the system off.Turn the PWR/VOL control knob to the right
to increase volume or to the left to decrease
volume.
Adjusting tone quality and speaker bal-
ance
To adjust the audio levels for bass, treble,
fader, and balance, push the AUDIO button
and adjust the level with the SEEK/TRACK
button. Press the AUDIO button once for
BAS (bass), twice for TRE (treble), three
times for FAD (fader) and four times for BAL
(balance). Once the audio level is set the
display will return back to radio or CD
display mode after 7 seconds or the AUDIO
button can be pressed again within 7 sec-
onds to set the next audio level. Pressing
the AUDIO button a fifth time will return the
display back to radio or CD display mode.
Fader adjusts the sound level between the
front and rear speakers, balance adjusts the
sound level between the right and left
speakers.
Clock set
Press and hold the MENU button for more
than 2 seconds the radio beeps and the
hours flash, use the SEEK/TRACK button to
set the hour, press the MENU button again
until the radio beeps and the minutes flash,
LHA0118
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FM-AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC (CD) CHANGER (if so
equipped)
ONzOFF/VOL control
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position, then push the PWR control knob. If
you listen to the radio with the engine not
running, turn the key to the ACC position.
The mode (radio or CD) that was playing
immediately before the system was turned
off resumes playing.
When no CD is loaded, the radio comes on.
Pushing the PWR control knob again turns
the system off.
Turn the PWR control knob to the right to
increase volume or to the left to decrease
volume.
WHA0065
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Page 131 of 263
at all times so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
OIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop
your vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
OKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).
OKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
OAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.
OConnect the ground wire from the
CB radio chassis to the body.
OFor details, consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................................5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ........................................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...........................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................5-4
Driving safety precautions .................................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-6
Automatic transmission .....................................5-6
Manual transmission..........................................5-7
Key positions .....................................................5-7
Before starting the engine ......................................5-8
Starting the engine .................................................5-8
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-9
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-9
Manual transmission........................................5-13
Parking brake .......................................................5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-15
Precautions on cruise control ..........................5-15
Cruise control operations ................................5-16Break-in schedule ................................................5-17
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-17
Using four-wheel drive .........................................5-18........................5-18
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................5-18
Auto-lock free-running hubs ............................5-19
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................5-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-24
Power steering .....................................................5-25
Brake system........................................................5-25
Braking precautions .........................................5-25
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .........................5-26
Cold weather driving ............................................5-27
Freeing a frozen door lock ..............................5-27
Anti-freeze .......................................................5-27
Battery .............................................................5-27
Draining of coolant water ................................5-27
Tire equipment.................................................5-28
Special winter equipment ................................5-28
Driving on snow or ice.....................................5-28
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..............5-29
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Page 133 of 263
WARNING
ODo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
OProperly secure all cargo to help
prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do
not place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
ODo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless car-
bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
a dangerous. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.OIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
ODo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
ODo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
OKeep the back door and rear win-
dows closed while driving, other-
wise exhaust gases could be drawn
into the passenger compartment. If
you must drive with the back door or
rear windows open, follow these pre-
cautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch
OFF and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
OIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.O
If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Do not occupy these areas
while the engine is running even if the
vehicle is parked. Some recreational
vehicle appliances such as stoves,
refrigerators, heaters, etc. may also
generate carbon monoxide.
OThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
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Page 134 of 263
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
OThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
ODo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
ODo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
OKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-rich fuel flow into the three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires,
or if noticeable loss of performance
or other unusual operating condi-
tions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
OAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
ODo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
ODo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than
passenger cars to make them capable of
performing in a variety of on-pavement and
off-road applications. This gives them ahigher center of gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles
any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers particu-
larly at high speeds. As with other vehicles
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precau-
tions later in this section.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
Starting and driving
5-3
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Page 136 of 263
OMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
ODo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
OStay alert when driving to the top of
a hill. At the top there could be a
drop-off or other hazard that could
cause an accident.
OIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed
(manual transmission vehicles), us-
ing only the brake, as this could
cause loss of control.
OHeavy braking going down a hill-
could cause your brakes to over heatand fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.
OUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
OTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capactiy of the roof rack/gear bin (if
so equipped) and evenly distribute
the load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low
as possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
ODo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving
offroad. The steering wheel could
move suddenly and injure your
hands. Instead drive with your fin-
gers and thumbs on the outside of
the rim.OBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
OAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
OLower your speed when encoutering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
ODo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
OAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
OIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two-wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive ve-
hicles. Failure to operate this vehicle
Starting and driving
5-5
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Page 138 of 263
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn
the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running. The shifter can be moved if the
ignition switch is in ACC position.
WSD0016
Starting and driving5-7
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