NISSAN XTERRA 2003 WD22 / 1.G Owners Manual

c4–wheel drive model (4L position):
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (19)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (35)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will en-
sure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
Allowable maximum speed in each gear:
2–wheel drive models
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (48)
2nd 55 (88)
3rd 80 (129)
4th —
5th —
4–wheel drive models
2H/4H position
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st 25 (40)
2nd 43 (69)
3rd 68 (109)
4th —
5th —
4L position
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st 12 (19)
2nd 22 (35)
3rd 30 (48)
4th —
5th —
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
cDo not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.
cDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
PARKING BRAKE
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To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake
sA.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. Pull out the parking brake release lever
sB.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
1. Cruise control main switch
2. RES/ACCEL switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. COAST/SET switch
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.c
The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned ON while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch (located on the steering
wheel) . To properly set the cruise control sys-
tem, use the following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
cOn slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.) .
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
WSD0065WSD0066
CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)
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CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control is
set. Should this occur, depress the clutch
pedal and turn the main switch off imme-
diately. Failure to do so may cause engine
damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 - 90 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instru-
ment panel comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The SET indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.
c
To pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the pedal,
the vehicle returns to the previously set speed.
cThe 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.
cPush the CANCEL button; the SET indicator
light in the instrument panel goes out.
cTap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light
goes out.
cTurn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator light and SET indicator light in the
instrument panel go out.
The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal while
pushing the RES/ACCEL or COAST/SET
switch. The preset speed is deleted from
memory.
cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission) , or move the shift selector lever to N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission) .
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cDepress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.cPush and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.
cPush and release the RES/ACCEL switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cLightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
cPush and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.
cPush and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .
Starting and driving5-17
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During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) , follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum en-
gine performance and ensure the future reliability
and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
shortened engine life and reduced engine perfor-
mance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) .cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
c
Air conditioner operation lowers fuel economy.
Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.c
Use 4H or 4L position only when
necessary. Four-wheel drive operation low-
ers fuel economy.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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To move the transfer case lever:
: Push down on the lever to shift
: Shift without pushing down on the lever
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES
WARNING
cWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H or
4L position and the parking brake is
applied.cDo not leave the transfer control lever in
the N (Neutral) position. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly 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 trans-
mission P position will not function and
the transfer control lever is in the N
position.
cFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, which
could cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in
four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard sur-
faces in 4H or 4L may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear, and increased fuel con-
sumption. NISSAN recommends driving in
the 2H position under these conditions.
2H— (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use for driving under the same condi-
tions as standard 2WD vehicles or state dyna-
mometer I/M testing.4H— (4WD, high range) Four wheels are driven.
Use when driving on roads where it is difficult to
drive in the 2H position (for example, driving at
normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet, muddy
or sandy roads) .
The 4H position provides greater power and
traction. Avoid excessive speed as it will cause
increased fuel consumption, higher oil tempera-
ture and could damage drivetrain components.
Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H are not
recommended.
4L— (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) .
N— 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.
WSD0067
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
Starting and driving5-19
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AUTO-LOCK FREE-
RUNNING HUBS
The auto-lock free-running hub is designed to
allow for automatic four-wheel drive engagement
when the shift lever is moved to the 4H or 4L
position. Follow these operational cautions:
CAUTION
cThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and dis-
engaging. This is normal.cAccelerating quickly from a stop after
shifting from two-wheel drive to four-
wheel drive may not allow engagement
of the auto-locking free-running hubs
and may cause a clattering noise. If this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal to
reduce the engine speed or stop the
vehicle. Continued use of the vehicle
with this noise may damage the hub
lock.
cIf the auto-locking hubs make a clatter-
ing noise after shifting from four-wheel
drive to two-wheel drive, stop and move
the vehicle in reverse gear, in a straight
line, about 7 to 10 feet (2 to 3 m) .
cUnder extremely cold conditions [below
5°F (-15°C)], 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.
cIn cold weather, it may be necessary to
reduce speed or stop the vehicle in or-
der to shift from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive.cWhen 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 dam-
age the hub lock. Drive in four-wheel
drive to stop the noise. Shift to two-
wheel drive as described.
For Automatic transmission models:
When moving the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to
4L or 4H, you must always move it quickly
through the N position. If you are slow to shift, the
engine idle speed will allow the transfer gears to
speed up and gear clashing will occur.
Do not move the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to
4L or 4H, from 2H to 4L and from 4L to 2H with
the engine turned off. Otherwise, you may have
difficulty in moving the transfer lever to the de-
sired position.
Do not leave the transfer lever in the N position
with the engine running. Stopping with the trans-
fer case in the N position may cause gear grind-
ing when selecting another gear. Changing the
transfer case gear quickly and smoothly will elimi-
nate this.
SD0021
5-20Starting and driving
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TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASESHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4H Move the transfer case shift 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, not while cornering.
From 4H to 2H1. Move the transfer case shift 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, not while cornering.
2. Disengage the AUTO-LOCK hubs following the procedure outlined below.
NOTE: The 4WD indicator light may not turn off immediately under certain driving conditions, such as when the vehicle is driven uphill.
This is normal and it will shut off as the vehicle is driven further.
AUTO-LOCK HUB DISENGAGEMENT (FREE MODE)
The AUTO-LOCK hubs will not disengage until the vehicle is completely stopped and is then moved in a straight line, approximately 7-10 ft (2-3 m) , in the
opposite direction of travel. For example:
If you were driving the vehicle forward, stop and move the vehicle 7-10 ft (2-3 m) backward.
If you were driving the vehicle in reverse, stop and move the vehicle 7-10 ft (2-3 m) forward.
It is not necessary to immediately return the AUTO-LOCK hubs to FREE MODE when shifting from 4H to 2H. The vehicle may be operated under normal 2H
conditions with the AUTO-LOCK hubs engaged. However, disengaging the AUTO-LOCK hubs will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less com-
ponent wear. Leaving the hubs locked while driving in 2H may be desirable so that you can easily shift to 4H at speeds greater than 25 MPH (40 km/h) .
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 4L position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
Keep the engine running.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 2H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
4. Disengage the AUTO-LOCK hubs following the procedure outlined above.
Starting and driving5-21
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WARNING
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
c
The transfer control lever must
be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position and the
parking brake set to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.cNever place the transfer control lever in
the N (Neutral) position. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even if
the manual transmission is in gear or
the automatic transmission is in the P
(Park) position. This could result in se-
rious injury or property damage.cSafe 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 transmis-
sion models. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in an accident.
Make sure the shift lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go and
cannot be moved without depressing
the foot brake pedal.
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
cDo not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
cIf the ATP lamp is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
control shift 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 unex-
pectedly, resulting in serious personal
injury or property damage.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
WSD0050
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-22Starting and driving
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2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in 1st gear.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
cHEADED 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.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
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 the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
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 hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
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 dis-
tance will be longer.
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. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-23
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WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
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 up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at
each wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed at
each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure toprevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
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
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate at
speeds below3-6MPH(5-10km/h) . (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When driving, the anti-lock brake system con-
trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-
ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve-
hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The
system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec-
tronically 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 braking is not a prob-
lem, but indicates that the system is functioningproperly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion 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 on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
5-24Starting and driving
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