engine coolant NISSAN XTERRA 2008 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-12)
2. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)
3. Fuse and relay box (P. 8-21)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
6. Brake and clutch fluid reservoir
(P. 8-11)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
8. Drive belt location (P.8-15)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
10. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
11. Battery (P. 8-13)
12. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0633
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped)...................2-5
Tachometer....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Fuel gauge....................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge.......................2-8
Voltmeter......................................2-8
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-9
Compass display...............................2-9
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-12
Checking bulbs...............................2-13
Warning lights................................2-13
Indicator lights................................2-17
Audible reminders.............................2-21
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-21
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-21
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system
(if so equipped)...............................2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-23
Switch operation..............................2-23
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-24Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-25
Headlight control switch........................2-25
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-26
Instrument brightness control...................2-27
Turn signal switch.............................2-27
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-28
Horn............................................2-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Hill descent control switch (if so equipped)..........2-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-30
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-31
Power outlet.....................................2-32
Storage.........................................2-33
Storage trays.................................2-33
Console box..................................2-34
Glove box....................................2-35
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-35
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14. Electronic locking rear differential
(E-Lock) system switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-30)
Hill descent control switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-29)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-29)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-12)
16. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-21)
17. Climate controls (P. 4-2)
18. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-28)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-8)
20. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-11)
21. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-31)
22. Power outside mirror controls
(if so equipped) (P. 3-13)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Voltmeter6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer/Trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
7. Engine oil pressure gauge
8. Engine coolant temperature gauge
WIC0911
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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Journey time
The journey time mode shows the time since the
last reset. The displayed time can be reset by
pressing the change button for more than ap-
proximately 1 second.
Trip computer reset
Pushing the change button for more than 3 sec-
onds will reset all modes except Trip A and dis-
tance to empty (dte) .
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (rpm) . Do not rev the engine
into the red zone
s1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear or reduce en-
gine speed. Operating the engine in the
red zone may cause serious engine
damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
s1when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
LIC0738LIC0739
2-6Instruments and controls
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CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
temperature. If the gauge is over the nor-
mal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency” section for immediate
action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to E (Empty) after the
ignition key is turned to OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters E (Empty) .The
indicates that the fuel-filler door is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
cIf the vehicle runs out of fuel,
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After a few driving trips,
the
light should turn off. If the
light remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” later in
this section.
LIC0740
Instruments and controls2-7
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When the,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automatically
turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the fan control dial is turned
to OFF or the vehicle is shut off, even if the air flow
control dial is turned to a position other than
the
position. This dehumidifies the air
which helps defog the windshield. The
mode automatically turns off, allowing outside air
to be drawn into the passenger compartment to
further improve the defogging performance.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows closed while the air con-
ditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.cA visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air
is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
cIf 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 QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting. For additional information
on heating and cooling see “Heater and air con-
ditioner” in this section”.The air recirculation
(
) button should always be in the OFF
position for heating and defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Driving safety precautions.......................5-6
Ignition switch.....................................5-8
Automatic transmission..........................5-8
Manual transmission............................5-9
Key positions.................................5-10
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped)...............................5-10
Before starting the engine.........................5-10
Starting the engine...............................5-11
Driving the vehicle................................5-12
Automatic transmission.........................5-12
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-15
Parking brake....................................5-17
Cruise control....................................5-18
Precautions on cruise control...................5-18
Cruise control operations.......................5-19Break-in schedule................................5-20
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-20
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-21
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-27
Parking/parking on hills............................5-29
Power steering...................................5-30
Brake system....................................5-30
Brake precautions.............................5-30
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-31
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-32
Hill descent control system (if so equipped).........5-34
Hill start assist system (if so equipped)..............5-34
Cold weather driving..............................5-35
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-35
Anti-freeze....................................5-35
Battery.......................................5-35
Draining of coolant water.......................5-35
Tire equipment................................5-35
Special winter equipment.......................5-36
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-36
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-36
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The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
cThe selector lever is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
cThe vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill
start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the selector
lever is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so
equipped) .
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-35
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To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop-
erly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
Starting and driving5-37
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CAUTION
cDo not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
cFor manual transmission models, never
try to start the vehicle by towing it.
When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading and
the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine
coolant temperature high indicator light) , or if you
feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. 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 leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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