check engine NISSAN XTERRA 2000 WD22 / 1.G Owner's Guide

EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-
tremely high, the filter may become cloggedmore rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
EVAP Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness, or dete-
rioration. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel lines (hoses, piping, connections,
etc.)Check the fuel hoses, piping and con-
nections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil and oil filter*Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines and cablesCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer and differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear (box) and linkage, axle and
suspension parts and drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.
9-10Maintenance
ZX

ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer correct the condition. Failure
to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which NISSAN is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
Technical and consumer information
10-5
ZX

Model KA24DE VG33E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 3.504 ý 3.780 (89.0 ý 96.0) 3.602 x 3.268 (91.5 x 83.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 145.78 (2,389) 199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-2-3-4-5-6
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control Label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing degree (BTDC)
at idle speed degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugPFR5G-11 (Standard)*1
PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1
PFR7G-11 (Cold)*1PFR5G-11 (Standard)*1
PFR6G-11 (Cold)*1
PFR7G-11 (Cold)*1
Spark plug gap Nominal: in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing belt *2
Generator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm) 0.413 x 35.63 (10.5 x 905) 0.701 x 31.69 (17.8 x 805)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at an authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See9Periodic maintenance schedules9in the9Maintenance9section.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Ð Causing Equipment
Regulations.
ENGINE
Technical and consumer information10-9
ZX

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 prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
OBe 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 condi-
tion.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
OBe certain your outside 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's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
O
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
OAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
OAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
OAlways 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 automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.OWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
OIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
OTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
OAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
OHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
OWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-9
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-11
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-32
Antenna...................................................... 4-35
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-10
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-19
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-28
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-20
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-11
B
Battery........................................................ 8-16
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-25
Brake booster ....................................... 8-25
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-24
Brake system ........................................ 5-24
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators .................. 2-11, 8-25
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-15
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-18
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-10
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-36
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-31
Child restraints ........................................... 1-22
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock .......................................................... 4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-26
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
ZX

Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cover
Tonneau cover ...................................... 2-22
Cruise control............................................. 5-16
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-14
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-18
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
Cold weather driving............................. 5-26
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-18
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-26Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
First aid kit
First aid kit .............................................. 6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-18
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-14
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-4
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
Gear Basket (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-11
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
11-2
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-14
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-17
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-24
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-6
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Emission control information label...... 10-14
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ...................... 1-11
Light
Air bag warning light ............................. 1-11
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-24
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-24
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3Rear door lock ...................................... 3-10
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-11
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .................... 3-11
Luggage rack (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-11
Manual windows ........................................ 2-25
Map lights .................................................. 2-24
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-17
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-16
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
11-3
ZX

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-4
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-6
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-23
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14Power steering system ......................... 5-24
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-28
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-22
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-36
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-27
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............. 2-10
Rear door lock ........................................... 3-10
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-4
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-18
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ..................................................... 2-17
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
Roof rack with gear basket ........................ 3-11
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-21
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Seat belts.............................................. 1-13
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-16
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 1-19
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-8
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-4
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-29
Shifting
Manual transmission............................. 5-13
Skyroof ....................................................... 2-27
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-19
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-24
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-11
11-4
ZX