brake fluid NISSAN XTERRA 2005 N50 / 2.G User Guide

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector
lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and the
engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Fuse/fusible link box
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Radiator cap
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Engine coolant reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0479
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) markssB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
sA, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
sC.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
LDI0437LDI0371
ENGINE OIL
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When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine Matic J ATF. Do not
mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Matic J ATF will
cause deterioration in driveability and
automatic transmission durability, and
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.WDI0282
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
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BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the low window
washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.
LDI0463LDI0463LDI0441
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21 1/8gal 17-5/8 gal 80 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *8
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system
With reservoir
2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Manual transmission gear oil 2WD 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 3.98 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
4WD 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.18
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*5
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*6 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type R (DH-PS) or equivalent*7
Transfer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid*5, *10
Front final drive oil — — — API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil, *9, *10
Rear final drive oil
Except 6 speed MT and 4X4 O/R vehicles — — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Oil, *10
6 speed MT and 4X4 O/R vehicles only — — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-140 Gear Oil, *10
Windshield washer fluid (shared between front and rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreezeor equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle warranty.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*7: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
9-24Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-12
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-29
Active head restraint...............1-5
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-46
Air bag warning labels.............1-54
Air bag warning light...........1-54, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-18
Anchor point locations.............1-31
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-28
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-18Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-16, 4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-25
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-42
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system)......8-26
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
Booster seats..................1-35
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-28
Brake booster................8-23
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-22
Brake system................5-27Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-18, 8-22
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Break-in schedule................5-18
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-26
Cargo light...................2-44
Cargo net....................2-37
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-23
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-15
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-30
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-22, 1-29
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-22, 1-35
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-31
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-18
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
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Clock......................4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-28
Cold weather driving..............5-32
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Console box...................2-31
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-25
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-17
Cup holders...................2-33
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-51
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-23
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-22
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-32
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-19
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-24
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-27
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-4
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-11
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-25
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-24
Front air bag system (See supplemental
restraint system)................1-46
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-19
Fuel filler cap................3-10
Fuel filler lid.................3-10
Fuel filler lid and cap.............3-9
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-25
10-2
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G
Gascap.....................3-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-31
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-25
Head restraints..................1-4
Active head restraint.............1-5
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-22
Headlights....................8-27
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hill descent control (HDC) switch.......2-26
Hill descent control (HDC) system......5-31
Hill start assist (HSA) system.........5-31
Hood release...................3-8
Hook
Luggage hook................2-35
Horn.......................2-25I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Immobilizer system..........2-19, 3-2, 5-8
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-19
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-12
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Interior light...................2-43
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-29
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-54
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-29
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-54, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-24
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-22
Headlights..................8-27
Interior light.................2-43
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status
light..................1-48, 2-16
Security indicator light........1-48, 2-16
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-44
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Power door locks...............3-4
Rear door lock................3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-12
Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-13
10-3
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