tow NISSAN XTERRA 2005 N50 / 2.G Owner's Guide

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter specifications
where it is available. Many of the automobile
manufacturers developed this specification to
improve emission system and vehicle perfor-
mance. Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSANsupports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de-
termined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol) . It
should also contain a suitable amountof appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in NISSAN ve-
hicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
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Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
ATI1028
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WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any area
of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
cBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with the fol-
lowing terms before loading your vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total combined weight of the un-
loaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optionalequipment. This information is located on
the F.M.V.S.S. label.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle. This information is located
on the F.M.V.S.S. label.
cGCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) -
The maximum total weight rating of the ve-
hicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer.
cVehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit, Total
load capacity - maximum total weight limit
specified of the load (passengers and
cargo) for the vehicle. This is the maximum
combined weight of occupants and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the trailer
tongue weight must be included as part of
the cargo load. This information is located on
the Tire and Loading Information label (if so
equipped) .
cCargo capacity - permissible weight of
cargo, the subtracted weight of occupants
from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your vehicle
shown as9The combined weight of occupants
and cargo9on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not exceed the number of occupants
shown as9Seating Capacity9on Tire and Loading
Information label.
To get9the combined weight of occupants and
cargo9, add the weight of all occupants, then add
the total luggage weight. Examples are shown
below.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
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Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never ex-
ceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s tire
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 * 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm the you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Measurement of
Weights” later in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the Tire and Loading label.
WTI0091
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LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.cOverloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
also cause unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This may
cause a premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels separately to deter-
mine axle loads. Individual axle loads should not
exceed either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR) . The total of the axle loads should not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) .
These ratings are given on the vehicle certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are exceeded, move or
remove items to bring all weights below the rat-
ings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
TOWING A TRAILER
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MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/ Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outsidetemperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures are not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15 percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the follow-
ing Towing Load/Specification Chart. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
CA0009
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Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S.
certification label.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
9Towing load/specification chart.9The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width
of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
US & CAN
2WD 4WD
Towing Capac-
ity*15,000 lb.
(2268 kg)5,000 lb.
(2268 kg)
Tongue Load500 lb.
(227 kg)500 lb.
(227 kg)
Gross Com-
bined Weight
Rating9,658 lb.
(4,380 kg)9,658 lb.
(4,380 kg)
Maximum trailer
frontal area60 sq ft (5.52 sq meters)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
ATI1025
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TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
Nissan ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your
vehicle and trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch
is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle
to help avoid personal injury or property damage
due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
WARNING
cTrailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or9dead weight9ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
When hooking up a trailer using a weight distrib-
uting hitch, always refer to the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions.
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1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sway control devices are used to help control the
effects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, andbuffeting caused by other vehicles. Make sure the
sway control device is compatible with the trail-
er’s brake system.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
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Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter
will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
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 properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
cBe 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 condition.
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