check engine NISSAN XTERRA 2005 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them
in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by NISSAN Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine
engines, boats and other diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the NISSAN Manufacturing facilities in Can-
ton, Mississippi and in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehiclestyling design at NISSAN Design America, Inc. in
San Diego, California, and engineering at NISSAN
Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills,
Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs more than
21,000 people throughout the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people
work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers
across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. NISSAN Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 150 dealers employ approximately
4,500 people. These include company employees
and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada.
In addition, many Canadians work for companies
that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma-
terials and services ranging from the operation of
port facilities and transportation services, to the
supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com-
puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in
improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com-
pany has also developed ways to build quality into its
vehicles at each stage of the production process,
both through extensive use of automation and —
most importantly — through an awareness that
people
are the central element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best job
was being done in producing and delivering your
vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that
when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for
maintenance, the service technician will perform his
work according to the quality standards that have
been established by NISSAN.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
systems that will help protect you and your passen-
gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
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0 Illustrated table of contents
Airbags, seat belts and child restraints...............0-2
Exterior front......................................0-3
Exterior rear.......................................0-4
Passenger compartment...........................0-5Instrument panel...................................0-6
Engine compartment check locations................0-8
Warning/indicator lights............................0-9
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1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-12)
2. Battery (P. 8-13)
3. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-23)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
8. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
9. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0479
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
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-9
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-10
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-18
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-18
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-18
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)
(if so equipped)...............................2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-20
Switch operation..............................2-20
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-21
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-22Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-22
Headlight control switch........................2-22
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-23
Instrument brightness control...................2-24
Turn signal switch.............................2-24
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-25
Horn............................................2-25
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-26
Hill descent control (HDC) switch (if so equipped) . . . 2-26
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-27
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-28
Power outlet.....................................2-29
Storage.........................................2-30
Storage trays.................................2-30
Console box..................................2-31
Glove box....................................2-31
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-32
Map pockets..................................2-32
Seat pockets..................................2-33
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ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION
cThis gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.)cIf the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
VOLTMETER
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the voltmeter indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, it indicates the gen-
erator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volts drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the normal
range (11 – 15 volts)
s1while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
LIC0741LIC0742
2-8Instruments and controls
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CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function ceases, but the regular braking
system continues to operate.If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
The ABS system will be disabled and the ABS
light will illuminate when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system switch (if so
equipped) is turned on and the E-Lock system is
engaged. If the E-Lock system disengages or the
switch is turned off, the ABS system will be
enabled and the ABS light will turn off.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light (if
so equipped)
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
WARNING
cIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
cWhen parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD, 4H
or 4LO could result in the vehicle mov-
ing unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
cShift the 4WD switch into the 2WD, 4H
or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the automatic trans-
mission selector lever is in the P posi-
tion and the ATP warning light is ON.
(Before shifting the 4WD switch into the
4LO position, move the automatic
transmission selector lever into the N
position once, shift the selector lever
into P again and make sure the ATP
warning light is OFF.)
2-10Instruments and controls
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This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the automatic transmission selector lever is
in the P (Park) position, the transmission will
disengage and the drive wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
cDo not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely. Refer to “Variable
voltage control system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section later
in this manual.
cDo not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
Instruments and controls2-11
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dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. See “4WD warning light” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
CAUTION
cIf the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic
transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the transmission se-
lector lever to the N position with the
brake pedal depressed and shift the
4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans-
mission models, stop the vehicle and
shift the transmission shift lever to
the N position with the clutch pedal
depressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
cIf the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning
light
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
comes on for about 1 second and turns off.
This light warns of low tire pressure.
NISSAN’s low tire pressure warning system is a
tire pressure monitoring system. It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light is
lit, one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire infor-
mation placard. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each
tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified in the vehicle plac-
ard and owner’s manual.
The recommended inflation pressure may also be
found on the Tire and Loading Information Label.
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If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bags, supplemental side
air bags (if so equipped) , curtain side-impact and
rollover air bags, and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belts may not function properly.
For additional details see “Supplemental restraint
system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag (if
so equipped) , curtain side-impact and
rollover air bag systems (if so equipped)
and/or pre-tensioner seat belt systems
will not operate in an accident. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the automatic
transmission selector lever position. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Electronic locking rear
differential (E-Lock) system
on indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully
engaged.
The indicator light flashes when the system is first
turned on. When the system fully engages, the
light remains on. If the switch is on and the
indicator light continues to flash, the system is
not engaged.
For additional information, see “Electronic lock-
ing rear differential (E-Lock) system switch” later
in this section and “Electronic locking rear differ-
ential (E-Lock) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
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4WD shift indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Hill descent control (HDC)
system on indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
comes on briefly and then turns off.
The light comes on when the hill descent control
system is activated.
If the HDC switch is on and the indicator light
blinks, the system is not engaged.
If the indicator light does not come on or blink
when the hill descent switch is on, the system
may not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Hill descent con-
trol (HDC) switch” later in this section and “Hill
descent control (HDC) system” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.The malfunction indicator lamp may also come on
steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator lamp comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
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