wheel size NISSAN XTERRA 2005 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instruc-
tions for properly fastening a seat belt
shown in the “Three-point seat belt with
retractor” earlier in this section.
7. When the ignition is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the passenger air bag status light may
or may not be illuminated, depending on the
size of the child and the type of booster seat
being used. See “NISSAN advanced air bag
system” later in this section.PRECAUTIONS ON
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec-
tion contains important information concerning
the driver and passenger supplemental front air
bags (NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System) ,
supplemental side air bags, curtain side-impact
and rollover air bags and pre-tensioner seat belts.
Supplemental front impact air bag system:
The NISSAN advanced air bag system can help
cushion the impact force to the head and chest of
the driver and front passenger in certain frontal
collisions.
Supplemental side-impact air bag system
(if so equipped):This system can help cushion
the impact force to the chest area of the driver
and front passenger in certain side impact colli-
sions. The supplemental side air bag is designed
to inflate on the side where the vehicle is im-
pacted.
Supplemental curtain side-impact and roll-
over air bag system (if so equipped):This
system can help cushion the impact force to the
head of occupants in front and rear outboard
seating positions in certain side impact or rollover
collisions. In a side impact, the curtain air bags
are designed to inflate on the side where thevehicle is impacted. In a rollover both curtain air
bags are designed to inflate and remain inflated
for a short time.
These supplemental restraint systems are de-
signed tosupplementthe crash protection pro-
vided by the seat belts and arenot a substitute
for them. Seat belts should always be correctly
worn and the occupant seated a suitable dis-
tance away from the steering wheel, instrument
panel and door finishers. See “Seat belts” earlier
in this section for instructions and precautions on
seat belt usage.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-39
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi, 193 kPa) , the light
will illuminate and the chime will sound for about
10 seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pressure
warning system” in the “Starting and driving”
section and “Low tire pressure warning system”
in the “In case of emergency” section.
WARNING
cIf the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
cIf the light comes on while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.If the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated and the low tire pressure
warning system will not function. Con-
tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.CAUTION
cThe low tire pressure warning system is
not a substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
cIf the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 20 MPH (32 km/h) , the low
tire pressure warning system may not
operate correctly.
cBe sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Low windshield washer fluid
warning light
This light comes on when the windshield washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield washer fluid
as necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
Instruments and controls2-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

cHeavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed. Use the Hill
Descent Control feature (if so
equipped) .
cUnsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
cTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capactiy of the roof rack/gear bin (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as pos-
sible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
cAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
cLower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the performance
capablity of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
cAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your NISSAN four-wheel drive vehicle
has a higher center of gravity than a
two-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. See
“Brake system” later in this section for
“Wet brakes”.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. See “Periodic mainte-
nance” in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.”
5-6Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so
the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or
when braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel and
varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver main-
tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate at
speeds below3-6MPH(5-10km/h) . (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When driving, the anti-lock brake system con-
trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve-
hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The
system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec-
tronically controls the pressure applied to each
brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS
system is operating. Such vibration and noise
encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob-
lem, but indicates that the system is functioning
properly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS brake
warning light on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also
be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov-
ered roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re-
sponsibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.
cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.
5-28Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.cABLS is a form of traction control using
sensors from the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to a wheel with more traction. The
ABLS system applies braking to the slipping
wheel, which helps redirect power to an-
other wheel.
cOn 4WD models the ABLS system operates
in both 4H and 4LO modes. On 2WD ve-
hicles, the ABLS system operates on the
drive axle only.
cThe ABLS system is always ON unless the
system detects brake pad overheating. If
high brake pad temperature is detected, it
will turn OFF, but normal brake function will
continue. ABLS will function even when the
VDC system (if so equipped) is turned OFF.
WARNING
The ABLS system provides increased trac-
tion, but will not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation or by careless
driving or dangerous driving practices.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces, and always drive
carefully.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect
these movements and control the braking and
engine output to help improve vehicle stability.
cWhen the vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system is operating, the SLIP indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.
cIf the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the trac-
tion control system may be disabled and the
SLIPand
indicator lights will not turn off
after 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. Perform the following proce-
dure to reset the system:
cStart the engine and set the steering wheel
in the straight forward position.
cDrive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph
(15 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
cThe VDC OFF indicator light should go off
indicating the traction control system is op-
erational.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
cThe selector lever is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
cThe vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill
start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the selector
lever is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size for
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-32Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class “S”
chains.Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a winter
traction device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined using
the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain ten-
sioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
An engine block heater to assist in extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a
NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving5-33
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

s1Tire size (example: P215/65R15 95H)
1. P: The9P9indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles.
2. Three-digit number: This number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number: This number, known as
the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of
height to width.
4. R: The9R9stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number: This number is the wheel
or rim diameter in inches.6. Two- or three-digit number: This number is
the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. You
may not find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
7. Tire speed rating. You should not drive the
vehicle faster than the tire speed rating.
WDI0395
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

ticular side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
cWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
cReplacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&Son the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow
traction than All Season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex-
ceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class “S” chains.Class9S9chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are de-
signed to meet the minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains or
cables) . The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the
tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully load-
ing your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X

1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
cTires should be periodically inspected
for wear, cracking, bulging or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.cThe original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When the wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
cImproper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it is
necessary to repair the spare tire, con-
tact a NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
cThe use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-
tire clearance, tire chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight aim
and bumper height. Some of these ef-
fects may lead to accidents and could
result in serious personal injury.
cIf the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics and/or
interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad/shoe wear. Re-
fer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section
of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.
WDI0259
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/15/04Ðdebbie
X