coolant reservoir NISSAN XTERRA 2008 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-12)
2. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)
3. Fuse and relay box (P. 8-21)
4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
6. Brake and clutch fluid reservoir
(P. 8-11)
7. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
8. Drive belt location (P.8-15)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
10. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
11. Battery (P. 8-13)
12. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0633
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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CAUTION
cDo not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
cFor manual transmission models, never
try to start the vehicle by towing it.
When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading and
the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine
coolant temperature high indicator light) , or if you
feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , refer to “Flat towing”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-11
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Clutch fluid...................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Variable Voltage Control System...................8-15Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-21
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment.......................8-23
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-25
Lights...........................................8-26
Headlights....................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-28
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-36
Tire chains....................................8-37
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
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Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid levels*Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/fusible link box
3. Fuse and relay box
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid reser-
voir (M/T model)
7. Air cleaner
8. Drive belt location
9. Radiator cap
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Battery
12. Engine coolant reservoir
WDI0633
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection.The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Ad-
ditional engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent
with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions or coolant colors, such as or-
ange, may damage the engine cooling
system.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level.
The engine coolant reservoir is a pressur-
ized tank. When installing the cap, tighten
it until a clicking sound is heard.
LDI0436
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly
wash your hands. If the acid contacts
your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.cWhen working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
cBattery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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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 *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30
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, Vis-
cosity 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 in-
structions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
Transfer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid or equivalent (if available)
Front final drive oil — — — Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5 SAE
80W-90, *8,
Rear final drive oil
Except 6 speed MT and 5 speed AT 4X4 O/R vehicles — — — API GL-5 synthetic 75W-90 gear oil or equivalent, *9
6 speed MT and 5 speed AT 4X4 O/R vehicles only — — — API GL-5 synthetic 75W-140 gear oil or equivalent, *9
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: 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 vehicle limited warranty.
*4: Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or, DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*9: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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