engine oil 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
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-13
Automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature
warning light (if so
equipped)2-13
Automatic transmis-
sion park warning
light (
model)2-13
or
Brake warning light 2-13
Charge warning
light2-14
Door open warning
light2-14
Warning
lightName Page
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-14
4WD warning light
(
model)2-15
Low fuel warning
light2-15
Low tire pressure
warning light2-15
Low windshield
washer fluid warning
light2-16
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-16
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-17
Indicator
lightName Page
Automatic transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light2-17
Cruise main switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
Cruise set switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
Electronic locking
rear differential (E-
Lock) system on
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
4WD shift indicator
light (
model)2-18
Front passenger air
bag status light2-18
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

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
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-9
Compass display...............................2-9
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-12
Checking bulbs...............................2-13
Warning lights................................2-13
Indicator lights................................2-17
Audible reminders.............................2-21
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-21
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-21
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system
(if so equipped)...............................2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-23
Switch operation..............................2-23
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-24Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-25
Headlight control switch........................2-25
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-26
Instrument brightness control...................2-27
Turn signal switch.............................2-27
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-28
Horn............................................2-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Hill descent control switch (if so equipped)..........2-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-30
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-31
Power outlet.....................................2-32
Storage.........................................2-33
Storage trays.................................2-33
Console box..................................2-34
Glove box....................................2-35
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

14. Electronic locking rear differential
(E-Lock) system switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-30)
Hill descent control switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-29)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-29)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-12)
16. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-21)
17. Climate controls (P. 4-2)
18. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-28)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-8)
20. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-11)
21. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-31)
22. Power outside mirror controls
(if so equipped) (P. 3-13)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Voltmeter6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer/Trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
7. Engine oil pressure gauge
8. Engine coolant temperature gauge
WIC0911
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running. The
needle should be in the middle of the gauge when
the engine is running.
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.
LIC0741WIC1299
2-8Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightHill descent control system on indicator light
(if so equipped)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warn-
ing light (if so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (automatic trans-
mission models only)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator lightSecurity indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator lightSlip indicator light for VDC
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator lightTransfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system on indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
4WD warning light (model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Vehicle Dynamic Control off indicator light
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

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
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
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.)
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.
Instruments and controls2-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

Parking brake indicator
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light 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 fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning 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
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.
2-14Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are three types of drive
modes available, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, shift the transmission
selector or transmission shift lever to Neu-
tral (N) , and for automatic transmission
vehicles depress the brake pedal or for
manual transmission vehicles depress the
clutch pedal. The switch must be de-
pressed and turned when changing into or
out of 4LO.
WARNING
cWhen parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is
on and the ATP warning light goes off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect-
edly move even if the automatic trans-
mission is in the P position.cThe 4LO indicator light must stop blink-
ing and remain illuminated or turn off
before shifting the transmission into
gear. If the transmission selector or
transmission shift lever is shifted from
the (N) position to any other gear when
the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly.
CAUTION
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
cThe 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62.5 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H
is not recommended.
cThe 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 MPH
(50 km/h) .
cWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing.cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low automatic transmission
gears (D1 or D2) or manual transmis-
sion (1st gear or 2nd gear) for engine
braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.
cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD position under these conditions.
cThe 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.
When driving on rough roads,
cSet the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
cDrive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
5-24Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X