4WD NISSAN XTERRA 2009 Owner´s Manual

The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after
the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the ignition switch is ON, the warning light
will either remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shift indicator light goes out.
A large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels will make the warning light blink
slowly (about once per two seconds) . Change
the 4WD shift switch into 2WD and do not drive
fast.
CAUTION
cIf the warning light comes on or blinks
slowly during operation or rapidly after
stopping the vehicle for a while, have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
cShifting between 4H and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warning
light turns on.cWhen the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be especially
careful when driving. If corresponding
parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD
mode will not be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is shifted.
cDo not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
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 vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the transmission se-
lector 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 vehicles, 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.
cThe transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
Starting and driving5-29
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pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.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. If 4WD mode is
engaged, the ABLS system will operate for
both drive axles. On 2WD vehicles, 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.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving situations, the
system will control braking and engine output to
help keep the vehicle on its steered path.
cWhen the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system is operating, theSLIPindicator in
the instrument panel blinks.
cIf the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. See
“Transfer case shifting procedures” earlier in
this section.
cIf the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions may be 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 procedure to reset the
system:
cStart the engine and set the steering wheel
in the straight forward position.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-34Starting and driving
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Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the ve-
hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models with any of the
wheels on the ground as this may cause
serious and expensive damage to the
transfer case and transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
cDo not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
CAUTION
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle or the towing hooks (if so
equipped) . Otherwise, the vehicle body
will be damaged.
cUse the towing hook (if so equipped)
only to free a vehicle stuck in sand,
snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle
for a long distance using only the tow-
ing hook.
WCE0162LCE0103
In case of emergency6-13
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NOTE:
The filters are marked with air flow arrows.
The end of the filter with the arrow should
face the rear of the vehicle. The arrows
should face downward.
3. Insert the first filter into the housing and slide
it over to the right. Insert the second filter
into the housing.
4. Replace the filter cover.
5. Install the glove box door.
6. Fill out the date information on the small
replacement label and attach it to the glove
box lid.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
s2Push the release tab, then move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm to remove.
s3Remove the wiper blade.
4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it clicks into place.
5. Rotate wiper blade so the dimple is in the
groove.
LDI0404WDI0408
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
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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, Viscosity
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 instructions in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic S 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 Automatic
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 — — — Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity
SAE 75W-90
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: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or 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: DEXRON™ VI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid 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 for synthetic oil.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels
16 x 7.0J
17 x 7.5J
Tires
P265/70R16
P265/75R16
P265/65R17
Spare tire Full size
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 178.7 (4,539)
Overall width in (mm) 72.8 (1,849)
Overall height (4wd model) in (mm) 74.9 (1,902)
Front Track in (mm) 61.8 (1,570)
Rear Track in (mm) 61.8 (1,570)
Wheelbase in (mm) 106.3 (2,700)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg) See the “F.M.V.S.S.
certification label” on the
center pillar between the
driver’s side front and side
doors. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
9-8Technical and consumer information
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The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
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 maximumtrailer frontal area specification shown in the
9Towing Load/Specification” chart. The 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
US & CAN
2WD 4WD
Maximum Towing
Capacity*1, *25,000 lb.
(2268 kg)5,000 lb.
(2268 kg)
Maximum Tongue
Load500 lb.
(227 kg)500 lb.
(227 kg)
Maximum Gross
Combined
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.
*2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is
recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
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.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
Technical and consumer information9-27
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
Active Head Restraint..............1-5
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-42
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-50
Air bag warning labels.............1-57
Air bag warning light...........1-57, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation.......4-5, 4-12
Air conditioner service...........4-16
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-9
Servicing air conditioner..........4-16
Air flow charts...............4-6, 4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-31, 4-34
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-25, 4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-31
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-23, 4-27
Radio....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-37
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-36
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-16
Block heater
Engine....................5-38
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-39
Booster seats..................1-37
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-28
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-38
Cargo light...................2-48
Cargo net....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-31, 4-34
CD player (See audio system).....4-25, 4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints..........1-13, 1-22, 1-24
Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
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T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Three-way catalyst................5-3
Tilting steering wheel..............3-11
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Tire chains..................8-39
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-32
Tire rotation.................8-39
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-41
Types of tires................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-29
Wheels and tires..............8-32
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-26
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13
Flat towing..................9-28
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-22
Trailer towing................9-19Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Driving with manual transmission.....5-17
Selector lever lock release.........5-15
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4
Turn signal switch................2-28
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-29
V
Vanity mirror...................3-12
Variable voltage control system........8-15
Vehicle
Speed sensing door lock mechanism. . . .3-4
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-34
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.............6-13, 6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-22
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Ventilators.....................4-2Visors......................3-12
Voltmeter.....................2-8
W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-15
Air bag warning light.........1-57, 2-17
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-13
Battery charge warning light........2-14
Brake warning light.............2-14
Door open warning light..........2-14
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-14
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-29
Low fuel warning light...........2-15
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-17
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-51
Seat belt warning light...........2-17
Vehicle security system...........2-22
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-57
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-12
Warning lights..................2-12
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-32
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-13
10-6
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