engine oil NISSAN XTERRA 2009 Owner´s Manual

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
Technical and consumer information9-5
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Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
9-6Technical and consumer information
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cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section earlier
in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
9-28Technical and consumer information
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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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Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-24, 4-28
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-33
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-37
Compact disc (CD) player.......4-25, 4-29
Console box...................2-36
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-37
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-9
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-20
Cup holders...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-54
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-27
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-25
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-28
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belt....................8-16Driving
Cold weather driving............5-37
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Driving with manual transmission.....5-17
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-30
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-32
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-30
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Block heater.................5-38
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-14
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-12Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-31
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-29
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-28
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-22
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-10
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
10-2
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G
Gascap.....................3-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-36
H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . . .4-39
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-29
Head restraints..................1-4
Active Head Restraint............1-5
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-26
Headlight control switch............2-26
Headlights....................8-27
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-9
Heater operation............4-4, 4-11
Hill descent control switch...........2-31
Hill descent control system..........5-36
Hill start assist system.............5-36
Hood release...................3-8Hook
Luggage hook................2-39
Horn.......................2-30
I
Ignition switch..................5-9
Immobilizer system.........2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-22
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-13
Inside mirror...................3-13
Instrument brightness control.........2-28
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-28
Interior light...................2-46
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-24
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-57
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Lift gate......................3-9
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-57, 2-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-13
Bulb replacement..............8-29
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-28
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-26
Headlight control switch..........2-26
Headlights..................8-27
Interior light.................2-46
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-17
Off road lamps switch...........2-29
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-51
Security indicator light...........2-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-12
10-3
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Lights
Map lights..................2-47
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Power door locks...............3-4
Vehicle speed sensing door lock
mechanism..................3-4
Low fuel warning light.............2-15
Low tire pressure warning light........2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-17
Luggage hook..................2-39
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-42
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-39
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-22
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-19
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-47
Map pocket...................2-37
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-28
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-13
Inside mirror.................3-13Outside mirrors...............3-14
Vanity mirror.................3-12
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-23, 3-2, 5-11
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Off road lamps switch.............2-29
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-14
Overdrive switch................5-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-32
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-32P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Parking/parking on hills...........5-31
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-39
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-33
Power rear windows............2-46
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-32
Power windows...............2-45
Rear power windows............2-46
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-42
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-55
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-38
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-31, 4-34
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-31
10-4
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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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RECOMMENDED FUEL:
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
cDo not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can damage
the fuel system components and is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:
cEngine oil with API Certification Mark
cViscosity SAE 5W-30
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
COLD TIRE PRESSURE:
See Tire and Loading Information label.
The label is typically located on the driver side
center pillar or on the driver’s door. For additional
information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle
use, follow the recommendations outlined in the
“BREAK-IN SCHEDULE” information found in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Follow these recommendations for the future re-
liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure
to follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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