ECU NISSAN XTERRA 2009 Owner´s Manual

cThe child restraint top tether strap may
be damaged by contact with items in
the cargo area. Secure any items in the
cargo area. Your child could be seri-
ously injured or killed in a collision if
the top tether strap is damaged.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
CHANNEL TIE-DOWN HOOKS (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cProperly install and tighten the tie-
down hooks into the channel system.
Also, do not install any rope or straps
directly to the channel. Failure to prop-
erly install the tie-down hooks or in-
stalling ropes or straps directly to the
channel can cause the cargo to become
unsecured. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause personal
injury.
The adjustable channel tie-down hook system
allows you to move tie-down hooks in the cargo
area to the best location to secure a load.
The tie-down hooks must be installed so the hook
is properly fixed to the channel. If the tie-down
hook is not fixed to the channel it cannot be
properly tightened.
Check the tightness of the tie-down hooks peri-
odically during a trip to make sure they have not
become loose.
Install the tie-down hooks as follows:1. Assemble 4 hook loops
sAto 4 hook plates
sBby screwing the hook plate onto the hook
(5 revolutions) .
LTI0144
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2. Insert (at any position) 2 channel tie-down
hooks
sAinto the channel openingsBof
each channel and slide to the desired posi-
tion.3. Hand tighten each hook until it is securely
fixed to the channel.
4. To reposition the channel tie-down hook un-
screw the hook loop from the hook plate (2
revolutions) , move to a new location, and
retighten.
sACorrect,sBIncorrect
LTI0145LTI0146LTI0147
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LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.cOverloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing distances. This may cause a
premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident
and personal injury. Failures
caused by overloading are not
covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (GAWR) . The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) . These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.sACorrect,sBIncorrect
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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.
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WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. Check with the
trailer and towing equipment manufacturers to
determine if they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
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3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
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WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
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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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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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FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-23, 4-27
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-37
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-30
Rear center seat belt..............1-17
Rear power windows..............2-46
Rear window defogger switch.........2-25
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-25
Recorders
Event data..................9-31
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-30
Roof rack....................2-42
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts........1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-30
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-13
Infants and small children.........1-13
Injured Person................1-14
Larger children...............1-13
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Pregnant women..............1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-55
Rear center seat belt............1-17
Seat belt extenders.............1-21Seat belt maintenance...........1-22
Seat belts..................1-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-21
Three-point type with retractor.......1-14
Seat belt warning light.............2-17
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-22
Service manual order form...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner............4-16
Shift lock release................5-15
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-13
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-21
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-54
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-57
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-12
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel............3-11Steering wheel audio control switch......4-37
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-35
Storage bin...................2-39
Storage tray...................2-35
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-36
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-57
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-57, 2-17
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-57
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-42
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-42
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-33
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-32
Fog light switch...............2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-26
Headlight control switch..........2-26
Hill descent control switch.........2-31
Ignition switch................5-9
Overdrive switch..............5-16
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-25
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-25
Turn signal switch..............2-28
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-30
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
10-5
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