automatic transmission NISSAN XTERRA 2010 Owner´s Manual

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 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal80 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91) *1
Engine oil *8 Drain and RefillWith 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 4.0 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE
75W-85
4WD 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.2
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions 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 (if so equipped) fluid Genuine 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 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt2.0 Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *7
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt0.85 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5, Viscosity 80W-90, *9,
Rear final drive oil With A/T
With M/T3-3/8 pt
4-1/4 pt 2-7/8 pt
3-1/2 pt 1.6
2.0Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE
75W-90 *10
Windshield-washer fluid (shared between front and
rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal
4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or 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 deterio- ration 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 may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF may cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not covered by the NISSAN
new vehicle limited warranty.
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Pre-towing tips
●Be 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
● Load 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.
● Check 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.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When 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 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.
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.
9-26Technical and consumer information

●Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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 fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance 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
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO 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.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission (if so
equipped)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
● Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
● On four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
● After 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

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-32
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-52
Air bag warning labels .............1-58
Air bag warning light ...........1-59, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation .......4-5, 4-13
Air conditioner service ...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls .4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-17
Air flow charts ...............4-6, 4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-21
Anchor point locations .............1-31
Antenna .....................4-37
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-31
Audible reminders ...............2-21
Audio system ..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer . . . .4-30, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-27 FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer
................4-30
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-25
Radio ....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-36
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-13
Automatic door locks ..............3-4
AUX jack ....................4-34
B
Battery ......................8-13
Charge warning light ............2-14
Before starting the

engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-37
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-38
Booster seats ..................1-41
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-31
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Brake system ................5-30
Brake warning light .............2-14
Brake wear indicators ........2-21, 8-22 Parking brake operation
..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-in schedule ...............5-20
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 .............4-37
Cargo light ...................2-48
Cargo net ....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning .............4-35
CD changer (See audio system) . . . .4-30, 4-33
CD player (See audio system) .........4-27
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-31
Child restraints .......1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-29
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-27, 1-33, 1-38, 1-41
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-31
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-26
Clutch Clutch fluid................ .8-12
Clutch

interlock (clutch start) switch .....2-33

C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-27
Console box ...................2-36
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-36
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
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 ..................5-18
Cup holders ...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . . .1-56
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-27
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
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 .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-35
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission ......5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-20
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-27
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 ..........5-11
Block heater .................5-37
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 .............5-11
Engine 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 .............7-5
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) ......1-52
Front seats .....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-20
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

Rear window and outside mirror defroster
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 .....1-27, 1-33, 1-38, 1-41
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-30
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-25
Infants and small children ..........1-26
Injured Person ................1-17
Larger children ................1-26
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-14
Pregnant women ...............1-17
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-57
Rear center seat belt ............1-20
Seat belt extenders .............1-24
Seat belt maintenance ............1-24
Seat belts ...................1-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-23
Three-point type with retractor .......1-17
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 airconditioner ............

.4-17
Shift lock release .................5-14
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-13
Manual transmission .............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-23
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-56
Spark plug replacement .............8-16
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRS warning label ................1-58
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-11
Jump starting .................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine .............5-11
Steering Power steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ...........5-30
Tilting steering wheel ............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-36
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 ......1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-59, 2-17
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-52
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-58
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-44
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
Overdrive switch ...............5-15
Power door lock switch ............3-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster 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
T
Tachometer ....................2-6
10-5

Temperature gaugeEngine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start .............2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tilting steering wheel ..............3-12
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 .........1-31
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 .................9-19
Transmission Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission ......5-16
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 ...................3-13
V ariable voltage

control system.........8-16
Vehicle dimensions and weights .........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-32
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 .............2-21
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start ......2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Ventilators .....................4-2
Visors .......................3-12
Voltmeter ......................2-8
W
Warning 4WD warning light ..............2-15
Air bag warning light .........1-59, 2-17
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-13Battery 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 windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-17
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-53
Seat belt warning light ............2-17
Vehicle security system ...........2-21
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-58
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 andtires ................

.8-32
Wheel/tire size ...................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................9-9
Window washer fluid ..............8-13
Windows Locking passengers’ windows .......2-46
Power rear windows .............2-46
Power windows ...............2-45
Rear power windows ............2-46
Windshield wiper and washer switch .....2-24
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switches. .2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
Wiper blades .................8-19
10-6