maintenance 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

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

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:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop 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 NISSAN A/C
system oil Type S or the exact equivalents.
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

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. ● While 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.
● If 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.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When 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.
● Crosswinds 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.
● Be 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.
● Use 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.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
Technical and consumer information9-27

●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

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready” con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-30Technical and consumer information

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, Bluetooth .....4-38
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-26
Headlight control switch ............2-26
Headlights ....................8-27
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
Heater operation ............4-4, 4-11
Hill descent control switch ...........2-31
Hill descent control system ...........5-34
Hill start assist system ..............5-35
Hood release ...................3-9
Hook Luggage hook ................2-39
Horn .......................2-30 I
Immobilizer system .........2-23, 3-2, 5-11
Important vehicle information label .......9-10
In-cabin microfilter ................8-17
Increasing fuel economy .............5-20
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 ....................2-47
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-29
J
Jump starting ...................6-8
K
Key.........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-25
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-5
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-10Emission 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) ..........1-58
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-29
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-11
Lift gate ......................3-9
Light Air bag warning light .........1-59, 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 ..................2-47
Light bulbs ..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-15
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-17
Off road lamps switch ............2-29
Passenger airbag

and status light .....1-53
Security indicator light ............2-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-12
Lights Map lights ..................2-48
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Door locks ...................3-3
10-3

Power door locks...............3-4
Low fuel warning light ..............2-15
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-15
Low windshield-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 ............1-24
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-19
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Map lights ....................2-48
Map pocket ....................2-37
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-28
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-13
Inside mirror .................3-13
Outside mirrors ...............3-14
Vanity mirror .................3-13
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 .................5-15
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-32
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-32
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-18
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-29
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free system.....4-38Power
Power door locks ...............3-4
Power outlet .................2-33
Power rear windows .............2-46
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ...........5-30
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 .........1-27, 1-33, 1-38, 1-41
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-14
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-57
Push starting ...................6-10
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer . . . .4-30, 4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer ................4-30
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch . . . .4-36
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-30
Rear center seat belt ..............1-20
Rear power windows ..............2-46
10-4

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