air filter NISSAN XTERRA 2012 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
5-speed automatic transmission fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16Drive belt
........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-26
Keyfob ....................................... 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior

and interior lights ....................... 8-29
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
● If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
● Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
● Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.”
To remove the air cleaner filter:
1Unlatch the clips and move the air cleaner
cover upward.
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter hous- ing and the cover with a damp cloth. NOTE:
After installing a new air cleaner, make
sure the air cleaner cover is seated in the
housing and latch the clips.
WARNING
●Operating the engine with the air cleaner
removed can cause you or others to be
burned. The air cleaner not only cleans
the air, it stops the flame if the engine
backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Do not
drive with the air cleaner removed, and
be careful when working on the engine
with the air cleaner removed.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER (if so
equipped)
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces some
objectionable outside odors. The filter is located
behind the glove box. Refer to the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide” for change intervals.
To replace the filter, perform the following proce-
dure: 1. Open the glove box and press in on the
sides so that it will open completely allowing
it to hang by the cord.
WDI0712LDI0442
AIR CLEANER
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself

2. Gently lift up on the tab1.
3. Pull the filter cover toward you and then down
2.
4. Remove the old filters
3.
NOTE:
The filters are marked with air flow arrows.
The end of the filter with the arrow should
face the rear of the vehicle. The arrows
should face downward. 5. Insert the first new filter into the housing and
slide it over to the right. Insert the second
new filter into the housing.
6. Replace the filter cover. The cover will click into place under the tab.
7. Install the glove box door.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
LDI2047
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation ...........................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations ..........9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ..............................9-7
Specifications .....................................9-8
Engine ........................................9-8
Wheels and tires ...............................9-9
Dimensions and weights ........................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-10
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Emission control information label ...............9-11
Tire and loading information label ................9-12
Air conditioner specification label ................9-12Installing front license plate
........................9-12
Vehicle loading information ........................9-13
Terms ........................................ 9-13
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-14
Securing the load .............................. 9-15
Channel tie-down hooks (if so equipped) .........9-16
Loading tips . . . ............................... 9-18
Measurement of weights .......................9-19
Towing a trailer ................................... 9-19
Maximum load limits ........................... 9-19
Towing load/specification .......................9-22
Towing safety ................................. 9-23
Flat towing .................................... 9-28
Uniform tire quality grading ........................9-29
Emission control system warranty ..................9-30
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-30
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .....9-31
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-31
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-32

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 gal80Unleaded 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 10.2Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent
Manual transmission gear oil 2WD 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0Genuine 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 instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equiva-
lent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— —NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil —— —Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Transfer fluid 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt2.0Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *7
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt0.85Genuine 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/T 3-3/8 pt
4-1/4 pt2-7/8 pt
3-1/2 pt 1.6
2.0API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *10
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil synthetic 75W-140 or API
GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140 *10
Windshield-washer fluid (shared between front and
rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal
4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*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 Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*4: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label” in this section.
*7: Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will 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” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*10: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

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.
Technical and consumer information9-7

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-16A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-34
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-51
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-58
Airbagwarninglight...........1-59,2-18
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation .......4-5,4-12
Air conditioner service ...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-17
Airflowcharts...............4-6,4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-23
Anchor point locations .............1-30
Antenna.....................4-37
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-33
Audible reminders ...............2-22
Audio system ..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer ....4-29,4-33
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-27 FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer
...................4-29
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 .....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-14
Automatic door locks ..............3-4
AUXjack ....................4-34
B
Battery ......................8-14
Chargewarninglight............2-15
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-39
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-38
Boosterseats..................1-40
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-33
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Brake system ................5-32
Brake warning light .............2-15
Brake wear indicators ........2-22,8-22 Parking brake operation
..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-inschedule ...............5-22
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-29
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-14
Bulbreplacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargolight ...................2-49
Cargonet....................2-42
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-37
CDcareandcleaning .............4-35
CD changer (See audio system) ....4-29,4-33
CD player (See audio system) .........4-27
Check tire press .................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24,1-25,1-26,1-28
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-26,1-32,1-37,1-40
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-30
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-22
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-26
Clutch Clutchfluid.................8-13

Clutchinterlock(clutchstart)switch......2-34
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving ..............5-38
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-27
Console box ...................2-37
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......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 ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cupholders...................2-39
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag ....1-56
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-28
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-27
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-29
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-15
Drive belt .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-38
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Driving with manual transmission ......5-18
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ..................2-33
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-30
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Block heater .................5-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-16
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-8
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-31
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-25 F
First aid kit .....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-31
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor

mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-13
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-51
Front seats .....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-22
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-10
Fuelgauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel recommendation .............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-5,3-10
Fuses.......................8-22
Fusiblelinks ...................8-24
10-2