2003 XTERRA OWNER'S MANUAL

The inside pages of this manual contain
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN Before driving your vehicle please read this Own- As with other vehicles with features for
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity off-road use, failure to operate four-wheel
confidence. It was produced using the latest with controls and maintenance requirements, as- drive models correctly may result in loss of
techniques and strict quality control. sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle. control or an accident. Be sure to read
“Driving safety precautions” in the “Start-
This manual was prepared to help you under- ing and driving” section of this manual.
stand the operation and maintenance of your WARNING
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome- IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE- ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this MINDERS FOR SAFETY! This vehicle will handle and maneuver
manual before operating your vehicle. differently from an ordinary passenger
Follow these important driving rules to
A separate Warranty Information Booklet help ensure a safe and comfortable trip car because it has a higher center of
explains details about the warranties cov- for you and your passengers! gravity for off-road use. As with other
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service vehicles with features of this type, fail-
● NEVER drive under the influence of al-
and Maintenance Guide” explains details ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
cohol or drugs.
about maintaining and servicing your ve- result in loss of control or an accident.
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer ● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits Be sure to read “On-pavement and off-
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will and never drive too fast for conditions. road driving precautions”, and “Avoid-
explain how to resolve any concerns you
● ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro- ing collision and rollover”, and “Driving
may have with your vehicle, as well as
priate child restraint systems. Pre-teen safety precautions”, in the “Starting and
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
children should be seated in the rear driving” section of this manual.
law.
seat.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
● ALWAYS provide information about the
best. When you require any service or have any proper use of vehicle safety features to This vehicle should not be modified.
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the all occupants of the vehicle. Modification could affect its
extensive resources available to them. performance, safety or durability, and
● ALWAYS review this owner’s manual for may even violate governmental
important safety information. regulations. In addition, damage or per-
For descriptions specified for four-wheel drive formance problems resulting from
models, a mark is placed at the begin- modifications may not be covered un-
ning of the applicable sections/items. der NISSAN warranties.

੬ REVIEW COPY:—2003 Xterra (xtr)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

The inside pages of this manual contain
WHEN READING THE MANUAL a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

This manual includes information for all options CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
available on this model. Therefore, you may find WARNING
some information that does not apply to your
vehicle.
WARNING
All information, specifications and illustrations in
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
this manual are those in effect at the time of
and certain vehicle components contain
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
or emit chemicals known to the State of
specifications or design without notice and with-
California to cause cancer and birth de-
out obligation.
fects or other reproductive harm. In addi-
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles
THIS MANUAL and certain products of component wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the
You will see various symbols in this manual. They State of California to cause cancer and
are used in the following ways: APD1005 birth defects or other reproductive harm.
If you see this symbol, it means “Do not do this” © 2003 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
WARNING
or “Do not let this happen.” GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause death or serious All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s
personal injury. To avoid or reduce the Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval
If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustra- system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
risk, the procedures must be followed tion, it means the arrow points to the front of the
precisely. means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
vehicle. recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gar-
CAUTION dena, California.
This is used to indicate the presence of a Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these
hazard that could cause minor or moder- indicate movement or action.
ate personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro-
cedures must be followed carefully. Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these
call attention to an item in the illustration.

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com-
pany has also developed ways to build quality into its
vehicles at each stage of the production process,
both through extensive use of automation and —
most importantly — through an awareness that
people are the central element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best job
was being done in producing and delivering your
vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that
when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for
maintenance, the service technician will perform his
work according to the quality standards that have
WFW0002 been established by NISSAN.
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineer- Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical ing at Nissan Technical Center North America in know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc- Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN systems that will help protect you and your passen-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
in 170 nations. 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and drive the vehicle.
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world- Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli- with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and 4,500 people. These include company employees you can be proud to own.
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada.
engines, boats and other diversified products. In addition, many Canadians work for companies
that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma-
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in- terials and services ranging from the operation of
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment port facilities and transportation services, to the
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the Nissan Manufacturing facility in Smyrna, NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com-
Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan Design puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES . . .
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to following information: Nissan North America, Inc.
provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques- Consumer Affairs Department
tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs – Your name, address, and telephone number
Department using our toll-free number: P.O. Box 191
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the Gardena, California 90248-0191
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
1-800-NISSAN-1 side) For Hawaii customers
(1-800-647-7261) Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
– Date of purchase 2880 Kilihau St.
For Hawaii customers – Current odometer reading Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name For Canadian customers
For Canadian customers Nissan Canada Inc.
1-800-387-0122 – Your comments or questions
5290 Orbitor Drive
OR Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
You can write to NISSAN with the information at:

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

Table of Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1
Contents Instruments and controls 2
Pre-driving checks and adjustments 3
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems 4
Starting and driving 5
In case of emergency 6
Appearance and care 7
Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8
Technical and consumer information 9
Index 10

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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Front manual seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Three-point type seat belt with retractor . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Rear seat adjustment (Type A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Two-point type seat belt without retractor
Rear seat adjustment (Type B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 (center of rear seat). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Head restraint adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Seat belt extenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Seat belt maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Precautions on supplemental restraint Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Precautions on child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Installation on rear seat center position. . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Supplemental air bag warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Installation on rear seat outboard positions . . . . . . . 1-35
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 LATCH (lower anchors and tether for children)
Precautions on seat belt usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Top tether strap child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41
Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 Installation on front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-43

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SEATS

FRONT MANUAL SEAT
ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation. The seat may move
suddenly and could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle.
● After adjustment, gently rock in the seat
to make sure it is securely locked.

ARS1152

WARNING ● For the most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should
● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when be upright. Always sit well back in the
the seatback is reclined. This can be seat and adjust the seat properly. See
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not “Precautions on Seat Belt Usage” later
be against your body. In an accident, in this section.
you could be thrown into it and receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and
receive serious internal injuries.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

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WRS0175 WRS0176 WRS0131
Forward and backward Reclining Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s
Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean seat)
seat forward or backward to the desired position. back. To bring the seatback forward, pull the lever Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of
Release the lever to lock the seat in position. up and lean your body forward. Release the lever the seat cushion to the desired position.
to lock the seatback in position.

WARNING
After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to
make sure it is securely locked.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3

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WRS0165 WRS0180 WRS0181
Lumbar support (if so equipped for REAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT (Type A) ᭺
3 Pull the ring on top of the seatback up.
driver’s seat) Folding ᭺
4 Fold down the seatback.
The lumbar support feature provides lower back
support to the driver. Move the lever up or down ᭺
1 Pull outward on the 2 straps at the bottom of
the seat cushions.
to adjust the seat lumbar area.
᭺
2 Lift the front of the seat cushion up and
remove the seat cushion. Store the seat
cushion in a secure place.


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● It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
● Do not allow people to ride in any area
of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts. Be sure everyone
in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
seat belt properly. Never ride in the rear
seat unless the seat bottom cushions
are in place and latched.
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
WRS0182 WRS0183 straps to help prevent it from sliding or
᭺
5 To return the rear seat to the normal position, ᭺
6 Hold the seat belts above the seat cushion. shifting. In a sudden stop or collision,
push the seatback up until it latches. unsecured cargo could cause personal
᭺
7 Slide the seat cushion back. injury.
᭺
8 Push down the seat cushion until it latches. ● When returning the seatbacks to the
upright position, be certain they are
WARNING completely secured. If they are not com-
pletely secured in the latched position,
● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo
passengers may be injured in an acci-
area or on the rear seat when it is in the
dent or sudden stop.
fold-down position. Use of these areas
by passengers without proper restraints
could result in serious injury in an acci-


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WRS0184 WRS0185 WRS0186
REAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT (Type B) ᭺
2 Pull the ring on top of the seatback up. ᭺
4 To return the rear seat to the normal position,
push the seatback up until latches.
Folding ᭺
3 Fold down the seatback.

᭺
1 Lift the front of the seat cushion up and
remove the seat cushion. Store the seat
cushion in a secure place.


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● It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
● Do not allow people to ride in any area
of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts. Be sure everyone
in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
seat belt properly. Never ride in the rear
seat unless the seat bottom cushions
are in place and latched.
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
WRS0187 straps to help prevent it from sliding or WRS0133

᭺
5 Hold the seat belts above the seat cushion. shifting. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause personal
HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT
᭺
6 Slide the seat cushion back. injury. To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower,
push and hold the lock knob and push the head
᭺
7 Push down the seat cushion until it latches. ● When returning the seatbacks to the restraint down.
upright position, be certain they are
WARNING completely secured. If they are not com-
WARNING
pletely secured in the latched position,
● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo
passengers may be injured in an acci- Head restraints should be adjusted prop-
area or on the rear seat when it is in the
dent or sudden stop. erly as they may provide significant pro-
fold-down position. Use of these areas
tection against injury in an accident. Do
by passengers without proper restraints
not remove them. Check the adjustment
could result in serious injury in an acci-
after someone else uses the seat.


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SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM

PRECAUTIONS ON The supplemental air bags operate only
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
SYSTEM
After turning the ignition key to the ON
This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec- position, the supplemental air bag warning
tion contains important information concerning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
the driver and passenger supplemental front air warning light will turn off after about 7
bags and pre-tensioner seat belts. seconds if the system is operational.
Supplemental front impact air bag system:
This system can help cushion the impact force to
the head and chest of the driver and front pas-
senger in certain frontal collisions.

WRS0134
Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag
system (if so equipped): This system can help
Adjust the head restraint so the center is level cushion the impact force to the head of occu-
with the center of your ears.
pants in front and rear outboard seating positions
in certain side impact collisions. The curtain side-
impact air bags are designed to inflate on the side
where the vehicle is impacted.
The supplemental air bags are designed to
supplement the crash protection provided by
the driver and front passenger seat belts and are
not a substitute for them. Seat belts should
always be correctly worn and the driver and front
passenger seated a suitable distance away from
the steering wheel and instrument panel. (See
“Seat belts” later in this section for instructions
and precautions on seat belt usage.)


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● The driver and front passenger seat belt
buckles are equipped with sensors that
detect if the seat belts are fastened. The
air bag system monitors the severity of
a collision and then inflates the air bags
based on belt usage. Failure to properly
wear seat belts can increase the risk or
severity of injury in an accident.
● Keep hands on the outside of the steer-
ing wheel. Placing them inside the
steering wheel rim could increase the
risk that they are injured when the
supplemental front air bag inflates.
WRS0031

WARNING ● The seat belts and the supplemental
front air bags are most effective when
● The supplemental front air bags ordi- you are sitting well back and upright in
narily will not inflate in the event of a the seat. The front air bags inflate with
side impact, rear impact, rollover, or great force. If you are unrestrained,
lower severity frontal collision. Always leaning forward, sitting sideways or out
wear your seat belts to help reduce the of position in any way, you are at
risk or severity of injury in various kinds greater risk of injury or death in a crash.
of accidents. You may also receive serious or fatal
injuries from the supplemental front air
bag if you are up against it when it
inflates. Always sit back against the
seatback and as far away as practical
from the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Always use the seat belts.


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ARS1133 ARS1041

WARNING
● Never let children ride unrestrained or
extend their hands or face out of the
window. Do not attempt to hold them in
your lap or arms. Some examples of
dangerous riding positions are shown
in the illustrations.


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ARS1042 ARS1043 ARS1044


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ARS1045 WRS0256 SSS0101

WARNING WARNING
● Children may be severely injured or Supplemental curtain side impact air bag:
killed when the supplemental front air
● The supplemental curtain side-impact
bags or curtain side-impact air bags
air bag ordinarily will not inflate in the
inflate if they are not properly re-
event of a frontal impact, rear impact,
strained. Pre-teens and children should
rollover or lower severity side collision.
be properly restrained in the rear seat, if
Always wear your seat belt to help re-
possible.
duce the risk or severity of injury in
● Never install a rear-facing child re- various kinds of accidents.
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental front air bag could seri-
ously injure or kill your child. See “Child
restraints” later in this section for
details.


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WRS0236 SSS0159 SSS0162

WARNING
● The seat belts and the supplemental
curtain side-impact air bags are most
effective when you are sitting well back
and upright in the seat. The curtain
side-impact air bag inflates with great
force. Do not allow anyone to place
their hand, leg or face near the side roof
rails or to extend their hand out of the
window or lean against the door. Some
examples of dangerous riding positions
are shown in the previous illustrations.


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Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental front air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel. The passenger
supplemental front air bag is mounted in the
dashboard above the glove box.
These systems are designed to meet optional
certification requirements under U.S. regulations.
They are also permitted in Canada. The optional
certification allows the front air bags to be de-
signed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than
previously. However, all of the information,
cautions and warnings in this manual still
apply and must be followed.
The supplemental front air bag system is de-
signed to inflate in higher severity frontal colli-
sions, although it may inflate if the forces in an-
other type of collision are similar to those of a
higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in
certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack
of it) is not always an indication of proper supple-
mental front air bag system operation.
WRS0237 The supplemental air bag system has dual stage
1. Crash zone sensor 6. Driver seat belt buckle switch inflators for both the driver and passenger air
2. Passenger supplemental air bag module 7. Air bag diagnosis sensor unit bags. The system monitors information from the
3. Passenger seat belt buckle switch 8. Front seat belt pre-tensioner crash zone sensor, the diagnosis sensor unit and
seat belt buckle sensors that detect if the seat
4. Side curtain air bag 9. Driver supplemental air bag module
belts are fastened. Inflator operation is based on
5. Front seat belt pre-tensioner the severity of a collision and whether the seat
belts are being used. Only one front air bag may

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inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision. ● No unauthorized changes should be
and whether the front occupants are belted or made to any components or wiring of
The supplemental front air bags operate
unbelted. This does not indicate improper perfor- the supplemental air bag system. This is
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
mance of the system. If you have any questions to prevent accidental inflation of the
or START position.
about the performance of your air bag system, supplemental air bag or damage to the
please contact your NISSAN dealer. After turning the ignition key to the ON supplemental air bag system.
position, the supplemental air bag warning
When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a ● Do not make unauthorized changes to
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
warning light will turn off after about 7 pension system or front end structure.
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
seconds if the system is operational. This could affect proper operation of
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok- the supplemental front air bag system.
WARNING
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition ● Tampering with the supplemental front
should get fresh air promptly. ● Do not place any objects on the steer- air bag system may result in serious
ing wheel pad or on the instrument personal injury. Tampering includes
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of panel. Also, do not place any objects changes to the steering wheel and the
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on between any occupant and the steering instrument panel assembly by placing
the face and chest of the front occupants. They wheel or instrument panel. Such ob- material over the steering wheel pad
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. jects may become dangerous projec- and above the instrument panel or by
However, an inflating front air bag may cause tiles and cause injury if the supplemen- installing additional trim material
facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags tal front air bag inflates. around the air bag system.
do not provide restraint to the lower body.
● Right after inflation, several front air
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the bag system components will be hot. Do
driver and passenger seated upright as far as not touch them; you may severely burn
practical away from the steering wheel or instru- yourself.
ment panel. The supplemental front air bags in-
flate quickly in order to help protect the front
occupants. Because of this, the force of the front
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against, the
front air bag module during inflation.

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● Maintenance around and on the supple- designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle
mental front air bag system should be is impacted. They may not inflate in certain side
done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation collisions.
of electrical equipment should also be Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
done by a NISSAN dealer. The Supple- indication of proper supplemental curtain side-
mental Restraint System (SRS) wiring impact air bag operation.
should not be modified or discon-
nected. Unauthorized electrical test When the supplemental curtain side-impact air
equipment and probing devices should bags inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
not be used on the air bag system. followed by release of smoke. This smoke is not
● A cracked windshield should be re- harmful and does not indicate a fire. Care should
placed immediately by a qualified re- be taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
pair facility. A cracked windshield could and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
affect inflation of the supplemental air condition should get fresh air promptly.
WRS0235
bag system. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bags help
Supplemental curtain side-impact air
● The SRS wiring harness connectors are to cushion the impact force to the head of occu-
yellow and orange for easy bag system (if so equipped) pants in the front and rear outboard seating po-
identification. The supplemental curtain side-impact air bags sitions. They can help save lives and reduce
are located in the roof side rails. This system is serious injuries. However, an inflating curtain
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental front air designed to meet voluntary guidelines to help side-impact air bag may cause abrasions or other
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri- reduce the risk of injury to out-of-position occu- injuries. Supplemental curtain side-impact air
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual. pants. However, all of the information, cau- bags do not provide restraint to the lower body.
tions and warnings in this manual still ap- Rear seat passengers should be seated as far
ply and must be followed. The curtain side- away as practical from the door finishers and side
impact air bags are designed to inflate in higher roof rails. The curtain side-impact air bag inflate
severity side collisions, although they may inflate quickly in order to help protect the occupants.
if the forces in another type of collision are similar Because of this, the force of the curtain side-
to those of a higher severity side impact. They are impact air bag inflating can increase the risk of
injury if the occupant is too close to, or is against,

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

these air bag modules during inflation. The cur- ● Do not make unauthorized changes to Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
tain side-impact air bag will deflate quickly after your vehicle’s electrical system, sus- front seats)
the collision is over. pension system or side panel. This
The supplemental curtain side-impact air could affect proper operation of the WARNING
bags operate only when the ignition switch supplemental curtain side-impact air
bag system. ● The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
is in the ON or START position. reused after activation. It must be re-
● Work around and on the curtain side- placed together with the retractor and
After turning the ignition key to the ON
impact air bag system should be done buckle as a unit.
position, the supplemental air bag warning by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of elec-
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag trical equipment should also be done by ● If the vehicle becomes involved in a
warning light will turn off after about 7 a NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring har- frontal collision but the pre-tensioner is
seconds if the system is operational. nesses* should not be modified or dis- not activated, be sure to have the pre-
connected. Unauthorized electrical test tensioner system checked and, if nec-
WARNING equipment and probing devices should essary, replaced by your NISSAN
not be used on the side air bag system. dealer.
● Right after inflation, several curtain
side-impact air bag system compo- ● No unauthorized changes should be
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are made to any components or wiring of
nents will be hot. Do not touch them;
yellow and orange for easy identification. the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This
you may severely burn yourself.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you is to prevent accidental activation of
● No unauthorized changes should be the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage
made to any components or wiring of inform the buyer about the supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag system and to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation.
the curtain side-impact air bag system. Tampering with the pre-tensioner seat
This is to prevent accidental inflation of guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this
Owner’s Manual. belt system may result in serious per-
the curtain side-impact air bag or dam- sonal injury.
age to the curtain side-impact air bag
system.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

● Work around and on the pre-tensioner cause irritation and choking. Those with a history
system should be done by a NISSAN of a breathing condition should get fresh air
dealer. Installation of electrical equip- promptly.
ment should also be done by a NISSAN If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test system, the supplemental air bag warning
equipment and probing devices should light will flash intermittently after the igni-
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat tion key is turned to the ON or START position. In
belt system. this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not
● If you need to dispose of the pre- function properly. They must be checked and
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner NISSAN dealer.
disposal procedures are set forth in the When selling your vehicle, we request that you
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat belt
Incorrect disposal procedures could system and guide the buyer to the appropriate
cause personal injury. sections in this Owner’s Manual.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental
front air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor,
it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the ve-
hicle becomes involved in certain types of colli-
sions, thereby restraining seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt’s
retractor. These seat belts are used the same as
conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard.
This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a
fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it may

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

LRS0100

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displaying in the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental curtain side-impact air bag (if so
WRS0188 equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt systems.
The circuits monitored by the supplemental air
1. SRS Air Bag Warning Labels SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG bag warning light are the diagnosis sensor unit,
2. SRS Curtain Side-impact Air Bag WARNING LABELS crash zone sensor, supplemental front air bag
Warning Labels (located on the door modules, supplemental curtain side-impact air
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
pillar) (if so equipped) bag and curtain side-impact air bag systems are bag modules (if so equipped), pre-tensioner seat
placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration. belts and all related wiring.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

When the ignition key is in the ON or START Repair and replacement procedure WARNING
position, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns The supplemental front air bags, supplemental ● Once a supplemental front air bag or
off. This means the system is operational. curtain side-impact air bags (if so equipped) and supplemental curtain side-impact air
pre-tensioner seat belts are designed to inflate bag has inflated, the air bag module will
If any of the following system conditions occur, on a one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it not function again and must be re-
the supplemental front air bag, supplemental cur- is damaged, the supplemental air bag warning placed. Additionally, if any of the
tain side-impact air bag and pre-tensioner seat light remains illuminated after inflation has oc- supplemental front air bags inflate, the
belt systems need servicing: curred. Repair and replacement of these supple- activated pre-tensioner seat belts must
mental air bag systems should be done only by a also be replaced. The air bag module
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
NISSAN dealer. and pre-tensioner seat belt system
mains on after approximately 7 seconds. should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
● The supplemental air bag warning light When maintenance work is required on the ve- The air bag module and pre-tensioner
flashes intermittently. hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple- seat belt system cannot be repaired.
mental curtain side-impact air bags, pre-
● The supplemental air bag warning light does ● The supplemental front air bag and cur-
tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
not come on at all. tain side-impact air bag systems, and
pointed out to the person performing the mainte- the pre-tensioner seat belt system
Under these conditions, the Supplemental Re- nance. The ignition key should always be in the should be inspected by a NISSAN
straint System (supplemental front air bag, LOCK position when working under the hood or dealer if there is any damage to the
supplemental curtain side-impact air bag or pre- inside the vehicle. front end or side portion of the vehicle.
tensioner seat belt systems) may not operate ● If you need to dispose of the supple-
properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat belt
your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer. system or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct supplemental
WARNING air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
If the supplemental air bag warning light tem disposal procedures are set forth in
is on, it could mean that the supplemental the appropriate NISSAN Service
front air bag or pre-tensioner seat belt Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
systems will not operate in an accident. could cause personal injury.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

SEAT BELTS

SSS0136
PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGE
If you are wearing your seat belt properly ad-
justed, your chances of being injured or killed in
an accident and/or the severity of injury may be
greatly reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages
you and all of your passengers to buckle up every
time you drive, even if your seating position in-
cludes a supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces
or territories specify that seat belts be worn
at all times when a vehicle is being driven.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

SSS0134 SSS0016

WARNING WARNING
● Every person who drives or rides in this ● The seat belt should be properly ad-
vehicle should use a seat belt at all justed to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
times. Children should be properly re- reduce the effectiveness of the entire
strained in the rear seat and, if appro- restraint system and increase the
priate, in a child restraint. chance or severity of injury in an acci-
dent. Serious injury or death can occur
if the seat belt is not worn properly.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

● Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely ● All seat belt assemblies, including re-
fastened to the proper buckle. tractors and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after any collision
● Do not wear the seat belt inside out or
by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recom-
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
mends that all seat belt assemblies in
effectiveness.
use during a collision be replaced un-
● Do not allow more than one person to less the collision was minor and the
use the same seat belt. belts show no damage and continue to
● Never carry more people in the vehicle operate properly. Seat belt assemblies
than there are seat belts. not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo damage or improper operation is noted.
area while the vehicle is in motion. It
does not contain seat belts. It is not ● All child restraints and attaching hard-
SSS0014 designed for passengers. They could be ware should be inspected after any col-
injured in sudden braking or a collision. lision. Always follow the restraint
WARNING manufacturer’s inspection instructions
● If the seat belt warning light glows con- and replacement recommendations.
● Always route the shoulder belt over tinuously while the ignition is turned The child restraints should be replaced
your shoulder and across your chest. ON with all doors closed and all seat if they are damaged.
Never run the belt behind your back, belts fastened, it may indicate a mal-
under your arm or across your neck. The function in the system. Have the system CHILD SAFETY
belt should be away from your face and checked by a NISSAN dealer.
neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Children need adults to help protect them.
● Once the pre-tensioner seat belt has They need to be properly restrained.
● Position the lap belt as low and snug as activated, it cannot be reused and must
possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE be replaced together with the retractor. The proper restraint depends on the child’s size.
WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could See your NISSAN dealer. Generally, infants up to about 1 year and less
increase the risk of internal injuries in than 20 pounds (9 kg) should be placed in rear
an accident. ● Removal and installation of the pre-
facing child restraints. Front facing child re-
tensioner seat belt system components
straints are available for children who outgrow
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.
rear facing child restraints.

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

WARNING Infants and small children WARNING
Infants and children need special protec- NISSAN recommends that infants and small chil- Never let a child stand or kneel on any
tion. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit dren be placed in child restraints that comply with seat and do not allow a child in the cargo
them properly. The shoulder belt may Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Ca- areas while the vehicle is moving. The
come too close to the face or neck. The nadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You child could be seriously injured or killed in
lap belt may not fit over their small hip should choose a child restraint that fits your ve- an accident or sudden stop.
bones. In an accident, an improperly fit- hicle and always follow the manufacturer’s in-
ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal structions for installation and use. PREGNANT WOMEN
injury. Always use appropriate child
Larger children NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use
restraints.
seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug,
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri- Children who are too large for child restraints and always position the lap belt as low as pos-
tories require the use of approved child restraints should be seated and restrained by the seat belts sible around the hips, not the waist. Place the
for infants and small children. See “Child Re- which are provided. shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your
straints” later in this section. If the child’s seating position has a shoulder belt chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt over your
that fits close to the face or neck, the use of a abdominal area. Contact your doctor for specific
In addition, there are many types of child re- recommendations.
straints available for larger children which should booster seat (commercially available) may help
be used for maximum protection. overcome this. The booster seat should raise the INJURED PERSONS
child so that the shoulder belt is properly posi-
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens tioned across the top, middle portion of the NISSAN recommends that injured persons use
and children be restrained in the rear seat. shoulder and the lap belt is low on the hips. The seat belts. Check with your doctor for specific
According to accident statistics, children booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and have recommendations.
are safer when properly restrained in the a label certifying that it complies with Federal
rear seat than in the front seat. This is Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Mo-
especially important because your vehicle tor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once the child has
has a supplemental restraint system (Air grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or near
bag system) for the front passenger. See the face and neck, use the shoulder belt without
“Supplemental restraint system” earlier in the booster seat.
this section.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WITH RETRACTOR
WARNING
● Every person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should use a seat belt at all
times.
● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident,
you could be thrown into it and receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and WRS0174 WRS0137
receive serious internal injuries. Fastening the seat belts ᭺
2 Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until you
● For the most effective protection when ᭺
1 Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this hear and feel the latch engage.
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should section.
be upright. Always sit well back in the The retractor is designed to lock during a
seat and adjust the seat belt properly. sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion permits the seat belt to move, and
allows you some freedom of movement in
the seat.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

emergency locking mode. See “Child restraints”
later in this section for more information.
The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the locking mode should not be acti-
vated. If it is activated it may cause uncom-
fortable seat belt tension.

WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that the seatbacks are completely se-
cured in the latched position. If they are
WRS0138 not completely secured, passengers may WRS0139
be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
᭺3 Position the lap belt portion low and snug Unfastening the seat belts
on the hips as shown.
᭺
1 To unfasten the seat belt, press the button on
᭺
4 Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the the buckle. The seat belt automatically re-
retractor to take up extra slack. Make sure the tracts.
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and is snug across your chest. Checking seat belt operation
The front passenger seat belt and the rear three- Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt
point seat belts have a cinching mechanism for movement by two separate methods:
child restraint installation. It is referred to as the
● When the seat belt is pulled quickly from the
automatic locking mode.
retractor.
When automatic locking mode is activated the
● When the vehicle slows down rapidly.
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the seat
belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully To increase your confidence in the seat belts,
retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in the check the operation as follows.

02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

● Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward
WARNING
quickly. The retractor should lock and re-
strict further belt movement. ● After adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the shoul-
If the retractor does not lock during this check or der belt anchor up and down to make
if you have any questions about seat belt opera- sure it is securely fixed in position.
tion, see a NISSAN dealer.
● The shoulder belt anchor height should
be adjusted to the position best for you.
Failure to do so may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the entire restraint system
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident.

WRS0189

Shoulder belt height adjustment (For
front seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be ad-
justed to the position best for you. (See “Precau-
tions on seat belt usage” earlier in this section.)
To adjust, pull out the adjustment button ᭺ and
1
move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired
position ᭺, so the belt passes over the center of
2
the shoulder. The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
Release the adjustment button to lock the shoul-
der belt anchor into position.


02/21/03—tbrooks ੭

2003 XTERRA OWNER'S MANUAL

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2003 XTERRA OWNER'S MANUAL