2000 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 175

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS 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 precautions which should be closely observed. WARNING Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake securely and block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. For manual transmission models, move the shift lever to N (Neutral). For automatic transmission models, move the shift lever to P (Park). Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing any parts replacement or repairs. Never leave the engine or automatic transmission related component harnesses 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. If you must work with the engine running, 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. If you must run the engine in an enclosed 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 necessary 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 with the multiport fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by an authorized 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. Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any transistorized component connector while the ignition is on. Avoid contact with used engine oil. Improperly disposed engine oil and/or other vehicle fluids can damage the environment. Always conform to local regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid. This ''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 your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. 8-2 Do-it-yourself