2009 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 204

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ● Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear. ● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at least whenever you refuel. ● Check that all windows and lights are clean. ● Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation. ● Check that all doors are closed. ● Position seat and adjust head restraint. ● Adjust inside and outside mirrors. ● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise. ● Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (3) position. See "Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders" in the "Instruments and controls" section of this manual. STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Automatic transmission: Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N (Neutral). P (Park) is recommended. The shift selector cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to the OFF position or if the key is removed from the ignition switch. The starter is designed not to operate if the shift selector is in any of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the shift selector to N (Neutral). Depress the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking the engine. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. 3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition switch to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. ● If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it and then crank the engine. Release the key and the accelerator pedal when the engine starts. ● If the engine is very hard to start because it is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After cranking the engine, release the accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. CAUTION Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, turn the key off and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged. 4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Do not race the engine while warming it up. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather. 5-12 Starting and driving