Xterra quirks - For all of you new owners

[ToeJam]

I'm guessing we're always getting new folks on this board and some of them might be looking to buy an X. When all of the boards (Voy and XOC in particular) starting catching on a while back, there were lots of "What the heck is..." questions. I'm going to put my favorite X quirks down and it would be cool if other people did also....

Rig makes loud noise when breaking in slick conditions - Yes it is normal. The anti-lock breaking system makes all kinds of noise when you really step on the breaks in slick conditions.

Gears grind going from 4Lo to 4hi. This is also normal and happens when you don't shift quick enough. Don't loiter in N when going from Lo to Hi or vice versa. The gears get out of sync and then you have to do the old "Grind until you find" dance.

[ToeJam]

Service Engine Light comes on...

Will happen when you don't tighten the gas cap. Either wait until the light resets itself after a few weeks, or disconnect the battery and wait an hour to reset the system.

This has also been known to happen when making engine mods (adding a K&N Air Charger for example). Disconnect the battery, clean the mass airflow sensor and reconnect.

[dssherrod]

A single clicking sound can heard periodically when traveling at slow speeds. This is the ABS system doing a self-diagnostic. Nothing to worry about.

Dave

[Schludwiller]

Loose interior window seal. Get replaced under warranty, or seal it yourself. You can identify the problem spot usually by pressing on the rubber seal. When you let off, it will make the pop sound.

[superjens]

Empty Wallet Syndrome (EWS) is caused mainly by the abysmal gas consumption habits of the V6 Xterra, particularly so when MT-type tires are being used.

EWS is also a side effect of contracting the extremely common 4x4-owners disease known as 'modaholica'. Beware websites and catalogues and storefronts of suppliers of Xterra parts, gadgets, and toys, for these will accelerate the EWS tremendously. Also avoid Xterra gatherings as you will undoubtably come into sight of many other EWS sufferers. These sick individuals will mercilessly taunt you until you too have emptied your wallet.

[ozxterra]

So when ARE you getting that ARB Jens?

I agree - beware the mods!

[xterra2k]

Passenger inside clucking noise going over bumps.
(Usually when there is no passenger or when seat belt no in use) check the seat belt clip to make sure it is not knocking against the B pillar.

And yes the steering column is not perfectly aligned on the console.

[chato1112]

how do i replace the last spark plug on the xterra thats towards the back of the engine

[chubbybubba1]

www.nissanoffroad.net/how_to/plugs/plug.asp

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by chato1112

how do i replace the last spark plug on the xterra thats towards the back of the engine

Go to the dealer. It's a bitch from what I've heard, especially if you have large hands.

[chubbybubba1]

But you can do it if you take your time and find out and use the right combination of extensions. I did mine a few months ago for the first time and it wasn't easy, but you can do it.

[markgrygier]

I used to own an 04 X but traded it in for a new 06. I have noticed a couple quirks with the new machine as well.

Even when you are in 2wd the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) kicks in when the rear wheels slip and this is accompanied by a loud grinding noise up front. This is normal, and a "Slip" light will flash on when this happens.

Also the ABS is still loud on the 06 just like it is in previous models, and when you have to brake hard in slick terrain the mechanical noise is very noticable but normal.

[ScottyB1]

Looks like the idler pulley is another quirk. There is a TSB out there for the 05 - 07 models. I just got mine replaced this week. I'll let you know if this doesn't fix the squeaky belt.