Nissan XTerra SUV

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Comments

  • punchbowlpunchbowl Member Posts: 6
    Sasquatch, your collection of ABS information is outstanding. By the time I went throught the links, I felt I finally understood what ABS is supposed to do and what it's limitations are. I'm now convinced that for the purposes of my usage (paved road) ABS is a good thing and not a drawback. However, I did learn about road conditions, such as gravel and sand, where I'll have to keep in mind that ABS will set me back, so I might as well go slow. I really appreciated your collection of links, and while the whole Internet is about sharing information freely and instantly, I believe you went way beyond the average websurfer's duty to share. Thans a lot!!!
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    Your reddish/brown powdery substance may be a result of rusty brakes. Xterras have a lot of rust for some reason. When I called Nissan of America, the engineers told me that the rust is prevalent on the Xterras and is no problem. I am still skeptical, but if you read the Xterra Owners Club (XOC) boards (http://xterraownersclub.com), you will see that a lot of people have this same rust issue and their trucks run fine.

    To be safe, you better go to the dealer to get this checked. Nissan does have a five year warranty on the rust. When I checked my suspension, I saw a lot of rust. Again, check the XOC for more detailed explanations.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    Actually, I don't have any "collection" of links at all. I just did a search (actually 2) on ABS, defeat, kill, switch, override, and then just copied and pasted the results.

    I used a product (downloadable) called Copernic 2001 which hits all the major search engines and assimilates the results into one window. I recommend it (I don't work for them, but like the thing.)

    happy surfing!
  • tjeep27tjeep27 Member Posts: 17
    Rust collecting on your tires? Oh..no big deal. What!!!!!! The suspension is covered with rust? Oh, that's a common occurance on month-old vehicles. Whatever... You guys may want to reconsider your statements. I was always under the impression that the X was water-fording ready... apparently not. Nissan may have come up with something, a biodegradable SUV...kind of cool. Thanks for the warning though.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Thanks for the links Sasquatch, and punchbowl, that's what Town Hall is for! A place to find info. and discuss cars, and anything related to cars :-)

    Carry on!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • jktottenjktotten Member Posts: 13
    I love my Xterra but I'll agree with tjeep there. If you saw the amount of rust (if that what it turns out to be) collecting on the outside of the tire. Wht puzzles me is that if the rust is from the drums, how is it getting out to the outside of the tire and not the inside!? I mean it's blatantly noticeable on my tires, and it's not pretty.

    And in defense of Nissan, I have been looking at people's tires for marks similar this, and I have found them occasionally - oddly enough they have all been on Jeep Grand Cherokees! Hmmm....

    I go in next week to the dealership so I'll get confirmation then.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    maybe it is a steel belted radial!

    ba dum bump!!!

    (hey, it's Friday!!!)
  • moogermooger Member Posts: 2
    Hey everyone! I found this board while checking out Edmunds.com - what a fantastic resource! I am hoping someone might be able to help me with a couple quick questions I have.

    * I've been looking at a black SE. I don't care about the sunroof (although a moon roof would be nice...) but I noticed in the edmunds.com specifications that an SE comes with 16x7 wheels while an XE has 15x7. Is this a misprint or is the only way you can get the 16 inch wheels is with the SE (the nissan site says the same thing - I am guessing this isnt a misprint)? Otherwise I could save the $$ and get the XE with the 3 pack.

    * Has anyone bought the grill guard from the dealer? Is this the same one as the WAAG in the xterraparts.com? Looks good but I am useless when it comes to putting something like that together and would prefer to have it dealer installed if everything else it the same - if its not the same grill I'm not so sure.

    * Anyone have difficulty putting car seats in the back? I am concerned that with the way the back seat cushions come up that this might be a problem for a childs car seat... I am probably over reacting on this one!

    * In general how do people like their seat covers? This is going to be my ole lady's car and she thinks their cool so I was planning on surprising her with them when we pick up the car.

    Thanks a advance for any help you all can provide and best of luck with your vehicles!
    m
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    Why do some people like the 16 inch ones better, yet most off road types prefer the 15 inch???
  • moogermooger Member Posts: 2
    You know - thats a good question. I never really thought about the "why" part of the question.... I think it might have something to do with the winter we just had in NE as to my thinking the 16 inch tires would be better but that might not be a good assumption....
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    Hey, my 13" 175/70R13's did just fine.

    :-)

    (except that one time last year in the CVS parking lot when I got "hung up" in 16" of snow)

    :-)
    :-)
    :-)
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    you have it correct SE=16" XE=15" , to picture the advantage, with the rims + matching tire, both the XE & SE will have the same outside diameter. When offroading, you want the maximum amount of rubber between the ground/rock and your rim. 15" rim will give you more rubber. So far there isn't much advantage to the 16" tires, 15" is still standard and therefore cheaper to buy/replace/upgrade.
    If you want 16" rims and an XE.. the dealer might swap it for you... swapping rims at purchase isn't unknown.. we could only get steel rims here in 2000 and plenty of owners swapped to PF rims in their deal.
    The Waag is basically the Nissan Version.. Nissan doesn't really make their own acc.. just rebadged stuff, although they are coming out with a lighter alum. guard. Its a simple install, minimal tools, an extra pair of hands and 2 hours will save a hefty dealer install.
    Plenty of owners run with child seats.. no problems.. proper installation required, but no problems due to the seat cushions.
    I have the seat covers.. great.. not only do they protect the seats, they make it easy to freshen up the X when washed.
    Its the week-end again.. it Xing time.. have a good one.
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    I was going to get a grill guard when I first bought my X. Then I didn't want to spend the cash immediately. Now, after thinking about it some more, I'm glad I didn't get one. They look nice but many people have pointed out that if you get in an accident, the side wings in particular tend to do more damage to the sheetmetal than if you had no grill guard at all.

    Just something to consider.
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    How many people got the extended warranty? If so, what price did you pay?

    Much Thanks!
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    Anyone post on this board anymore? Has the allure of the Xterra subsided for a newer model or is everyone out offroading?
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    But it's Monday and now we're back. It was just too nice this weekend to be inside.

    I got the extended warranty 84 mos./100,000 miles for about $950. I plan to keep this truck for at least 150,000 miles if not longer so it seemed like cheap insurance against a potentially costly repair down the road. As I mentioned on the XOC board, a friend of mine has a Monte Carlo. The ABS controller died three months out of the three-year warranty period. It's so expensive she can't afford to replace it right now. One thing like that and the extended warranty is worthwhile, IMO. And I'm glad I got it because there is also a Frontier Crew Cab '01 in the family. The ABS controller and one wheel sensor crapped out five months after purchase, before the truck had even hit 3,000 miles. All fixed under the first 12 mos. warranty, of course.
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    Am in full agreement about the warranty! Thanks for the pricing information. Extended warranties have saved me thousands on my other SUVs where the ABS, the 4WD and the tranny broke!
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Tried extended warranties, but somehow extended repairs fell through cracks. It was always that "other" part that broke. I'd suggest reading the fine print, and remember the warranty only really kicks in after the base warranty expires.. ( you are double covered for the first 3, but there are some differences between Cdn & U.S. details. )
    I'd suggest checking over at xterrastore.com, they had one of the cheapest rates going before, but not sure if the offer is still there. ( It doesn't matter where you get it from, just that you have it )
  • salvadordcsalvadordc Member Posts: 5
    Something I didn't realize until afterwards was that the original offering from Nissan (a WAAG model for the X) might not work well with the deployment of the airbag. In fact, I learned this when a friend told me I should notify my car insurance co. to tell them I had one AND to expect an increase in my premium.

    Lo and behold, the new, genuine Nissan grille guard (you can see it at XterraParts along with the new tail lamp guards) mentions being crash tested with air bag deployment to original specs. Perhaps some truth to what my friend said. And no, I haven't called my insurance yet...

    Also, I installed the WAAG model with help from another friend and it only took less than two hours. If you are looking to do some serious off-roading, don't consider this if you want a winch installed on it at some point - it can't handle one. The ARB model (also at XterraParts) seems the ticket but I'm sure there's other options too.
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    So, what was the concern? That it would go off unwanted, or not go off when wanted?

    Most cars, you can just pull a fuse to disable the air bag.
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    When I bought my X, the dealer told me there were problems with the grille guard and the airbags. The grille guard was not available from the dealer as of last month.

    How heavy are the grille guards? Do you find that adding more weight to the X will makes it less powerful due to the extra load?

    BTW - went 365 miles (mostly highway) on a single tank of gas - 18.5 gallons with an SE model. That is 19.7 mpg. Was running on fumes when the X finally made it to the gas station. That is my best mileage yet!
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    I really wonder what it takes for the airbags to deploy.. as far as I know, there isn't any sensor up front, and the actual module is under the center console.
    Just wondering how much is true, and how much is old wives tales..
  • salvadordcsalvadordc Member Posts: 5
    I frankly do not know enough of the issue(s) to to be helpful here. My concern is more towards whether or not the air bag will go off when it's supposed to. I'll give a ring to my service manager and get his perspective. Also, not sure what to make about MSIENG's dealing with the dealer as it relates to this topic but it has that certain "smell" - whereby the dealer knows something before the buyer. We'll see. Thanks all.

    BTW: I did not feel a significant drain in power after putting it but I have to believe there is one since it weighs the equivalent of a small adult.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    Just thinking about it a bit more, and assuming Nissan ( or any other make with airbags ) always want to protect themselves. If the grills caused a problem, Nissan would not offer it as an accessory, it would come with a dozen warning labels.. and no other make would offer them either since airbag systems basically work the same. Nissan already has warnings for rack loads, pull loads, children in the front seats with airbags etc. They would open themselves to law suits. Just my 2 cents..
  • lavapoollavapool Member Posts: 1
    Hey Xcanuk, wanna answer your question about airbag deployment. Believe it or not, an air is filled with some chemicals that are sensitive to shock. (Like the detonator in a bomb, the shock of hitting the ground sets it off) when a severe shock is detected the chemicals inside the airbag have a reaction that very quickly produces large amounts of gas that fills the air bag (technicallly it is actually considered a mini-explosion). That gas filled air bag can help save you from whiplash etc... but will make it worse if seatbelts are not worn. I have been in a severe head-on collision a few years ago in a vehicle without air bags, but I was wearing my seatbelt. I walked out unharmed. The vehicle that hit me however had two people in it not wearing seat belts but they had airbags. they were both declared dead on the site. Get my thoughts?
  • sasquatch_2000sasquatch_2000 Member Posts: 800
    You can disable most airbags by pulling a fuse. Some come with an override switch on the dashboard.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    I had a feeling about the connection between rapid decelleration & the deployment, plus finding the airbag sensor under the console and not up front. I used to have some stupid arguements where people were convinced there was a plunger hidden within the front bumper to trigger the airbags. Now I'm even more convinced a grill guard would make a minimal difference with airbags.

    Sasquatch, it would be just dumb to disable the airbags.. with seatbelts you have a better chance to walk out of it. ( You like pulling fuses for everything ) BTW.. the dash kill switch are for the passenger seat only, on 2 door vehicles, usually front seating only.. like pick-ups. It hasn't become manditory yet for SUV's or vehilcles where you can put the kids in the back ( where they belong )
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    For what its worth, according to the Haynes Repair Manual for the 2000 Xterra, there is an air bag diagnosis/sensor unit under the center console. This contains a crash sensor. The bags will deploy if the unit detects a sufficiently great deceleration force up to a 30 degree angle from the centerline of the vehicle. On 4WD models, there is also a crash zone sensor mounted on the front of the upper radiator support. The crash zone sensor must also close its circuit (on the 4WD models) for the air bags to deploy.

    The manual doesn't say much more about the crash zone sensor.

    The fact that 2WDs apparently don't have this additional sensor would suggest that it is purely the rapid deceleration that triggers the bags. In an accident, the deceleration would happen just as fast with or without a brush guard.

    It would certainly be helpful to hear an engineering explanation for why there is a 2d sensor on the 4WDs though.
  • chasity1chasity1 Member Posts: 1
    My X is two years old with 22,000 miles on her. Recently she's been shocking the heck out of me everytime I get out and go to shut the door. It a little annoying, but is not my real problem. The ABS seem to kick on everytime I brake at low speeds-say 10 miles and under, such as creeping at stop lights, pulling into parking spaces, ect. At full speeds when I slam on the brakes this does not happen, and all winter when the ABS needed to kick on it did. I took it to my dealer who after 5 hours could not even diagnose the problem let alone fix it! I'm going to seek another dealer, but thought I'd see if anyone else had a similar problem that I could suggest to them. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    Oh Boy! Better not hit the brakes too hard. A deceleration force up to a 30 degree angle from the centerline of the vehicle is not hard to attain! Kind of scary, huh?

    Thanks for the info!
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    I only noticed electric shocks during the change of season, it comes and goes. Drier weather ?? It has all but disappeared ever since getting the seat covers.

    As far as ABS, I found it triggers at a slow speed stop during winter only ( I was running A/T's at the time ), winter duelers solved that. During the summer, I could make it happen while braking on or shortly after speed bumps. I find it too sensitive at times.
  • xterracopxterracop Member Posts: 14
    Guess we all are too busy out driving our X's. Anyway I want to upgrade my X with some of the aftermarket stuff and was wondering what others thought of the Piaa headlight and fog light upgrades like the ones for sale on xterraparts.com. I really like the looks of the vehicles I see driving down the roads with these lights on and hope to purchase these soon. Just wanted some feedback before I bought them.
  • dreid2dreid2 Member Posts: 4
    anyone know where I can buy a locking gas cap for a 2000 Xterra?

    dreid@webzone.net
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    They look great and do a good job. My friend has them! Thinking of the fog light upgrades myself! Let me know if you get them and they work well.
  • xcanukxcanuk Member Posts: 372
    You can find the make & model number over at xterraparts.com for the locking gas cap.. they only have them for 2000 models. ( 01 not available )
    I've got Piaa 980 duals on mine. They fit like the 1500's ( which are also great ). I went with the duals just because I knew it would be a bit before proceeding with more lights, so now I have both highway & fogs in one. They are great, but it is hard to miss when it comes to Piaa.
  • fourdickinsonsfourdickinsons Member Posts: 8
    Has anyone seen photos of the 2002 mini-SUV that Nissan is coming out with to compete with tribute, and escape? It is supposedly a sentra based SUV (FWD). Thanks for your responses.
  • dadlidadli Member Posts: 34
    I have a local car wash that has gentle brushes or sponge finger things..can I go in with this? What types of car washes are a NO NO?
    Annie
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    I've never triggered mine. Hmmm. Maybe I should, just to be sure they work.

    I also have an '0l Frontier with 3,000 miles. Dealer just replaced the ABS controller and one wheel sensor. Easy to diagnose because the ABS light came on and stayed on. Before that though, the brakes felt mushy sometimes. Dealer couldn't find anything wrong but when the ABS went, he suggested that maybe the first problem was a precursor of the ABS controller failure.

    I'd definitely go to another dealer in your case.
  • cj40cj40 Member Posts: 7
    This may not be in-line with what you're asking but I thought I'd pass it along.I don't use Power Washes anymore because of some problems in the past.I bought a Cambell/Hausfeld (there's other makes) 1300/1750 PSI portable washer.Because it's electric it doesn't make a lot of noise.It's on wheels and is quite easy to use.All the necessary equipment for spraying and connecting came with it (exception the hose),(Wands,Quick Connect for hose and electric Cord (long).Chemicals and rotary brush are an accessory and so far I've only had to use the wands as there seems to be enough pressure to clean the "X".The wand is adjustable for a wide spray (light)or concentrated.I spray the tires with bleach, then power wash and that cleans the White Lettering and Tires.Great for cleaning in the wheel wells, bugs off the windshield and reaching the top.It's also useful for other things around the house and camper.Cost is about $169.00.
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    I use the powerwash and do not take the X through a regular wash due to many posts indicating that the antenna snaps off.

    Basically, I wax the X twice a month and the mud/dirt/pollen "floats" off with the powerwash (no brush needed).

    Found the Armor All Hard Shine wax to be awesome. It is very inexpensive, is easy to apply and to wipe-off. I know some think McGuires is the best, but the Armor All really protects the vehicle and makes washing much easier.

    The Sentra-based SUV is going to be the flagship along with the new Sentra for Nissan. They are essentially putting most of their eggs into one basket next year according to my contact at Nissan Of America. The Infinity QX4 is going to take market share from the Pathfinder by design as prices drop for this vehicle and increase on the Pathfinder. The two vehicles will essentially sell for the close to the same price making room for the Sentra-based SUV.

    The X and the Frontier will be almost mechanically identical with the addition of the supercharger to the X. I have to say that the new front of the Frontier looks great, in my humble opinion.
  • xxxsolarxxxxxxsolarxxx Member Posts: 3
    anyone know where to get some sound insulation mat or like that is for car useage?

    thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You'd think there'd be more interest in this topic. Dynamat seems to be the most recognized brand (with a pricy reputation). There's a few messages in an archived Soundproofing discussion and a few more in Aftermarket soundproofing possibilities?.
    <<i>
    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • xxxsolarxxxxxxsolarxxx Member Posts: 3
    thanks for your info.
  • unrealisticunrealistic Member Posts: 1
    Today, I find myself in a very uncomfortable situation. Within the past week, we noticed our Xterra's turn signals had stopped working--we leased the 2001 on January 13 of this year and at the time was new.

    When we took our Xterra in to be serviced today (Woodfield Nissan, Schaumburg, Illinois), the Technician explained that the wiring inside didn't look right--didn't look "factory" and wondered if we had added an alarm system, cellular phone, etc. The answer to this question is NO.

    In addition to this, the blinkers managed to get fixed, but a part had to be ordered to fix the hazards. We were told that there was no way the technician could guarantee that the blinkers would stay working and that they could potentially go again at any time.

    This translates to me as an unsafe vehicle.

    Later, we've found that the keyless entry now no longer works.

    Naturally, I've phoned the dealership, etc. to check on this as I am concerned and upset. The response we've received was that there was a breakdown in communications and that what the technician was trying to tell us was that "there's an extra wire in the fuse box for accessories". Seems a little far fetched and a lot CYA to me.

    I've phoned and spoken with Nissan Consumer affairs after going through the dealership's Service department who refused to put their comments in writing to me. Nissan Consumer affairs asked me what I would like them to do--which, personally, after explaining the situation to them, I find a little insulting--I want my vehicle either FIXED or put together correctly as it should have been.

    What is a next step for me (Beyond the Better Business Bureau)? I'm very soured on the NISSAN brand and am hesitant to work with them again from this experience that no one seems to really care about.

    I'd appreciate any thoughts either here or to russ@unrealisticexpectations.com. Thank you.
  • bolucaboluca Member Posts: 32
    I am considering buying an Xterra as a 2nd vehicle. We currently have a Pathfinder.
    Does the Xterra have a timing belt or chain? If a belt, what is the replacement schedule.
    I hate having to pay to replace a timing belt.
  • silverxglidersilverxglider Member Posts: 125
    The V6 2000 Xterra has a timing belt. (The 4cyl has a chain.) I assume the 2001s also have belts since I believe they have the identical engine. Don't know about 2002 or supercharged though. The owner's manual calls for replacement of the belt at 105,000 miles. I also believe from reading the ESM that the X has an interference engine, meaning that the timing belt is NOT something you want to let go.

    What does your Pathfinder have and what year is it?
  • bolucaboluca Member Posts: 32
    My Pathfinder is a 2001 with the 3.5 engine. It has a timing chain that does not have to be replaced. We also have a 93 Infiniti G20 and it has a timing chain. 172,000 miles and only a starter and water pump have been replaced. Only maintenance is plugs every 60,000 miles and oil changes.
  • radiogirlradiogirl Member Posts: 16
    Hi there! Now that graduate school is done I'm on the prowl for my Xterra. I've been leaning toward the Mineral Blue or Just Blue, with Salsa as the next in line, settling even for Alpine Green or Silver Ice if the deal is sweet enough (I keep my vehicles a loooooong time, so I want to like the color at least a little bit). But then, today on I-95 in Springfield, VA, I saw what looked like a spruce green Xterra and it was beautiful! Is this a new color that has come out that isn't in the brochure, like Salsa, or is it from last year? It's really nice and I just may have a new color to look for. Anybody know about this one? And thanks to msiseng for the helpful hints on obtaining an X for myself!
  • radiogirlradiogirl Member Posts: 16
    Me again! If it's not a problem, would any folks in the Washington, DC, area be willing to post what they ended up paying for their XE or SE? I'm looking at a 4wd auto model. Thanks bunches....just trying to get an idea of how things are going, esp. now that the model year will be tying things up in the summer.
  • mindiemindie Member Posts: 109
    On color: have you seen the Mineral Blue in person yet? It's a very unusual color, and I don't think the brochure depicts it very well. I love the Just Blue, except that it isn't a metallic paint - it's flat. The 'spruce green' you saw is most likely the Alpine Green, unless someone has a custom paint job.

    On D.C. dealers/prices: check out the Dealership forum on www.xterraownersclub.com - you can search for D.C. area dealers there and read what deals others have gotten. It's a safe assumption that deals are going to be sweet on the 2001s with the 2002s coming out soon.

    Mindie
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