Xterra question (newb)

[stoneydude]

So I went to test drive an 03 Xterra XE v6 standard 4x4 with the power package and auto hubs. It drove great, the throttle is a little touchy. Is this normal with the manual? This leads to my second question...
I turned into an open parking lot to test the 4wd. I stopped the car fully, placed the trans into N, then shifted the TC into 4lo. Light on the dash came on, and I put it into gear. As I started to press the throttle (in a straight line) the Xterra was bouncing or stuttering (looks like the classic scene of a kid learning to drive stick for the first time, and it's not my first time). Is this normal or a sign of a big problem? I didn't go very far because I didn't want to break anything.

 

[stoneydude]

No advice?

 

[KiwiKurt]

This forum isn't as fast paced as some others. Better off asking the question on the Xterra forums if you need some speedy specific answers.

Good luck!

 

[zelseman]

I drive an 02 xterra 4x4 but mine is an automatic.
Regardless of transmission, if you know how to drive a standard, four wheel drive should not cause jerking and jumping around. I'd look elsewhere for a different xterra.

Good luck!

 

[stoneydude]

It might be my driving since most manuals I've driven were cars never an suv with 4x4.

 

[trae]

Maybe worth asking on ClubX: http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/index.php

 

[Co-opski]

So how did it act in 4hi? 4Low is low, I bet you could be in gear without the throttle and start to crawl and lightly apply throttle to see if you get different results. Next time take a video and post it, we all would be nice I promise.

 

[Allof75]

Not sure if it's the same as my pathy, but engaging 4-low requires pushing down and back. Are you sure you locked it in? Just because the light is on, doesn't always mean it's engaged... otherwise if you think you did the procedure correctly, yes this is abnormal.

 

[ramiromunoz]

4low didnt engage properly. The 4x4 in the first gen Xterras is pretty solid and engaging disengaging from 4low is hard and tricky. Try with 4hi, as using 4low is rare, unless you are rock crawling or really stuck in mud. After trying 4hi, disengage 4hi drive in 2wd then try 4low. To fully disengage from 4x4 you have to drive at least 3 feet in reversr, straightline, yhen the 4wd light will go away.

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[ramiromunoz]

Check xterranation.org

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[nasko]

In general there should not be any difference taking off in 4low,4high or 2 wheel drive other then the very slow speed in 4low. There should not be any sputtering or hesitation. I am guessing that you most likely did not fully engage into 4low. As someone mentioned above you have to go to 4high then push down and pull towards you until you get to 4low. The manual will have that. My SC SE Xterra was grinding a bit going into 4low before I changed the TC oil. I really enjoyed that generation of the X but the MPG is atrocious. I strongly recommend the 2nd Gen Xterra. IMO clubxterra.org and thenewx.org have a lot more useful technical info than xterranation.org. Hope it helps

 

[stoneydude]

Thanks guys, I'll play with it more when I buy it this week. I did push the lever down and everything but it was giving me some problems going in, I probably didn't engage it all the way like you said.
And Nasko, I'm driving a 5.2 AWD ZJ right now so I'm used to bad gas mileage. I'm looking forward to driving a manual, I've had lots of problems with autos in the past :roost:

 

[nasko]

I hope it works out for you mate. They are really great rigs. Good luck. If you end up getting it watch out for the exhaust manifold and the knock sensor, especially if it is SC. As I mentioned the online community is great.
Cheers

 

[Allof75]

Good to hear, when you get it, be sure to post some pics, we love them!

 

[ramiromunoz]

In general there should not be any difference taking off in 4low,4high or 2 wheel drive other then the very slow speed in 4low. There should not be any sputtering or hesitation. I am guessing that you most likely did not fully engage into 4low. As someone mentioned above you have to go to 4high then push down and pull towards you until you get to 4low. The manual will have that. My SC SE Xterra was grinding a bit going into 4low before I changed the TC oil. I really enjoyed that generation of the X but the MPG is atrocious. I strongly recommend the 2nd Gen Xterra. IMO clubxterra.org and thenewx.org have a lot more useful technical info than xterranation.org. Hope it helps

Nasko, the OP's question was pertaining a 1st gen Xterra, pointing him to thenewX.com may not answer his questions as is for second gen trucks, hence my suggestion to check xterranation.

The engaging disengaging exercise was more for practice, as it should not hurt and the chances of driving in 4lo are minimal compared to driving in 4hi.

If the OP is buying this 1st gen truck, he should play with it and become familiar with the "how does it feels when I do X or Y".

If he is going to be driving a lot in 4lo, then going with a 1st gen Xterra will serve him best, only for the fact that it is a mechanical transfer case not electrical like the ones found i. the 2nd gen, as there has been some issues with getting some 2nd gen xterras out of 4lo. Also, if a wheel sensor goes bad, the 4x4 will not work.

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