2006 NISSAN X-TRAIL 4WD

22. 4WD mode switch* (P.5-19)/SNOW
mode switch* (P.2-23)
23. Rear window/outside mirror defroster
switch (P.2-17)
24. Multi box (P.2-27)
25. Heater/air conditioner control (P.4-8)
26. Glove box (P.2-30)
27. Upper glove box (P.2-30)
* If so equipped
** Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner’s Manual0-6
Illustrated table of contents


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


1. Side ventilator
2. Cup holder
3. Headlight/Turn signal switch/Fog light
switch*
4. Driver air bag/Horn
5. Driver’s box/Power outlet
6. Driver’s side ventilator
7. Wiper and washer switch
8. Center ventilator
9. Meters and gauges
10. Audio system*/Navigation system*/Clock*
11. Hazard warning flasher switch
12. Passenger air bag
13. Driving light switch*
14. Hood release switch
15. Outside mirror remote control
16. Instrument brightness control
17. VDC (Vehicle dynamic control) off switch*
18. Fuse box cover
19. Tilting steering wheel lock lever
20. Cruise control switch
21. Ignition switch
22. 4WD mode switch*/SNOW
mode switch*
SSI0144
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
Instruments and controls


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


Anti-lock brake warning light
Seat belt warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Overdrive off indicator light (AT models)
Door open warning light
Cruise set indicator light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning light
4WD mode indicator light (AUTO) (4WD
models)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
4WD warning light (4WD models)
4WD mode indicator light (LOCK) (4WD
models)
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Low washer fluid warning light
Front fog light indicator light (if so
equipped)
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake,
fasten the seat belts and turn the ignition switch
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-lock brake warning light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate and then turn off. This
indicates the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the anti-lock brake system isnot functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. See
“Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-7


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (4WD
models)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If the 4WD system malfunctions or the revolu-
tion, or radius of the front and the rear wheel
differs, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. See “Using four-wheel drive
(4WD)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on while
driving, 4WD mode will change to
2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the LOCK mode.

If the 4WD warning light blinks when
you are driving:
•blinks rapidly (about twice a sec-
ond):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. The driving mode
will change to 2WD to prevent the
4WD system from malfunctioning.
If the warning light turns off, you
can drive again.
•blinks slowly (about once every 2
seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, tire pressure iscorrect and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See “Window washer fluid” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
key is turned to ON, and will remain illuminated
until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about 6
seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is securely
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belt and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Instruments and controls
2-9


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Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing,
and your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.

The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see “Supplemental restraint system”
in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belt and supple-
mental restraint system” section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag and/or pre-tensioner
seat belt will not operate in an accident.
To help avoid injury to yourself or oth-
ers, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
4WD mode indicator light
(AUTO) (4WD models)
This light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to ON, and turns off within 1 second.
While the engine is running, this light will illumi-
nate when selecting AUTO mode. See “Using
four-wheel drive (4WD)” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
4WD mode indicator light
(LOCK) (4WD models)
This light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to ON, and turns off within 1 second.
When selecting LOCK mode while the engine is
running, this light will illuminate simultaneously
with the 4WD mode indicator light (AUTO)
illuminating. See “Using four-wheel drive
(4WD)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Front fog light indicator light (if
so equipped)
The light comes on when the front fog light
switch is turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
2-10
Instruments and controls


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-3
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions ....... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Driving safety precautions ............................................ 5-4
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission (AT) ........................................ 5-6
Manual transmission (MT) ............................................ 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-8
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ........................ 5-8
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ............................................................. 5-10
Automatic transmission ............................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-14
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15
Cruise control ..................................................................... 5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16
Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-17Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18
Using four-wheel drive (4WD) (if so equipped) ........ 5-19
4WD mode switch operations .................................. 5-20
4WD warning light ....................................................... 5-21
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-23
Power steering .................................................................... 5-24
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-24
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-24
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................. 5-25
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-26
Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-28
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-28
Antifreeze ........................................................................ 5-28
Battery ............................................................................. 5-28
Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-28
Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-28
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-29
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-29
Engine block heater ..................................................... 5-30


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Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.

Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.

Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.

Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.

If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
or with the clutch depressed (manual
transmission vehicles), using only thebrake, as this could cause loss of
control.

Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low range to control your
speed.

Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.

To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as
possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.

Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.

Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.

Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.

Do not drive beyond the performance
of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.

If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
Starting and driving
5-5


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional two wheel drive vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of control
and/or a roll over accident.

Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the front wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.

Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.

Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.

Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See “Peri-odic maintenance” in the “Service
and Maintenance Guide”.

Do not drive continuously on sandy
or muddy roads with the front wheels
spinning. The 4WD warning light
blinks and the driving mode changes
to 2WD. This could reduce traction
force remarkably. Be especially care-
ful when towing a trailer. (4WD mod-
els)

Do not use 2-wheel chassis dyna-
mometers or 2-wheel free rollers.
(4WD models)

Never operate the accelerator pedal
with any wheels raised and the other
wheels on the ground while jacking
up or with any wheels on a roller and
the other wheels on the ground. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could lurch for-
ward or backward. (4WD models)

When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively. (4WD models)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AT)The ignition lock is designed so that the key
cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the
selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
SSD0392
Automatic Transmission (AT)
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6
Starting and driving


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