2006 NISSAN X-TRAIL Owners Manual

MEMO4-34
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems


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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WARNING

Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.

If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.

Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.

Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.

Keep the back door closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
back door open, follow these precau-
tions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation button off
and the fan control at the highest
position to circulate the air.

If electrical wiring or other cable con-nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the back door or
the body, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.

If a special body or other equipment
is added for recreational or other
usage, follow the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
(Some recreational vehicle appli-
ances such as stoves, refrigerator,
heaters, etc. may also generate car-
bon monoxide.)

The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
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d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.

Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.

Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As
with any vehicle, a loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects, or cause the vehicle to rollover,
particularly if the loss of control causes the
vehicle to slide sideways.Be attentive at all
times, and avoid driving when tired. Never drive
when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Always
wear your seat belt. See “Seat belts” in the “1.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section. Also instruct your pas-
sengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
Starting and driving
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unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONSUtility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Utility vehicle have a higher ground clearance
than passenger vehicles to make them capable
of performing in a variety of on-pavement and
offroad applications. Higher ground clearance
gives the utility vehicle a higher center of gravity
than passenger vehicles. An advantage of higher
ground clearance is a better view of the road,
allowing you to anticipate problems. However,
utility vehicles are not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as passenger two-wheel drive
vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under offroad
conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. You must
not drive under the influence of alcohol. Every
year thousands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be legally
intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all
people differently and most people underesti-
mate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix!
And that’s true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t drive ifyour ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONSPlease observe the following precautions:
WARNING

Drive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.

Before driving up or down grades,
check the road surface for bumps or
potholes. Be sure to climb a gentle
slope and descend a gentle slope.

Do not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.
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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
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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
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1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON direc-
tion.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch, the
selector lever cannot be moved from P (Park)
position.The selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ONposition
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position
1
in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the lock
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the steering
wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
and/or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT)The ignition switch includes an anti-theft steer-
ing lock device.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
To turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
from the ACC or ON position, turn the key to the
OFF position, push the key in, then turn the key
to the LOCK position.
There is an OFF position
1
in between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position is
indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
SSD0503
Manual Transmission (MT)
Starting and driving
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