2006 NISSAN X-TRAIL key

short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum efficiency and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum ve-
hicle performance and driving enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-
verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission model is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal must
be depressed before shifting from P (Park)
to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position
or if the key is removed from the switch.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive).
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is complete. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.

Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

On slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.

Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving forward.
Never shift to P (Park) or D (Drive)
while vehicle is moving rearward.
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These could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brakes should be used for this purpose.
ShiftingAfter starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to
R (Reverse), D (Drive), or any of the desired shift
positions.
Push the button
A
to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2 (Second). All
other positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine
is not running. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in serious per-
sonal injury and/or property damage.
If the key is turned to OFF or ACC for any reason
while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), N (Neutral), or
any D (Drive) position, the key cannot be turned
to LOCK and be removed from the ignition
switch. Move the selector lever to P (Park)
position, then the key can be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the se-
lector lever from N(Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park).Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the lever to the P (Park) position.
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matic transmission as soon as possible.Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into lower range, depending
on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and the shift
selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the
transmission upshifts into Overdrive as ve-
hicle speed increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary push
the Overdrive switch once. The O/D OFF
indicator light in the instrument panelcomes on at this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
Fail-safeIf the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ONposition. The vehicle
may return to its normal operating condi-
tion. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition have a NISSAN dealer
check the transmission and repair if neces-
sary.
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4WD mode switch Wheels driven4WD mode indicator light
(
,
) Use conditions
2WDFront wheels
The wheel drive mode is in
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) when
driving on the normal road.*1Goes offFor driving on dry, paved
roads (Economy drive)
AUTODistribution of torque to the
front and rear wheels changes
automatically, depending on
road conditions encountered
[ratio; 100 : 0 (2WD)→50 :
50 (4WD)]. This results in im-
proved driving stability.
For driving on paved or
slippery roads
LOCK Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)*2
/
For driving on rough
roads
*1: 2WD mode may change to 4WD mode automatically during quick acceleration.
The 4WD mode indicator light does not illuminate.
*2: LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically, when the vehicle is accelerated.
4WD MODE SWITCH OPERATIONSThe 4WD mode switch electronically controls
the coupling. Move the switch to select between
each mode, 2WD, AUTO and LOCK, depending
on driving conditions.
WARNING
Depending on the driving condition, the
4WD mode may automatically changefrom 2WD to 4WD even when the 2WD
mode switch is selected.*
Do not start engine while in the 2WD,
AUTO or LOCK mode in the following
cases:

When on a free-roller or jacking up
the front tires with the rear tires on
the ground.

When towing with the rear tires
raised from the ground.
* The 4WD mode indicator light does not illumi-
nate even if the mode automatically changes
from 2WD to 4WD while driving.
4WD shift tips
If the 4WD mode switch is operated while
making a turn, accelerating or decelerating,
or if the key switch is turned off while in the
AUTO or LOCK, you may feel a jerk. This is
normal.

The oil temperature of power train parts will
increase if the vehicle is continuously oper-
ated under conditions where the difference in
rotation between the front and rear wheels is
large (wheels slip) by driving the vehicle
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off-road through sand, mud or water or free-
ing a stuck vehicle. In this case, the 4WD
warning light blinks rapidly and the 4WD
mode changes to the 2WD mode to protect
the power train parts. If you stop driving with
the engine idling and wait until the warning
light stops blinking, the 4WD returns to the
AUTO mode.

Brake distance in the 4WD mode is the same
as 2WD.

Even if the mode automatically changes to
the AUTO mode when driving with the LOCK
mode selected, the indicator light stays in the
LOCK mode.
WARNING

Do not place a 4WD equipped vehicle
on a two wheel dynamometer or raise
two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any D (drive) or R
(reverse) position. Doing so may re-
sult in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
When driving straight, shift the 4WD
lock switch to 2WD, AUTO or LOCK.
Do not operate the 4WD lock switch
when making a turn or reversing.

Do not operate the 4WD mode switch
(2WD, AUTO and LOCK) with the front
wheel spinning.

Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the 4WD lock
switch set in AUTO.
4WD WARNING LIGHTThe 4WD warning light is located in the instru-
ment panel.
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
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switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
either remain illuminated or blink.
High-temperature power-train oil makes the
warning light blink rapidly (about twice per sec-
ond). The driving mode will change to 2WD.
AUTO mode may change to LOCK mode before
the warning light blinks. This is normal. If the
warning light blinks rapidly during operation,
stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately.
Then if the light goes off after a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds). Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
Change the 4WD mode switch into 2WD and
do not drive fast.
WARNING
Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle with two wheels on a two wheeldynamometer and the other two wheels
raised. Doing so may result in transmis-
sion damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
CAUTION

If the 4WD warning light comes on
while driving, AUTO or LOCK mode
will be changed to two-wheel drive
condition. Reduce the vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing. Have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

Never drive on dry hard surface roads
in the LOCK mode, as this will over-
load the power-train and may cause a
serious malfunction.

The power-train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
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HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.

The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTIFREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 0°C (32°F), check
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of stud-
ded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces,
may be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains.Use only SAE Class S chains.
Class “S” chains are used on vehicles with
restricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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