2006 NISSAN X-TRAIL ABS

ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT (for front
seats)
WARNING

Always adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in the previous
section. Failure to do so can reduce
the effectiveness of the active head
restraint.
Active head restraints are designed
to supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent.

Do not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could im-
pair active head restraint function.
The head restraint moves forward utilizing the
force that the seatback receives from the occu-
pant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the
head restraint helps support the occupant’s
head by reducing its backward movement and
helping absorb some of the forces that may lead
to whiplash type injuries.
Active head restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injury occurs most.
Active head restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the active head restraints as
described in the previous section.
ARMRESTFold down
1
until the seatback becomes hori-
zontal.
Pull down the pocket
2
to access the luggage
area.
SSS0508
SPA1350A
1-10
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


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


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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


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
increases wear on the brakes and pads, and
reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.Braking will be harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 MPH) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds willvary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the ABS operation
may indicate that road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
meter. The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
Starting and driving
5-25


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The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator light will blink and you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or backward. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.

When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.

If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
Starting and driving
5-27


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Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 909 kg (2,000 lb).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 909 kg (2,000 lb) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 907 kg (2,000 lb). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at a NISSAN dealer.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtainTechnical and consumer information
9-19


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-25
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-47
Air bag warning light ....................................... 1-47, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service....................................... 4-14
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-14, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)................. 4-8
In-cabin microfilter .................................. 4-11, 4-13
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-28
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-17
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-7
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Armrest......................................................................... 1-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-12
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-14
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-22Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-3
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-7
Battery .......................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system .......................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................ 1-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-25
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-24
Parking brake check............................... 5-15, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light .......................................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-19
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-7
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26C
Cabin air filter ................................................. 4-11, 4-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-32
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-20
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-21
Installation on rear center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-35
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-20
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-28
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-28
Child safety ................................................................. 1-14
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes
Audible reminders............................................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-9
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-24
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................................. 9-10
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-22


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