2006 NISSAN XTERRA fuel

Electronic locking rear
differential (E-Lock) system
on indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully
engaged.
The indicator light flashes when the system is first
turned on. When the system fully engages, the
light remains on. If the switch is on and the
indicator light continues to flash, the system is
not engaged.
For additional information, see “Electronic lock-
ing rear differential (E-Lock) system switch” later
in this section and “Electronic locking rear differ-
ential (E-Lock) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
4WD shift indicator light
(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Hill descent control (HDC)
system on indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
comes on briefly and then turns off.The light comes on when the hill descent control
system is activated.
If the HDC switch is on and the indicator light
blinks, the system is not engaged.
If the indicator light does not come on or blink
when the hill descent switch is on, the system
may not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Hill descent con-
trol (HDC) switch” later in this section and “Hill
descent control (HDC) system” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Instruments and controls2-15
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If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelight does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light for models
with ABLS (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on if the active brake
limited slip is activated. If activated, the system
will apply braking to the slipping drive wheel(s) ,
giving the non-slipping wheel(s) more traction.
Slip indicator light for models
with VDC (if so equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
2-16Instruments and controls
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3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system keys
(if so equipped)................................3-2
Doors............................................3-3
Locking with key................................3-3
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-4
Locking with power door lock switch
(if so equipped)................................3-4
Child safety rear door lock.......................3-5
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped).........3-5
How to use remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Hood............................................3-8Lift gate..........................................3-9
Fuel-filler door....................................3-9
Opening the fuel-filler lid........................3-9
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-10
Steering wheel...................................3-11
Tilt operation..................................3-11
Sun visors.......................................3-11
Vanity mirrors.................................3-12
Mirrors..........................................3-12
Rearview mirror...............................3-12
Outside mirrors...............................3-13
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WARNING
cAlways be sure the lift gate has been
closed securely to prevent it from open-
ing while driving.
cDo not drive with the lift gate open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
cMake sure that all passengers have
their hands, etc., inside the vehicle be-
fore closing the lift gate.
The power door lock system allows you to lock or
unlock all doors including the lift gate simulta-
neously.
To open the lift gate, pull up on the handle.
To close, lower and push the lift gate down se-
curely.
OPENING THE FUEL-FILLER LID
Push the lid to open.
LPD0322LPD0303
LIFT GATEFUEL-FILLER DOOR
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
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FUEL-FILLER CAP
The fuel-filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to remove. To tighten, turn
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
Put the fuel-filler cap on the cap holder
s1while
refueling.
WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
cFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap a third of a turn, and wait for any
“hissing” sound to stop to prevent fuel
from spraying out and possibly causing
personal injury. Then remove the cap.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
cUse only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator light to come on.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.cDo not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
LPD0323
3-10Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
cTighten until the fuel-filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator light (MIL) to illumi-
nate. If the
light illuminates be-
cause the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle.
The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator light (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.TILT OPERATION
Pull the lock lever forward and hold it to adjust the
steering wheel up or down to the desired posi-
tion.
Release the lock lever to lock the steering wheel
in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.s1To block glare from the front, swing down the
main sun visor.
s2To block glare from the side, remove the
main sun visor from the center mount and
swing the visor to the side.
LPD0304
WPD0315
STEERING WHEEL SUN VISORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-11
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Driving safety precautions.......................5-6
Ignition switch.....................................5-7
Automatic transmission..........................5-7
Manual transmission............................5-8
Key positions..................................5-9
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped)................................5-9
Before starting the engine..........................5-9
Starting the engine...............................5-10
Driving the vehicle................................5-11
Automatic transmission.........................5-11
Manual transmission...........................5-14
Parking brake....................................5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-17
Precautions on cruise control...................5-17Cruise control operations.......................5-18
Break-in schedule................................5-19
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-19
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-20
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-25
Parking/parking on hills............................5-27
Power steering...................................5-28
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)...................5-29
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-30
Hill descent control (HDC) system (if so equipped) . . . 5-32
Hill start assist (HSA) system (if so equipped).......5-32
Cold weather driving..............................5-33
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-33
Anti-freeze....................................5-33
Battery.......................................5-33
Draining of coolant water.......................5-33
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CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep 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 driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly un-
derinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information:
cThis system does not monitor the tire pres-
sure of the spare tire.
cThe low tire pressure warning system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (26 km/h) . Also, this
system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving) .
Starting and driving5-3
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