2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped)...................2-5
Tachometer....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Fuel gauge....................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge.......................2-8
Voltmeter......................................2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-9
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-10
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-18
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-18
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-18
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system
(if so equipped)...............................2-20
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-21
Switch operation..............................2-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-22
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-22Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-23
Headlight control switch........................2-23
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-24
Instrument brightness control...................2-24
Turn signal switch.............................2-25
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-25
Horn............................................2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch............2-26
Hill descent control (HDC) switch (if so equipped) . . . 2-27
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-28
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Power outlet.....................................2-29
Storage.........................................2-31
Storage trays.................................2-31
Console box..................................2-32
Glove box....................................2-32
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-32
Map pockets..................................2-33
Seat pockets..................................2-33
Cup holders..................................2-34
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-26)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-11)
16. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-20)
17. Climate controls (P. 4-2)
18. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-25)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-7)
20. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-11)
21. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-29)
22. Power outside mirror controls
(if so equipped) (P. 3-13)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Voltmeter6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer/Trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
7. Engine oil pressure gauge
8. Engine coolant temperature gauge
WIC0911
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION
cThis gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.)
cIf the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
VOLTMETER
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the voltmeter indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, it indicates the gen-
erator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volts drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the normal
range (11 – 15 volts)
s1while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
LIC0741WIC0913
2-8Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
orAnti-lock brake warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightHill descent control (HDC) system on indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warn-
ing light (if so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (automatic trans-
mission models only)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator lightSecurity indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Slip indicator light for models with ABLS (if so
equipped)
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Slip indicator light for models with VDC (if so
equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system on indicator light (if so equipped)Transfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
4WD warning light (model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle dynamic control off indicator light
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the automatic transmission selector lever is
in the P (Park) position, the transmission will
disengage and the drive wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and
perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
cDo not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely. Refer to “Variable
voltage control system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section later
in this manual.
cDo not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
Instruments and controls2-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (
model)
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 engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. See “4WD warning light” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
CAUTION
cIf the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic
transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the transmission se-
lector lever to the N position with the
brake pedal depressed and shift the
4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans-
mission models, stop the vehicle and
shift the transmission shift lever to
the N position with the clutch pedal
depressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
cIf the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label
to turn the light OFF.
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
07/29/05Ðdebbie
X
Installing the spare tire
The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be-
tween the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten
the wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly as illustrated until
they are tight.4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated. Lower the ve-
hicle completely.
WARNING
cIncorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
cDo not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
Retighten the wheel nuts after the vehicle
has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km)
(also in cases of a flat tire, etc.) . As soon as
possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the
specified torque with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication interval.
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.COLD pressure: After vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label affixed to
the driver side center pillar.
5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip-
ment in the vehicle.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
cThe spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions un-
der the heading “Wheels and tires” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
WCE0063
In case of emergency6-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
08/01/05Ðdebbie
X
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
cThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by towing
it. When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading and
the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine
coolant temperature high indicator light) , or if you
feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
08/01/05Ðdebbie
X