2008 NISSAN XTERRA brake light

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 battery 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
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. A NISSAN 7–pin
tow harness kit is available from your dealer. If
your trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec-
tor, an adapter will be needed to connect the
trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available
at auto parts stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
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cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See9Automatic transmission
park warning light9in the9Instruments and
controls9section and9Using four wheel
drive9in the9Starting and driving9section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st gear
when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) or
2nd gear when driving above 58 MPH (93
km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
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cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-32
Active Head Restraint..............1-5
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-42
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-50
Air bag warning labels.............1-57
Air bag warning light...........1-57, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-21
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-27
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-31
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Radio....................4-10
Audio System
Settings...................4-21
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-25
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-36
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-28Booster seats..................1-37
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-31
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake system................5-30
Brake warning light.............2-13
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Brakes......................8-21
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-27
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-27
Cargo light...................2-47
Cargo net....................2-40
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-23
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-22, 1-24
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Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-31
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Console box...................2-34
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-26
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-36
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-54
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-26
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-25Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-27
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belt....................8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-35
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-15
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-27
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-30
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-28
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-36
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-14
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-30
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-28
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-28
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
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Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-9
Fuses......................8-21
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Gascap......................3-9
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-35
H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . . .4-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-28
Head restraints..................1-4
Active Head Restraint............1-5
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-25
Headlight control switch............2-25
Headlights....................8-26
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4Hill descent control switch...........2-29
Hill descent control system..........5-34
Hill start assist system.............5-34
Hood release...................3-8
Hook
Luggage hook................2-38
Horn.......................2-29
I
Ignition switch..................5-8
Immobilizer system.........2-22, 3-2, 5-10
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders)...............2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-13
Inside mirror...................3-12
Instrument brightness control.........2-27
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-27
Interior light...................2-45
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-24
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-57
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Lift gate......................3-9
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-57, 2-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-13
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-28
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-25
Headlight control switch..........2-25
Headlights..................8-26
Interior light.................2-45
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-16
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-51
Security indicator light...........2-19
10-3
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Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-12
Lights
Map lights..................2-46
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Power door locks...............3-4
Low fuel warning light.............2-15
Low tire pressure warning light........2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-16
Luggage hook..................2-38
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-41
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-38
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-21
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-18
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-46
Map pocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-27
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-13
Inside mirror.................3-12Outside mirrors...............3-13
Vanity mirror.................3-12
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-22, 3-2, 5-10
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-13
Overdrive switch................5-15
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-31
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-31P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-29
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-28
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-32
Power rear windows............2-45
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-30
Power windows...............2-44
Rear power windows............2-45
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-42
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-55
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-27
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
10-4
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FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-29
Rear center seat belt..............1-17
Rear power windows..............2-45
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-25
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-24
Recorders
Event data..................9-30
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-29
Roof rack....................2-41
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts........1-22, 1-31, 1-37
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-29
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
Infants and small children.........1-13
Injured Person................1-14
Larger children...............1-13
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Pregnant women..............1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-55
Rear center seat belt............1-17Seat belt extenders.............1-21
Seat belt maintenance...........1-21
Seat belts..................1-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-20
Three-point type with retractor.......1-14
Seat belt warning light.............2-16
Seatback pockets................2-36
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-22, 3-2, 5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-31
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-20
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-54
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-57
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-11
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-30Tilting steering wheel............3-11
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-26
Stop light....................8-28
Storage.....................2-33
Storage bin...................2-38
Storage tray...................2-33
Sun visors....................3-11
Sunglasses case................2-35
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-57
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-57, 2-17
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-57
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-42
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-42
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-31
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-30
Fog light switch...............2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-28
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-25
Headlight control switch..........2-25
Hill descent control switch.........2-29
Ignition switch................5-8
Overdrive switch..............5-15
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-25
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-24
Turn signal switch..............2-27
10-5
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