Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-13
Automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature
warning light (if so
equipped)2-13
Automatic transmis-
sion park warning
light (
model)2-13
or
Brake warning light 2-13
Charge warning
light2-14
Door open warning
light2-14
Warning
lightName Page
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-14
4WD warning light
(
model)2-15
Low fuel warning
light2-15
Low tire pressure
warning light2-15
Low windshield
washer fluid warning
light2-16
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-16
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-17
Indicator
lightName Page
Automatic transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light2-17
Cruise main switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
Cruise set switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
Electronic locking
rear differential (E-
Lock) system on
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-17
4WD shift indicator
light (
model)2-18
Front passenger air
bag status light2-18
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
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
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-9
Compass display...............................2-9
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-12
Checking bulbs...............................2-13
Warning lights................................2-13
Indicator lights................................2-17
Audible reminders.............................2-21
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-21
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-21
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system
(if so equipped)...............................2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-23
Switch operation..............................2-23
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-24Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-25
Headlight control switch........................2-25
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-26
Instrument brightness control...................2-27
Turn signal switch.............................2-27
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-28
Horn............................................2-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Hill descent control switch (if so equipped)..........2-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-30
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-31
Power outlet.....................................2-32
Storage.........................................2-33
Storage trays.................................2-33
Console box..................................2-34
Glove box....................................2-35
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
14. Electronic locking rear differential
(E-Lock) system switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-30)
Hill descent control switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-29)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-29)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-12)
16. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-21)
17. Climate controls (P. 4-2)
18. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-28)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-8)
20. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-11)
21. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-31)
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 COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running. The
needle should be in the middle of the gauge when
the engine is running.
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.
LIC0741WIC1299
2-8Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightHill descent control system on indicator 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 lightSlip indicator light for VDC
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator lightTransfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system on indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
4WD warning light (model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Vehicle Dynamic Control off indicator light
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
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.
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.
2-14Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
CAUTION
cDo not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
cFor manual transmission models, never
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.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-11
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Clutch fluid...................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Variable Voltage Control System...................8-15Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-21
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment.......................8-23
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-25
Lights...........................................8-26
Headlights....................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-28
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-36
Tire chains....................................8-37
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/26/07Ðdebbie
X