Headlight beam select
s1To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come on
and the
light illuminates.
s2Pull the lever back to select the low beam.
s3Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
Battery saver system
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position
while the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the headlights will turn off after
5 minutes.After the headlights automatically turn off with the
headlight switch in the
orposition,
the headlights will illuminate again for 5 minutes if
the headlight switch is moved to the OFF position
and then turned to the
orposition.
CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature au-
tomatically turns off the headlights after a
period of time, you should turn the head-
light switch to the OFF position when the
engine is not running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
WIC0859
Instruments and controls2-27
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/10/08Ðdebbie
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INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight control switch is in the
,
or
position.
Turn the control
sAto adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights when driving at night.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signal
s1Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signals cancel automatically.
Lane change signal
s2To signal a lane change, move the lever up or
down to the point where the indicator light
begins to flash, but the lever does not latch.
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so equipped)
To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight switch
to the
position, then turn the fog light
switch to the
position.
To turn the fog lights off, turn the fog light switch
to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on and the low beams
selected for the fog lights to operate. The fog
lights automatically turn off when the high beam
headlights are selected.
WIC0917WIC0860WIC0861
2-28Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/10/08Ðdebbie
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OFF ROAD LAMPS SWITCH (if so
equipped)
The off road lights are designed to increase vis-
ibility when driving during off road conditions. To
turn on the off road lights:
cThe covers must be removed from the off
road lights.
cThe headlights must be set to the high beam
function.
cPress the off road lamps switch.To turn the off road lights off, press the off road
lamps switch again. If the high beam function of
the headlights is turned off at any time, the off
road lights will turn off as well. If the high beam
function is turned back on, the off road lamps
switch needs to be pressed again with the covers
still removed in order to turn on the off road lights.
The covers should remain on the off road lights
when the lights are not in use.
Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
cIf stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
cDo not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.
cTurn signals do not work when the haz-
ard warning flasher lights are on.
LIC1448LIC0394
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/10/08Ðdebbie
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CAUTION
cThe outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
cOnly certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
cDo not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power draw.
Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory.cUse power outlets with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
cAvoid using power outlets when the air
conditioner, headlights or rear window
defroster is on.
cBefore inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned OFF.cPush the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug may
overheat or the internal temperature
fuse may open.
cWhen not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
outlet.
Center console
LIC0761
Luggage area
LIC0862
2-34Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
Unlocking doors
Push thebutton on the keyfob once.
cOnly the driver’s door unlocks.
cThe hazard warning lights flash once if all
doors are completely closed with the ignition
switch in any position except the ON posi-
tion.
cThe interior lights illuminate for 30 seconds
when the interior light switch is in the normal
operation position.Push the
button on the keyfob again within
5 seconds.
cAll doors unlock.
cThe hazard warning lights flash once if all
doors are completely closed.
The interior lights can be turned off without wait-
ing 30 seconds by inserting the key into the
ignition switch and turning to the ON or START
position, locking the doors with the keyfob or
pushing the interior light switch to the OFF posi-
tion.
Auto relock
When thebutton on the keyfob is pushed,
all doors will lock automatically within one minute
unless one of the following operations is per-
formed:
cAny door is opened.
cA key is inserted into the ignition switch and
the switch is turned from OFF to ON.Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the panic alarm to call attention
by pushing and holding the
button on the
keyfob forlonger than 0.5 seconds.
The panic alarm and headlights will stay on for 25
seconds.
The panic alarm stops when:
cit has run for 25 seconds, or
cany button is pushed on the keyfob.
LPD0210LPD0211
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
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REARVIEW MIRROR
The night positions1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
s2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE
REARVIEW MIRROR (if so equipped)
The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally dims according to the intensity of the head-
lights of the vehicle following you. The automatic
anti-glare feature is activated when the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
NOTE:
Do not hang any objects over the sensors
s1or apply glass cleaner to the sensors.
Doing so will reduce the sensitivity of the
sensors, resulting in improper operation.
The indicator light will illuminate when the auto-
matic anti-glare feature is operating.
WPD0126LPD0446
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
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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.............................8-12
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Clutch fluid...................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-13
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-13
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-15
Variable voltage control system.....................8-15
Drive belt........................................8-16Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-19
Cleaning.....................................8-19
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-22
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
Keyfob.......................................8-26
Lights...........................................8-27
Headlights....................................8-27
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-32
Tire pressure..................................8-32
Tire labeling...................................8-35
Types of tires..................................8-38
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
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