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.................................2-22
Vehicle security system.........................2-22
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-24
Switch operation..............................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switch..............2-25
Rear window defroster switch......................2-25Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-26
Headlight control switch........................2-26
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-27
Instrument brightness control...................2-28
Turn signal switch.............................2-28
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-28
Off road lamps switch (if so equipped)...........2-29
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-29
Horn............................................2-30
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch.........2-30
Hill descent control switch (if so equipped)..........2-31
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped)............................2-32
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-33
Power outlet.....................................2-33
Storage.........................................2-35
Storage trays.................................2-35
Console box..................................2-36
Glove box....................................2-36
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-36
Map pockets..................................2-37
Seat pockets (if so equipped)...................2-37
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/10/08Ðdebbie
X
Your vehicle may have two types of security sys-
tems:
cVehicle security system
cNISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the doors
when the system is armed. It is not, however, a
motion detection type system that activates when
a vehicle is moved or when a vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior or
exterior vehicle components in all situations. Al-ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your keys in the ignition,
and always lock the vehicle when unattended. Be
aware of your surroundings, and park in secure,
well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors. Lock all doors. The doors
can be locked with the key, power door lock
switch (if the door is opened, locked and
then closed) , or with the keyfob.
Keyfob operation:
cPush the
button on the keyfob.
All doors lock. The hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once to indicate
all doors are locked.cWhen the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep. Refer to
“Silencing the horn beep feature” in the
“Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion later in this manual.
4. Confirm that the
indicator light comes
on. The
light stays on for about 30
seconds. The vehicle security system is now
pre-armed. After about 30 seconds the ve-
hicle security system automatically shifts
into the armed phase. The
light begins
to flash once every 3 seconds. If, during the
30-second pre-arm time period, the driver’s
door is unlocked by the key or the keyfob, or
the ignition switch is placed in ACC or ON
position, the system will not arm.
cIf the key is turned slowly when locking
the driver’s door, the system may not
arm. Furthermore, if the key is turned
beyond the vertical position toward the
unlock position to remove the key, the
system may be disarmed when the key
is removed. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
LIC0372
SECURITY SYSTEMS
2-22Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
cEven when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
arm with all doors closed and locked
with the ignition switch placed in the
OFF position.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
the driver’s door with the key or by pressing
the
button on the keyfob.
The alarm is activated by:
copening a door without using the key or
keyfob (even if the door is unlocked by using
the inside lock knob or the power door lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door with the key or by pressing the
button
on the keyfob.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.Statement related to Section 15 of FCC
Rules for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT ASSY — IMMOBILIZER, ANT
ASSY — IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Instruments and controls2-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
Security indicator light
The security indicator light blinks whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position. This function indicates the NISSAN Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, the light will remain on while the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have when visiting
your NISSAN dealer for service.
SWITCH OPERATION
The windshield wiper and washer operates when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
s1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation
can be adjusted by turning the knob toward
sA(Slower) orsB(Faster) .
s2Low (LO) — continuous low speed operation
s3High (HI) — continuous high speed opera-
tion
Push the lever up
s4to have one sweep opera-
tion (MIST) of the wiper.Pull the lever toward you
s5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty.
c
Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol based
washer fluid concentrates may perma-
nently stain the grille if spilled while fill-
ing the window washer reservoir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.
LIC0474WIC0843
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
2-24Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system keys..........3-2
Doors............................................3-3
Locking with key................................3-3
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-4
Locking with power door lock switch.............3-4
Automatic Door Locks..........................3-4
Child safety rear door lock.......................3-5
Remote keyless entry system.......................3-5
How to use remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Hood............................................3-8
Lift gate..........................................3-9Fuel-filler door...................................3-10
Opening the fuel-filler lid.......................3-10
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-10
Steering wheel...................................3-11
Tilt operation..................................3-11
Sun visors.......................................3-12
Vanity mirrors (if so equipped)...................3-12
Mirrors..........................................3-13
Rearview mirror...............................3-13
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped)...............................3-13
Outside mirrors...............................3-14
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
1. Two master keys (black) with transpon-
der chip and chrome NISSAN brand
symbol on one side
2. Valet key (black) with transponder chip
3. Key number plate
4. Transponder chip
A key number plate is supplied with your keys.
Record the key number and keep it in a safe place
(such as your wallet) , not in the vehicle. If you lose
your keys, see a NISSAN dealer for duplicates by
using the key number. NISSAN does not record
key numbers so it is very important to keep track
of your key number plate.A key number is only necessary when you have
lost all keys and do not have one to duplicate
from. If you still have a key, your NISSAN dealer
can duplicate it.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM KEYS
You can only drive your vehicle using the master
or valet keys which are registered to the NISSAN
Vehicle Immobilizer System components in your
vehicle. These keys have a transponder chip in
the key head.
The master key can be used for all the locks.
To protect belongings when you leave a key with
someone, give them the valet key only.
Never leave these keys in the vehicle.
Additional or replacement keys:
If you still have a key, the key number is not
necessary when you need extra NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System keys. Your dealer can dupli-
cate your existing key. As many as five NISSAN
Vehicle Immobilizer System keys can be used
with one vehicle. You should bring all NISSAN
Vehicle Immobilizer System keys that you have to
your NISSAN dealer for registration. This is be-
cause the registration process will erase the
memory of all key codes previously registered
into the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System.After the registration process, these components
will only recognize keys coded into the NISSAN
Vehicle Immobilizer System during registration.
Any key that is not given to your dealer at the time
of registration will no longer be able to start your
vehicle.
Do not allow the immobilizer system key, which
contains an electrical transponder, to come into
contact with salt water. This could affect system
function.
WPD0128
KEYS
3-2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-6
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Driving safety precautions.......................5-7
Ignition switch.....................................5-9
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Manual transmission...........................5-11
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-12
Starting the engine...............................5-12
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Automatic transmission.........................5-13
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-17
Parking brake....................................5-19
Cruise control....................................5-20Precautions on cruise control...................5-20
Cruise control operations.......................5-20
Break-in schedule................................5-21
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-22
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-23
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-30
Parking/parking on hills............................5-31
Power steering...................................5-32
Brake system....................................5-32
Brake precautions.............................5-32
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-33
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-34
Hill descent control system (if so equipped).........5-36
Hill start assist system (if so equipped)..............5-36
Cold weather driving..............................5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-37
Anti-freeze....................................5-37
Battery.......................................5-37
Draining of coolant water.......................5-37
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion switch to LOCK position from the ACC or
ON position, turn the ignition switch to OFF, push
the key in, then turn the ignition switch to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. Remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.
WSD0052
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Xterra(xtr)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/21/08Ðdebbie
X