2009 NISSAN XTERRA service indicator

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 shift selector 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 switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed 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 ve-
hicle 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 switch is
placed 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.
2-14Instruments and controls
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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
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cName mode displays the name of the artist,
host or weather condition of the selected
satellite radio station.
cTitle mode displays the song title, show
name, or temperature of the selected satel-
lite radio station.
FM/AM/SAT radio operation
FM/AM/SAT band select:
Pushing the RADIO button will change the band
as follows:
AMÃ!FM or SAT (satellite, if so equipped)
When the RADIO button is pushed while the
ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position, the
radio will come on at the station last played.
The last station played will also come on when
the PWR/VOL control knob is depressed to ON.
No satellite radio reception is available when the
RADIO button is pressed to access satellite radio
stations unless optional satellite receiver and an-
tenna are installed and an XMTsatellite radio
service subscription is active. Satellite radio can
only be installed in vehicles that were factory
pre-wired for satellite radio. Satellite radio is not
available in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam. If satellite
radio is not operational then the RADIO button is
used to toggle between AM and FM bands.If a compact disc is playing when the RADIO
button is pushed, the compact disc will automati-
cally be turned off and the last radio station
played will come on.
The FM stereo indicator ST will glow during FM
stereo reception. When the stereo broadcast
signal is weak, the radio will automatically change
from stereo to monaural reception.CAT FOLDER (tuning)
button:
To manually tune the radio, press the CAT
FOLDER button
oror turn the tun-
ing knob to right or left.
To move quickly through the channels, press and
hold either the
orbutton down for
more than 1.5 seconds.
SEEK/TRACK tuning
button:
Press the SEEK/TRACK button
orfor less than 1.5 seconds to tune from high to low
or low to high frequencies and stop at the next
broadcasting station.
To seek quickly through the channels, press and
hold the SEEK/TRACK button for more than 1.5seconds. When the button is released the radio
will seek to the next broadcasting station.
SCAN RPT tuning:
Press the SCAN RPT button for more than 1.5
seconds to stop at each broadcasting station
(AM, FM or SAT if so equipped) for 5 seconds.
Pressing the button again during this 5 second
period will stop scan tuning and the radio will
remain tuned to that station. If the SCAN RPT
button is not pressed within 5 seconds, scan
tuning moves to the next station.
PRESET A·B·C (Station memory opera-
tions):
18 stations can be set for the FM, AM and SAT
(satellite, if so equipped) radio to the A, B and C
preset button in any combination of FM, AM or
SAT stations.
1. Choose preset bank A, B or C using the
PRESET A·B·C select button.
2. Select the desired FM, AM or SAT station
band.
3. Tune to the desired station using manual,
SEEK or SCAN tuning. Press and hold any
of the desired station memory buttons (1 –
6) until a beep sound is heard.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-33
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4. The channel indicator will then come on and
the sound will resume. Programming is now
complete.
5. Other buttons can be set in the same man-
ner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the fuse
opens, the radio memory will be canceled. In that
case, reset the desired stations.
Radio data system (RDS):
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a data
information service transmitted by some radio
stations on the FM band (not AM band) . Cur-
rently, most RDS stations are in large cities, but
many stations are now considering broadcasting
RDS data.
RDS can display:
cStation call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
cStation name, such as “The Groove”.
cMusic or programming type such as “Clas-
sical”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
cArtist and song information.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
RDS icon is displayed.Compact disc (CD) changer operation
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and insert the compact disc into the slot with the
label side facing up. The compact disc will be
guided automatically into the slot and start play-
ing. To insert the disc, first press the
LOAD
button.
If the radio is already operating, it will automati-
cally turn off and the compact disc will play.
If the system has been turned off while the com-
pact disc was playing, pressing the PWR/VOL
control knob will start the compact disc.
Do not use 3.1 in (8 cm) diameter compact discs
in the CD changer.
LOAD button:
To insert a CD in the CD changer, press the load
button
for less than 1.5 seconds. Select
the loading slot by pressing the CD insert select
button (1 – 6) , then insert the CD.
To insert 6 CDs to the CD changer, press the
load button for more than 1.5 seconds.
The slot numbers (1 – 6) will illuminate on the
display when CDs are loaded into the changer.CD button:
When the CD button is pressed with the system
off and the compact disc loaded, the system will
turn on and the compact disc will start to play.
When the CD button is pressed with the com-
pact disc loaded with the radio playing, the radio
will automatically be turned off and the compact
disc will start to play.
SEEK/TRACK button:
When the
button is pressed for less than
1.5 seconds while a compact disc is playing, the
track being played returns to its beginning. Press
several times to skip back through tracks. The
compact disc will go back the number of times
the button is pressed.
When the
button is pressed for less than
1.5 seconds while the compact disc is playing,
the next track will start to play from its beginning.
Press several times to skip through tracks. The
compact disc will advance the number of times
the button is pressed. (When the last track on the
compact disc is skipped through, the first track
will be played.)
4-34Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
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cDrive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph
(15 km/h) for at least 10 minutes.
cThe VDC OFF indicator light should go off
indicating the traction control system is op-
erational.
cIf you interrupt the reset procedure by turn-
ing the ignition off, you will need to restart
the reset procedure.
If after driving the vehicle for more than 10 min-
utes and theSLIPand
lights remain illumi-
nated in the instrument panel, have the vehicle
dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
If the vehicle is operated with the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system off using the VDC OFF
switch, VDC and Traction Control System (TCS)
functions will be turned off. TheSLIPindicator
will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will
still operate with the VDC system off.
When the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, youmay hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
cThe Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
designed to help maintain traction with
the road service but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
cIf brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system may not operate properly and
the Vehicle Dynamic Control off indica-
tor light may come on.
cDo not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
approved for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system may not operateproperly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
VDC OFF indicator light may come on.
cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system
may not operate properly and the VDC
OFF indicator light may come on. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
cWhen driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the Vehicle Dynamic Control off
indicator light may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
cIf wheels or tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system may not operate
properly and the Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol off indicator light may come on.
cThe Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-35
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Wheel nut tightening torque:
98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
cDo not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
cFor additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
cTires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced.cThe original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
cTires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
cImproper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
cFor additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
WDI0259
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
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.
cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
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) .
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.
Technical and consumer information9-27
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
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, 4-12
Air conditioner service...........4-16
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-9
Servicing air conditioner..........4-16
Air flow charts...............4-6, 4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-22
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-31, 4-34
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-25, 4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-31
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-23, 4-27
Radio....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-37
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-36
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-16
Block heater
Engine....................5-38
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-39
Booster seats..................1-37
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-28
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-38
Cargo light...................2-48
Cargo net....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-31, 4-34
CD player (See audio system).....4-25, 4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints..........1-13, 1-22, 1-24
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
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