2010 NISSAN XTERRA ABS

Warninglight Name Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light 2-13
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 2-14
Charge warning
light
2-14
Warning
light Name Page
Door open warning
light 2-14
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-14
4WD warning light
(
model)2-15
Low fuel warning
light 2-15
Low tire pressure
warning light2-15
Low windshield-
washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)2-17
Seat belt warning
light and chime
2-17
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-17
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light (A/T models
only) 2-17
Cruise main switch
indicator light
2-17
Cruise set switch
indicator light2-18
Electronic locking
rear differential (E-
Lock) system on
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-18
4WD shift indicator
light (
model)
2-18
Front passenger air
bag status light
2-18
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9

Front-seat Active Head Restraints
The Active Head Restraint moves forward utiliz-
ing the force that the seatback receives from the
occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement
of the head restraint helps support the occu-
pant’s head by reducing its backward movement
and helping absorb some of the forces that may
lead to whiplash-type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original position.Adjust the Active Head Restraints properly as
described in this section.
ADJUSTABLE HEADREST (if so
equipped)
WARNING
The adjustable headrests supplement the
other vehicle safety systems. They may
provide additional protection against in-
jury in certain rear end collisions. Adjust
the headrests properly, as specified in this
section. Check the adjustment after
someone else uses the seat. Do not attach
anything to the adjustable headrest stalks
or remove the adjustable headrests. Do
not use the seat if the adjustable head-
rests have been removed. If the headrest
was removed, reinstall and properly adjust
the headrest before an occupant uses the
seating position. Failure to follow these
instructions can reduce the effectiveness
of the adjustable headrests. This may in-
crease the risk of serious injury or death in
a collision.
The illustration shows the seating positions
equipped with adjustable headrests. All of the
headrests are adjustable.

Indicates the seating position is equipped with
an adjustable headrest.
+ Indicates the seating position is not equipped
with a head restraint or adjustable headrest.
SPA1025LRS0901
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-7

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)Hill descent control system on indicator light
(if so equipped)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning
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 (A/T models only)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models only)Security indicator light
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator lightSlip indicator light
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

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,,,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational. If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD, 4H
or 4LO could result in the vehicle mov-
ing unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
● Shift the 4WD switch into the 2WD, 4H
or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the shift selector is
in the P position and the ATP warning
light is ON. (Before shifting the 4WD
switch into the 4LO position, move the
shift selector into the N position once,
shift the shift selector into P again and
make sure the ATP warning light is
OFF.)
Instruments and controls2-13

The Electronic Locking Rear Differential (E-Lock)
system can help provide added traction if the
vehicle is stuck or becoming stuck.
To activate the E-Lock system:● the 4WD switch must be in the 4LO position
(4-wheel drive vehicles) ,
● the vehicle must be stopped or moving at 4
mph (7 km/h) or less, and
● the E-Lock system switch must be turned
ON.
When the E-Lock switch is turned ON, the indi-
cator light will flash until the system engages.
However, if all operation conditions listed above are not met or the system becomes disengaged,
the indicator light will continue to flash.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled
and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock
system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.
See “Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system” in the “Starting and Driving” section for
further explanation and system limitations.
WARNING
●
Never leave the E-Lock system ON
when driving on paved or hard-surfaced
roads. Turning the vehicle may result in
the rear wheels slipping and result in an
accident and personal injury. After us-
ing the E-Lock system to free the ve-
hicle, turn the system OFF. ●
Use the E-Lock system only when free-
ing a stuck vehicle. Try the 4LO position
before using the E-Lock system. Never
use the E-Lock system on a slippery
road surface such as snow or ice sur-
face. Using the E-Lock system when
driving in these road conditions may
cause unexpected movement of the ve-
hicle during engine braking, accelerat-
ing or turning, which may result in an
accident and serious personal injury.
CAUTION
●After using the E-Lock system, turn the
switch OFF to prevent possible damage
to driveline components from extended
use.
● Do not drive over 12 MPH (20 km/h)
when the system is engaged. Doing so
could result in possible damage to the
driveline.
● Do not turn on the E-lock system while
the tires are spinning. Doing so could
damage drivetrain components.LIC0729
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-32Instruments and controls

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover ....................5-5
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Driving safety precautions .......................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-9
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-10
Key positions ................................. 5-10
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-11
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-12
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-12
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-16
Parking brake .................................... 5-18
Cruise control .................................... 5-18
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-18Cruise control operations
.......................5-19
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-20
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-20
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-21
Transfer case shifting procedures . . . ............5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-27
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-29
Power steering ................................... 5-30
Brake system .................................... 5-30
Brake precautions ............................. 5-30
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-31
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-32
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-34
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-35
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-35
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-35
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-35
Battery ....................................... 5-35
Draining of coolant water .......................5-36
Tire equipment ................................ 5-36

●When the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be especially
careful when driving. If corresponding
parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD
mode will not be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is shifted.
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift selector to
the N position with the brake pedal
depressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD. – in the 4LO position for manual trans-
mission vehicles, stop the vehicle
and shift the shift selector to the N
position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
● The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking. The E-Lock system can provide additional trac-
tion and should only be used when a vehicle has
become or is becoming stuck. This system oper-
ates by electronically “locking” the two rear drive
wheels together, allowing them to turn at the
same speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when using
the 4LO position (4 wheel drive vehicles) .
When added traction is required, activate the
E-Lock system by pushing the switch ON. See
“Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem switch” in the “Instruments and Controls”
section. Once the system fully engages, the indi-
cator light in the instrument panel will remain ON.
When the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or move to
engage the system, and the system will only
engage up to approximately 4 MPH (7 km/h) .
Once the vehicle is free, the system should be
turned OFF and driving resumed.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled
and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock
system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-27

This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
Starting and driving5-31