2010 NISSAN XTERRA heating

OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 to 4) position and push the
button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator
light on the
button will come on. Push
the
button again to turn off the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center vent.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position. 3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
● To quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to 4 and the
temperature control lever to the full HOT
position.
4-4Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

●When theposition is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36°F
(2°C) . If the system is in defrost mode for
more than one minute, the air conditioning
system will continue to operate until the fan
control dial is turned to OFF or the vehicle is
shut off, even if the air flow control dial is
turned to a position other than the
position. This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The
mode automatically turns off, allowing out-
side air to be drawn into the passenger
compartment to further improve the defog-
ging performance.
Bi-level heating
The bi-level mode directs warmed air to the side
and center vents and to the front and rear floor
outlets.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off. 2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the wind-
shield.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position. ●
When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light on the
button will
not come on) if the outside temperature is
more than 36°F (2°C) . If the air flow control
dial is in the
position for more than
one minute, the air conditioning system will
continue to operate until the fan control dial
is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off,
even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than the
position. This
dehumidifies the air which helps defog the
windshield. The
mode automatically
turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn
into the passenger compartment to further
improve the defogging performance.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
and air inlet in front of the windshield. This
improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position, and push in the
button to
activate the air conditioner. When the air condi-
tioner is on, cooling and dehumidifying functions
are added to the heater operation.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-5

The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify the air.1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
● For quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to
the on position (indicator light on) . Be sure
to return the
button to the off position
for normal cooling.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position. 2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the air flow control dial is in the
orposition, the air conditioner automati-
cally turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . If one of these positions is selected
for more than one minute, the air conditioning
system will continue to operate until the fan con-
trol dial is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off,
even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than these positions. This dehu-
midifies the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowing
outside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Operating tips
●Keep the windows closed while the air con-
ditioner is in operation. ●
After parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
● The air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
● A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air
is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
● If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions for MAXIMUM AND QUICK heating,
cooling or defrosting. For additional information
on heating and cooling, see “Heater and air con-
ditioner” in this section. The air recirculation
(
) button should always be in the OFF
position for heating and defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

— Air flows from center and sidevents.
— Air flows from center and sidevents and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from footoutlets.
— Air flows from defroster out-lets and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from de-froster outlets.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to adjust
the temperature of the outlet air. To lower the
temperature, turn the dial to the left. To increase
the temperature, turn the dial to the right.
Air recirculation button
ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Press the
button to the on position when:
● driving on a dusty road.
● to prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
● for maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner. OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position and push the
button to
turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is operating.
To turn off the air conditioner, push the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window and outside mirror
(if so equipped) defroster switch
For more information about the rear window and
outside mirror (if so equipped) defroster switch,
see “Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-11

4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.
1. Press the defrost/defog button
.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
● To quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to the highest
setting and the temperature control to the
full HOT position. ●
When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light on the
button will
not come on) if the outside temperature is
more than 36°F (2°C) . If in defrost mode for
more than one minute, the air conditioning
system will continue to operate until the fan
control dial is turned to OFF, the vehicle is
shut off, or the A/C button is used to turn off
the compressor even if the air flow control
dial is turned to a position other than
the
position. This dehumidifies the air
which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, al-
lowing outside air to be drawn into the pas-
senger compartment to further improve the
defogging performance.
Bi-level heating
The bi-level mode directs warmed air to the side
and center vents and to the front and rear floor
outlets.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off. 2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the wind-
shield.
1. Press the
air flow control button.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
4-12Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

●After parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
● The air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
● A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air
is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
● If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions for MAXIMUM AND QUICK heating,
cooling or defrosting. For additional information
on heating and cooling, see “Heater and air con-
ditioner” in this section. The air recirculation
(
) button should always be in the OFF
position for heating and defrosting.WHA0916
4-14Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-30Starting and driving

pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.●
ABLS is a form of traction control using
sensors from the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to a wheel with more traction. The
ABLS system applies braking to the slipping
wheel, which helps redirect power to an-
other wheel.
● On 4WD models the ABLS system operates
in both 4H and 4LO modes. If 4WD mode is
engaged, the ABLS system will operate for
both drive axles. On 2WD vehicles, the
ABLS system operates on the drive axle
only.
● The ABLS system is always ON unless the
system detects brake pad overheating. If
high brake pad temperature is detected, it
will turn OFF, but normal brake function will
continue. ABLS will function even when the
VDC system is turned OFF.
WARNING
The ABLS system provides increased trac-
tion, but will not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation or by careless
driving or dangerous driving practices.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces, and always drive
carefully. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to preform the following
functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. See “Us-
ing Four Wheel Drive (4WD)” earlier in this
section.
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-32Starting and driving