2010 NISSAN XTERRA key battery

For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
Transfer 4LO position indicatorlight (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is
set in the 4LO position with the ignition switch in
the ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the shift selector is shifted from the N (Neutral) position to any other
gear when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, follow the
instructions below:
● For automatic transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift selector to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
● For manual transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift selector to the N
(Neutral) position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift selector to the N position with
the brake pedal (AT models) or clutch pedal (MT
models) depressed.
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control OFF
indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF, the
transfer case is in the 4LO position (
model) , or when the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system is not functioning properly. This indicates
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not oper-
ating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control system is disabled and the
VDC indicator light will not turn off after 2 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. To reset the system, you must perform
the reset procedure. Refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
2-20Instruments and controls

The interior lights have a three-position switch
and operate regardless of ignition switch posi-
tion.
When the switch is in the ON position
1, the
interior lights illuminate, regardless of door posi-
tion. The lights will go off after about 30 minutes
unless the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
When the switch is in the ON position
2, the
interior lights will stay on for about 30 seconds
when: ●
The doors are unlocked by the keyfob, a key,
or the power door lock switch while all doors
are closed and the ignition switch is in the
OFF position.
● The driver’s door is opened and then closed
while the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
● The key is removed from the ignition switch
while all doors are closed. The lights will turn off while the 30 second timer is
activated when:
● The driver’s door is locked by the keyfob, a
key, or the power door lock switch.
● The ignition switch is placed in the ON po-
sition.
The lights will turn off automatically after 30 min-
utes while doors are open to prevent the battery
from becoming discharged.
When the switch is in the OFF position
3, the
interior lights do not illuminate, regardless of door
position.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
Type A
LIC0792
Type B
WIC0879
INTERIOR LIGHTS
Instruments and controls2-47

The keyfob will not function when:● the battery is discharged
● the distance between the vehicle and the
keyfob is over 33 ft (10 m)
The panic alarm will not activate when the
key is in the ignition switch.
CAUTION
Listed below are conditions or occur-
rences which will damage the keyfob:
● Do not allow the keyfob, which contains
electrical components, to come into
contact with water or salt water. This
could affect the system function.
● Do not drop the keyfob.
● Do not strike the keyfob sharply against
another object.
● Do not change or modify the keyfob.
● Wetting may damage the keyfob. If the
keyfob gets wet, immediately wipe until
it is completely dry.
● Do not place the keyfob for an extended
period in an area where temperatures
exceed 140°F (60°C) . ●
Do not attach the keyfob with a key
holder that contains a magnet.
● Do not place the keyfob near equip-
ment that produces a magnetic field,
such as a TV, audio equipment and per-
sonal computers.
If a keyfob is lost or stolen, NISSAN rec-
ommends erasing the ID code of that key-
fob. This will prevent the keyfob from un-
authorized use to unlock the vehicle. For
information regarding the erasing proce-
dure, please contact a NISSAN dealer.
HOW TO USE REMOTE KEYLESS
ENTRY SYSTEM
Locking doors
1. Close all windows.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close the hood and all doors.
4. Press the
button on the keyfob. All
the doors lock. The hazard warning lights
flash twice and the horn beeps once to
indicate all doors are locked.
LPD0209
3-6Pre-driving checks and adjustments

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

WARNING
●Never rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle
and possible serious injury or death.
● The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle
to roll backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
● The hill start assist may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill
under all load or road conditions. Al-
ways be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result
in a collision or serious personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
● The shift selector is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill
start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
selector is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level
road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so
equipped) .
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so
equipped) COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-35

WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage to
the charging system and cause personal
injury.1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift se-
lector to N (Neutral) (manual transmission)
or to P (Park) (automatic transmission) .
Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.) .
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped) . Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence il- lustrated (
A,B,C,D).
CAUTION
●Always connect positive () to positive
() and negative () to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en-
gine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, turn the key off and
wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
WCE0066
In case of emergency6-9

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 (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-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 (if so equipped) ..............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 (if so equipped) ........................ 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior andinterior

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

KEYFOB (if so equipped)
Replace the battery in the keyfob as follows:
1Open the lid using a coinA.
2Remove the batteryB.
3Install a new batteryCwith the “+” facing
down.
● Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the
battery across the contact points will seri-
ously deplete the storage capacity. ●
Do not touch the internal circuit and electric
terminals as it could cause a malfunction.
● When changing the battery, do not let dust
or oil get on the keyfob.
● There is danger of explosion if a lithium bat-
tery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type.
Recommended battery: CR2025 or equivalent.
4Close the lid securely.
5. Press the
button, then thebutton two or three times to check the key-
fob operation.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 5. ● An improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
● The keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
● The operational range of the keyfob
extends to approximately 33 ft (10 m)
from the vehicle. This range may vary
with conditions.
LDI0484
8-26Maintenance and do-it-yourself