2012 NISSAN XTERRA instrument panel

●The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned ON
while pushing the ACCEL/RES,
COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (located
on the steering wheel) . To properly set the
cruise control system, use the following pro-
cedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:
● When it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
● In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
● On winding or hilly roads.
● On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.) .
● In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control is
set. Should this occur, depress the clutch
pedal and turn the main switch off imme-
diately. Failure to do so may cause engine
damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 - 89 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the main
switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instru-
ment panel comes on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The SET indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.
● To pass another vehicle, depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
set speed. ●
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods.
● Push the CANCEL button; the SET indicator
light in the instrument panel goes out.
● Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light
goes out.
● Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator light and SET indicator light in the
instrument panel go out.
The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if: ● you depress the brake or clutch pedal while
pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET
switch. The preset speed is deleted from
memory.
● the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
● you depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission) , or move the shift selector to N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission) .
Starting and driving5-21

●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 driving5-29

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.
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
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.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
Starting and driving5-33

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 perform 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) The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it can not prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following:
● The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● 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 properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically turns
off when these indicator lights are on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
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, you
may 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
● The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-35

●When additional braking is required on
steep downhill roads activate the hill de-
scent control system by pushing the switch
ON, see “Hill descent control switch” in the
“Instruments and controls” section.
● Once the system is activated the indicator
light will remain on in the instrument panel,
see “Hill descent control system on indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.
If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed
while the hill descent control system is on, the
system will stop operating temporarily. As soon
as the accelerator or brake pedal is released, the
hill descent control system begins to function
again if the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.
For the best results, when descending steep
downhill grades, the hill descent control switch
should be ON and the shift selector in 2 (Second
gear) or 1 (Low gear) for engine braking.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.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-37

A first aid kit is located on the back door trim
panel. To remove the first aid kit:
1Squeeze the latch buttons.
2Pull the two straps apart to unfasten.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and the CHECK
TIRE PRES (pressure) warning message is dis-
played in the odometer, one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS will
activate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure
warning light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . For more details, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section, and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section.
LCE0104
FIRST AID KIT (if so equipped)FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-16A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-34
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-51
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-58
Airbagwarninglight...........1-59,2-18
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation .......4-5,4-12
Air conditioner service ...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-17
Airflowcharts...............4-6,4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-23
Anchor point locations .............1-30
Antenna.....................4-37
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-33
Audible reminders ...............2-22
Audio system ..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer ....4-29,4-33
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-27 FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer
...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-25
Radio ....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-36
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-14
Automatic door locks ..............3-4
AUXjack ....................4-34
B
Battery ......................8-14
Chargewarninglight............2-15
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-39
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-38
Boosterseats..................1-40
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-33
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Brake system ................5-32
Brake warning light .............2-15
Brake wear indicators ........2-22,8-22 Parking brake operation
..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-inschedule ...............5-22
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-29
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-14
Bulbreplacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargolight ...................2-49
Cargonet....................2-42
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-37
CDcareandcleaning .............4-35
CD changer (See audio system) ....4-29,4-33
CD player (See audio system) .........4-27
Check tire press .................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24,1-25,1-26,1-28
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-26,1-32,1-37,1-40
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-30
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-22
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-26
Clutch Clutchfluid.................8-13

Clutchinterlock(clutchstart)switch......2-34
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving ..............5-38
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-27
Console box ...................2-37
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......4-36
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cupholders...................2-39
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag ....1-56
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-28
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-27
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-29
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-15
Drive belt .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-38
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Driving with manual transmission ......5-18
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ..................2-33
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-30
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Block heater .................5-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-16
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-8
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-31
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-25 F
First aid kit .....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-31
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor

mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-13
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-51
Front seats .....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-22
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-10
Fuelgauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel recommendation .............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-5,3-10
Fuses.......................8-22
Fusiblelinks ...................8-24
10-2