2012 NISSAN XTERRA key

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 ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
5-speed automatic transmission fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16Drive belt
........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-26
Keyfob ....................................... 8-26
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior

and interior lights ....................... 8-29
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39

CAUTION
●Do not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
● Use electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator. The current sensor
Ais located near the battery
along the negative battery cable. If you add elec-
trical accessories to your vehicle, be sure to
ground them to a suitable body ground such as
the frame or engine block area.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Automatic belt tensioner
3. Cooling fan
4. Air conditioner compressor
5. Crankshaft pulley
6. Generator
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive belt.
The engine could rotate unexpectedly.
LDI0454WDI0639
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEM DRIVE BELT
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to swallow
the battery or removed parts.
KEYFOB
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.
LDI2026
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
8-26Maintenance and do-it-yourself

●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. For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. Note: Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with RSS-210 of In-
dustry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, in-
cluding interference that may cause unde-
sired operation of the device.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
CAUTION
●
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
● When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
● DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB WITH BARE
HANDS.
● Use the same number and wattage as
shown in the chart.
● Do not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture and smoke may enter
the headlight body and affect the per-
formance of the headlight.
● Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-27

G
Gascap .....................3-10
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ..........2-8
Fuel gauge ...................2-7
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-6
Trip computer .................2-9
Trip odometer .................2-4
Voltmeter....................2-8
Generalmaintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-37
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth .....4-38
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-31
Headlightandturnsignalswitch........2-27
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-27
Headlights....................8-27
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
Heater operation ............4-4,4-11
Hill descent control switch ...........2-32
Hill descent control system ...........5-36
Hill start assist system ..............5-37
Hood release ...................3-9
Hook Luggage hook ................2-40
Horn .......................2-31 I
Ignition switch ..................5-10
Immobilizer system .........2-24,3-2,5-11
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
In-cabin microfilter ................8-18
Increasing fuel economy .............5-22
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-13
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-14
Inside mirror ...................3-13
Instrument brightness control ..........2-29
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-29
Interiorlight....................2-47
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-28
J
Jump starting ...................6-9
K
Key.........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-26
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-5
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12C.M.V.S.S. certification label
........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-11
Engine serial number ............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-58
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-28
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Liftgate ......................3-9
Light Airbagwarninglight.........1-59, 2-18
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-29
Bulb

check/instrument panel ........2-14
Bulbreplacement..............8-29
Charge warning light ............2-15
Fog light switch ...............2-30
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-27
Headlight control switch ..........2-27
Headlights..................8-27
Interiorlight..................2-47
Lightbulbs..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-16
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-18
Off road lamps switch ............2-30
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-53
Security indicator light ............2-21
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-13
Lights Maplights ..................2-48
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
10-3

Door locks...................3-3
Power door locks ...............3-4
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-5,3-10
Lowfuelwarninglight..............2-16
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-16
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-18
Luggage hook ..................2-40
Luggage rack (see roof rack) ..........2-43
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
Luggage storage
(seevehicleloadinginformation)........2-40
M
Maintenance Generalmaintenance.............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Outsidethevehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance ............1-23
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-20
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Maplights ....................2-48
Map pocket ....................2-38
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-29
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-14
Inside mirror .................3-13
Outside mirrors ...............3-14
Vanity mirror .................3-13
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-5 N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-24, 3-2, 5-11
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-5
Odometer .....................2-4
Offroadlampsswitch..............2-30
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engineoil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-6
Outside mirrors .................3-14
Overdrive switch .................5-17
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-11
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-32
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-32
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-31
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free system .....4-38Power
Power door locks ...............3-4
Power outlet .................2-35
Power rear windows .............2-47
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-32
Power windows ...............2-46
Rear power windows ............2-47
Precautions Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-6
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-26,1-32,1-37,1-40
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-13
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................
1-44
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-57
Push starting ...................6-11
R
Radio CarphoneorCBradio...........4-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer ....4-29,4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer....................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch ....4-36
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-31
Rearcenterseatbelt ..............1-19
Rear power windows ..............2-47
10-4

Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-26
Recorders Eventdata..................9-31
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system ...........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-30
Roof rack .....................2-43
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Child seat belts .....1-26,1-32,1-37,1-40
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-30
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Seatback pockets ................2-39
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-24
Infantsandsmallchildren..........1-25
Injured Person ................1-16
Largerchildren................1-25
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-13
Pregnant women ...............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-57
Rear center seat belt ............1-19
Seat belt extenders .............1-23
Seat belt maintenance ............1-23
Seat belts ...................1-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-22
Three-point type with retractor .......1-16
Seatbeltwarninglight..............2-18 Seats
Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Security indicator light ..............2-21
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-24,3-2,5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
Service manual order form ...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner .............4-17
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-14
Manual transmission .............5-18
Shiftlockrelease.................5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-22
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-56
Sparkplugreplacement.............8-17
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-58
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Jump starting .................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-11
Starting the engine .............5-12
Steering Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel ............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-36
Stoplight.....................8-29
Storage......................2-36
Storagebin....................2-40
Storage tray ...................2-36
Sunglassescase.................2-38 Sun visors
....................3-12
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-59, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-58
Precautions

on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-44
Switch Automatic power window switch ......2-47
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch ....2-34
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ................2-33
Fog light switch ...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-31
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-27
Headlight control switch ..........2-27
Hill descent control switch .........2-32
Ignition switch ................5-10
Overdrive switch ...............5-17
Power door lock switch ............3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-27
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-26
Turnsignalswitch..............2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-32
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer ....................2-6
10-5