2012 NISSAN XTERRA light

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
● Never rely solely on the hill descent
control system to control vehicle speed
when driving on steep downhill grades.
Always drive carefully when using the
hill descent control system and decel-
erate the vehicle speed by depressing
the brake pedal if necessary. Be espe-
cially careful when driving on frozen,
muddy or extremely steep downhill
roads. Failure to control vehicle speed
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury or
death. ●
The hill descent control may not control
the vehicle speed on a hill under all load
or road conditions. Always be prepared
to depress the brake pedal to control
vehicle speed. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
CAUTION
When the hill descent control system op-
erates continuously for a long time, the
temperature of the brake pads may in-
crease and the hill descent control system
may be temporarily disabled (the indicator
light will blink) . If the indicator light does
not come on continuously after blinking,
stop using the system.
The hill descent control system is designed to
reduce driver workload when going down steep
hills. The hill descent control system helps to
control vehicle speed so the driver can concen-
trate on steering the vehicle.
To activate the hill descent control system: ● the 4WD switch must be in the 4L position
and the vehicle speed must be under 15
MPH (25 km/h) or
LIC1548LIC0743
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH (if
so equipped)
2-32Instruments and controls

●the 4WD switch must be in the 4H position
and the vehicle speed must be under 21
MPH (35 km/h) , and
● the hill descent control system switch must
be ON.
The hill descent control system on indicator light
will come on when the system is activated. Also,
the stop/tail lights illuminate while the hill descent
control system applies the brakes to control ve-
hicle speed.
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.
The hill descent control system on indicator light
blinks if the switch is on and all conditions for
system activation are not met or if the system
becomes disengaged for any reason.
To turn off the hill descent control system, push
the switch to the OFF position.
For additional information, see “Hill descent con-
trol system on indicator light” earlier in this sec-
tion and “Hill descent control system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual. 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.
LIC0729
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM
SWITCH (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-33

●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.
WARNING
Pay special attention to your surround-
ings when using the clutch interlock
switch. The vehicle will move forward or
backward according to the gear selected.
The clutch interlock (clutch start) switch allows
for starting the engine without depressing the
clutch pedal. This feature helps you restart the
engine if it stops under difficult conditions. (For
example, the engine stops on a steep hill and a
slight movement forward or backward might be
dangerous.) To use the clutch interlock switch:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the brake pedal with your right foot.
3. Place your left foot on the brake pedal and release the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
5. Press and release the clutch interlock switch. The CANCEL light on the switch will
illuminate.
6. Turn the ignition to the START position to start the engine and, at the same time, de-
press the accelerator pedal with your right
foot. As the vehicle begins to move, take
your left foot off the brake. Once the engine
has started, the clutch interlock switch
CANCEL light shuts off. Do not use the
interlock switch to start the engine under
normal driving conditions.
WIC0817
CLUTCH INTERLOCK (clutch start)
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-34Instruments and controls

The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones.
The power outlet located on the instrument panel
and the power outlet located in the cargo area are
powered directly by the vehicle’s battery.
Open the cap to use a power outlet.CAUTION
●The outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
● Only certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
● Do not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power draw.
Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory. ●
Use power outlets with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
● Avoid using power outlets when the air
conditioner, headlights or rear window
defroster is on.
● Before inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned OFF.
Front row
WIC1420
Center console
LIC0761
Luggage area
LIC0862
POWER OUTLET
Instruments and controls2-35

SUNGLASSES HOLDER (if so
equipped)
To open the sunglasses holder, push and release.
WARNING
●Keep the sunglasses holder closed
while driving to prevent an accident.
CAUTION
● Do not use for anything other than
sunglasses.
● Do not leave sunglasses in the sun-
glasses holder while parking in direct
sunlight. The heat may damage the
sunglasses.
MAP POCKETS
WIC0609LIC0863
2-38Instruments and controls

Rear power window switch
The rear power window switches open or close
only the corresponding windows. To open the
window, push the switch and hold it down
1.To
close the window, pull the switch up
2.
Locking passengers’ windows
When the window lock button is depressed, only
the driver’s side window can be opened or
closed. Push it again to cancel the window lock
function.
Automatic operation
To fully open a window equipped with automatic
operation, press the window switch down to the
second detent and release it; it need not be held.
The window automatically opens all the way. To
stop the window, lift the switch up while the
window is opening. 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 a period of time
unless the ignition switch is in the ON position.
When the switch is in the ON, DOOR or normal
position
2, the interior lights will stay on for
about 30 seconds when:
WIC0874LIC0410
Type A
LIC0792
INTERIOR LIGHTS
Instruments and controls2-47

●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 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 a period
of time while doors are open to prevent the bat-
tery 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. To turn the map lights on, press the switches. To
turn them off, press the switches again.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
Type B
WIC0879LIC0790
MAP LIGHTS
2-48Instruments and controls

The cargo light on the overhead trim has a three-
position switch. To operate, push the switch to
the desired position.
ON: The light is illuminated.
Normal (center) position: The light illuminates
when the lift gate is opened. The light turns off
when the lift gate is closed.
OFF: The light does not illuminate regardless of
door position or lock status.
LIC0590
CARGO LIGHT
Instruments and controls2-49