2012 NISSAN XTERRA service

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.In addition to factory installed options, your ve-
hicle may also be equipped with additional ac-
cessories installed by NISSAN or by your
NISSAN dealer prior to delivery. It is important
that you familiarize yourself with all disclosures,
warnings, cautions and instructions concerning
proper use of such accessories prior to operating
the vehicle and/or accessory. See a NISSAN
dealer for details concerning the particular ac-
cessories with which your vehicle is equipped.
Before driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure famil-
iarity with controls and maintenance require-
ments, assisting you in the safe operation of your
vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
●
NEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
●
ALWAYS give your full attention to driving
and avoid using vehicle features or taking
other actions that could distract you.
●ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Pre-teen
children should be seated in the rear seat.
● ALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
● ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

NISSAN CARES...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or
questions, please contact the NISSAN Con-
sumer Affairs Department using our toll-free
number:
For U.S. customers1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Canadian customers 1-800-387-0122 The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the
following information:
– Your name, address, and telephone number
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the
top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
side)
– Date of purchase
– Current odometer reading
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name
– Your comments or questions
OR You can write to NISSAN with the information at:
For U.S. customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canadian customers Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
or via e-mail at:
For U.S. customers [email protected]
For Canadian customers [email protected]
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the shift selector is in the P (Park) position,
the transmission will disengage and the drive
wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv- ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
●
Do not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely. Refer to “Variable
voltage control system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section later
in this manual.
● Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
Instruments and controls2-15

Security indicator light
The security indicator light blinks whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position. This function indicates the NISSAN Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, the light will remain on while the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have when visiting
your NISSAN dealer for service.
SWITCH OPERATION
The windshield wiper and washer operates when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation
can be adjusted by turning the knob toward
A(Slower) orB(Faster) .
2Low (LO) — continuous low speed operation
3High (HI) — continuous high speed opera-
tion Push the lever up
4to have one sweep opera-
tion (MIST) of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
● Do not operate the washer if the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir is
empty.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol bases washer concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir.LIC0474WIC0843
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-25

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
RADIO
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position and press the PWR (power)/VOL (vol-
ume) knob to turn the radio on. If you listen to the
radio with the engine not running, the ignition
switch should be placed in the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However, there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30 mi
(40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single channel) FM
having slightly more range than stereo FM. Exter-
nal influences may sometimes interfere with FM
station reception even if the FM station is within
25 mi (40 km) . The strength of the FM signal is
directly related to the distance between the
transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a line-
of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same char-
acteristics as light. For example, they will reflect
off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-17

Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position
(usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter) , static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control to reduce treble response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and reflected
signals reach the receiver at the same time. The
signals may cancel each other, resulting in mo-
mentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTION (if so
equipped)
When the satellite radio is used for the first time
or the battery has been replaced, the satellite
radio may not work properly. This is not a mal-
function. Wait more than 10 minutes with satellite
radio ON and the vehicle outside of any metal or
large building for satellite radio to receive all of
the necessary data.
No satellite radio reception is available and “NO
SAT” is displayed when the SAT band option is
selected unless optional satellite receiver and
antenna are installed and an XMsatellite radio
service subscription is active. Satellite radio can
only be installed in vehicles that were factory
pre-wired for satellite radio. Satellite radio is not
available in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
Satellite radio performance may be affected if
cargo carried on the roof blocks the satellite radio
signal.
If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
antenna.
A build up of ice on the satellite radio antenna can
affect satellite radio performance. Remove the
ice to restore satellite radio reception.
AUDIO OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
LHA0099
4-18Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

1. PRESET A·B·C button
2. Display screen
3. DISP/CLOCK button
4. SEEK/TRACK button
5. CD button
6. RADIO button*7. AUX button
8. SCAN RPT button
9. CAT FOLDER button
10.
LOAD button
11. CD insert slot
12.
CD eject button 13. VOL control knob and PWR button
14. Station and CD select (1 – 6) buttons
15. TUNE/TRACK knob and AUDIO button
*No satellite radio reception is available
when the RADIO button is pressed to
access satellite radio stations unless
optional satellite receiver and antenna
are installed and an XM satellite radio
service subscription is active. Satellite
radio can only be installed in vehicles
that were factory pre-wired for satellite
radio. Satellite radio is not available in
Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
FM/AM/SAT RADIO WITH
COMPACT DISC (CD) CHANGER (if
so equipped)
For all operation precautions, see Audio opera-
tion precautions earlier in this section.
No satellite radio reception is available when the
RADIO button is pressed to access satellite radio
stations unless optional satellite receiver and an-
tenna are installed and an XM satellite radio
service subscription is active. Satellite radio can
only be installed in vehicles that were factory
pre-wired for satellite radio. Satellite radio is not
available in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
WHA1172
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-29

●Track number mode displays the number
selected disc and the track that is currently
being played on the disk.
MP3 display mode
To change the text displayed when listening to an
MP3/WMA CD with MP3/WMA text (when CD
with text is being used) , press the DISP button.
The DISP button will scroll through the CD text as
follows: File name ←→Folder title ←→Art-
ist ←→ Disc number ←→Folder number.
To change the default display mode, press the
AUDIO knob repeatedly until DISPLAY MODE
appears on the display, then rotate the knob to
select the following display modes: File name
←→ Folder title ←→Artist ←→Disc number
←→ Folder number.
Once a display mode is selected, press the AU-
DIO knob again to store the setting. ● Folder number mode displays the selected
folder number and the track number that is
currently being played.
● Disc number mode displays the selected
disc number and the track number that is
currently being played.
● Artist mode displays the artist title of the
MP3/WMA file. ●
File name mode displays the track title of the
MP3/WMA file.
● Folder title mode displays the folder name
given to the MP3 folder.
Display satellite radio display mode (if so
equipped)
To change the text displayed when listening to
satellite radio (if so equipped) press the DISP
button. The DISP button will scroll through the
broadcast information as follows: Name ←→
Title ←→ Current display mode.
To change the default display mode press the
AUDIO button to display mode and press the
TUNE button to select the following display
modes: Channel number ←→Channel name
←→ Name ←→Title. Once the display mode is
selected press the AUDIO button again to store
the setting. If the AUDIO button is not pressed
after 8 seconds the display will refresh with the
last selected display mode setting.
● Channel number mode displays the channel
number of the selected satellite radio sta-
tion.
● Channel name mode displays the channel
name of the selected satellite radio station. ●
Name mode displays the name of the artist,
host or weather condition of the selected
satellite radio station.
● Title mode displays the song title, show
name, or temperature of the selected satel-
lite radio station.
FM/AM/SAT radio operation
FM/AM/SAT band select:
Pushing the RADIO button will change the band
as follows:
AM ←→ FM or SAT (satellite, if so equipped)
When the RADIO button is pushed while the
ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position, the
radio will come on at the station last played.
The last station played will also come on when
the PWR/VOL control knob is depressed to ON.
No satellite radio reception is available when the
RADIO button is pressed to access satellite radio
stations unless optional satellite receiver and an-
tenna are installed and an XM satellite radio
service subscription is active. Satellite radio can
only be installed in vehicles that were factory
pre-wired for satellite radio. Satellite radio is not
available in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam. If satellite
radio is not operational then the RADIO button is
used to toggle between AM and FM bands.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-31