2012 NISSAN XTERRA service indicator

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

If a compact disc is playing when the RADIO
button is pushed, the compact disc will automati-
cally be turned off and the last radio station
played will come on.
The FM stereo indicator ST will glow during FM
stereo reception. When the stereo broadcast
signal is weak, the radio will automatically change
from stereo to monaural reception.
CAT FOLDER (tuning)button:
To manually tune the radio, press the CAT
FOLDER button
oror turn the tun-
ing knob to right or left.
To move quickly through the channels, press and
hold either the
orbutton down for
more than 1.5 seconds.
SEEK/TRACK tuning
button:
Press the SEEK/TRACK button
orfor less than 1.5 seconds to tune from high to low
or low to high frequencies and stop at the next
broadcasting station.
To seek quickly through the channels, press and
hold the SEEK/TRACK button for more than 1.5 seconds. When the button is released the radio
will seek to the next broadcasting station.
SCAN RPT tuning:
Press the SCAN RPT button for more than 1.5
seconds to stop at each broadcasting station
(AM, FM or SAT if so equipped) for 5 seconds.
Pressing the button again during this 5 second
period will stop scan tuning and the radio will
remain tuned to that station. If the SCAN RPT
button is not pressed within 5 seconds, scan
tuning moves to the next station.
PRESET A·B·C (Station memory opera-
tions):
18 stations can be set for the FM, AM and SAT
(satellite, if so equipped) radio to the A, B and C
preset button in any combination of FM, AM or
SAT stations.
1. Choose preset bank A, B or C using the PRESET A·B·C select button.
2. Select the desired FM, AM or SAT station band.
3. Tune to the desired station using manual, SEEK or SCAN tuning. Press and hold any
of the desired station memory buttons (1 –
6) until a beep sound is heard. 4. The channel indicator will then come on and
the sound will resume. Programming is now
complete.
5. Other buttons can be set in the same man- ner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the fuse
opens, the radio memory will be canceled. In that
case, reset the desired stations.
Radio data system (RDS):
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a data
information service transmitted by some radio
stations on the FM band (not AM band) . Cur-
rently, most RDS stations are in large cities, but
many stations are now considering broadcasting
RDS data.
RDS can display: ● Station call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
● Station name, such as “The Groove”.
● Music or programming type such as “Clas-
sical”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
● Artist and song information.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
RDS icon is displayed.
4-32Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

Wheel nut tightening torque:98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
● After rotating the tires, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
● Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
● Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced. ●
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
● Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
● Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
WDI0259
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. ● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently. ●
If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Technical and consumer information9-27

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

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