2013 NISSAN XTERRA ignition

Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF, the
transfer case is in the 4LO position (
model) , or when the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system is not functioning properly. This indicates
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not oper-
ating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control system is disabled and the
VDC indicator light will not turn off after 2 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. To reset the system, you must perform
the reset procedure. Refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
The VDC system will be disabled and the VDC
light will illuminate when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-lock) system switch (if so
equipped) is turned on and the E-lock system is
engaged. If the E-lock system disengages or the
switch is turned off, the VDC system will be
enabled and the VDC light will turn off.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-23

Your vehicle may have two types of security sys-
tems:● Vehicle security system
● NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the doors
when the system is armed. It is not, however, a
motion detection type system that activates when
a vehicle is moved or when a vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior or
exterior vehicle components in all situations. Al- ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your keys in the ignition,
and always lock the vehicle when unattended. Be
aware of your surroundings, and park in secure,
well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.
(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors. Lock all doors. The doors can be locked with the key, power door lock
switch (if the door is opened, locked and
then closed) , or with the keyfob.
Keyfob operation:
● Push the
button on the keyfob.
All doors lock. The hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once to indicate
all doors are locked. ●
When the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep. Refer to
“Silencing the horn beep feature” in the
“Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion later in this manual.
4. Confirm that the
indicator light comes
on. The
light stays on for about
30 seconds. The vehicle security system is
now pre-armed. After about 30 seconds the
vehicle security system automatically shifts
into the armed phase. The
light begins
to flash once every 3 seconds. If, during the
30-second pre-arm time period, the driver’s
door is unlocked by the key or the keyfob, or
the ignition switch is placed in ACC or ON
position, the system will not arm.
● If the key is turned slowly when locking
the driver’s door, the system may not
arm. Furthermore, if the key is turned
beyond the vertical position toward the
unlock position to remove the key, the
system may be disarmed when the key
is removed. If the indicator light fails to
glow for a period of time, unlock the
door once and lock it again.
LIC0372
SECURITY SYSTEMS
2-24Instruments and controls

●Even when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
arm with all doors closed and locked
with the ignition switch placed in the
OFF position.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
● The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
● The alarm automatically turns off after a pe-
riod of time. However, the alarm reactivates if
the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm
can be shut off by unlocking the driver’s door
with the key or by pressing the
button
on the keyfob.
The alarm is activated by: ● opening a door without using the key or
keyfob (even if the door is unlocked by using
the inside lock knob or the power door lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door or the liftgate with the key or by pressing
the
button on the keyfob. The alarm does not stop if the ignition
switch is turned to ACC or ON.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch placed in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. Statement related to Section 15 of FCC
Rules for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT ASSY — IMMOBILIZER, ANT
ASSY — IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Instruments and controls2-25

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
2-26Instruments and controls

●Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water.
The rear window wiper and washer operate when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Turn the switch clockwise from the OFF position
to operate the wiper.
1Intermittent (INT) – intermittent operation
(not adjustable)
2ON – continuous low speed operation
Push the switch forward
3to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the window and ob-
scure your vision. Warm the rear window
with the defroster before you wash the
rear window.
CAUTION
● Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
● 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.
● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water.
WIC0844
REAR WINDOW WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-27

CAUTION
Use the headlights with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
Autolight system (if so equipped)
The autolight system allows the headlights to be
set so they turn on and off automatically. The
autolight system can:● Turn on the headlights, front parking, tail,
license plate and instrument panel lights au-
tomatically when it is dark.
● Turn off all the lights when it is light.
● Keep all the lights on a period of time after
you turn the key to OFF and all doors are
closed. To turn on the autolight system:
1. Turn the headlight switch to the AUTO posi- tion
1.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON.
3. The autolight system automatically turns the headlights on and off.
Initially, if the ignition switch is turned OFF and a
door is opened and left open, the headlights
remain ON for a period of time. If another door is
opened while the headlights are on, then the
timer is reset.
To turn the autolight system off, turn the switch to
the OFF,
,orposition.
Be sure you do not put anything on top of
the autolight sensor located in the top side
of the instrument panel. The autolight sen-
sor controls the autolight; if it is covered,
the autolight sensor reacts as if it is dark
out and the headlights will illuminate. If
this occurs while parked with the engine
off and the key in the ON position, your
vehicle’s battery could become discharged.Type B
LIC0688LIC0561
Instruments and controls2-29

Headlight beam select
1To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come on
and the
light illuminates.
2Pull the lever back to select the low beam.
3Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
Battery saver system
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position
while the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the headlights will turn off after
a period of time. After the headlights automatically turn off with the
headlight switch in the
orposition,
the headlights will illuminate again if the headlight
switch is moved to the OFF position and then
turned to the
orposition.
CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature au-
tomatically turns off the headlights after a
period of time, you should turn the head-
light switch to the OFF position when the
engine is not running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night. If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
WIC0859
2-30Instruments and controls

●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)
Instruments and controls2-35