2014 NISSAN XTERRA steering wheel

●Attach recovery devices only to main
structural members of the vehicle or the
recovery hooks (if so equipped) .
● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow
or free a stuck vehicle.
● Only use devices specifically designed
for vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
● Always pull the recovery device straight
out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle.
● Route recovery devices so they do not
touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed specifi-
cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
● Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control Sys- tem.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
● Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) (automatic transmission
models) or 1st (low) and R (Reverse)
(manual transmission models) . ●
Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D (automatic
transmission models) or 1st and R
(manual transmission models) .
● Do not spin the tires above 35 mph
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15

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 .................................... 8-12
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
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16Spark plugs
...................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-26
Keyfob ....................................... 8-27
Lights ........................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................... 8-28
Exterior

and interior lights ....................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................... 8-36
Types of tires .................................. 8-39
Tire chains .................................... 8-40
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-40

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal
tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift lever in the P
(Park) position without applying any brakes. Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head
restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

●Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving. ●
Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
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 lever 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.
9-26Technical and consumer information

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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described earlier in this section. ●
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Downshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
Technical and consumer information9-27

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-17A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-34
Active Head Restraint ..............1-4
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-45
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-52
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-59
Airbagwarninglight...........1-60,2-19
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-16
Air conditioner service ...........4-21
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ....4-14
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-21
Airflowcharts..................4-17
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-30
Antenna.....................4-57
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-33
Audible reminders ...............2-23
Audio system ..................4-21
Bluetooth®audio..............4-53 Compact disc (CD) player . .4-31, 4-36, 4-42
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-29
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-34,4-39
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-48,4-50
Audio system Radio ....................4-21
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-56
USB interface ............4-44,4-46
Autolight switch .................2-29
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-4
AUXjack..............4-32,4-37,4-44
B
Battery ......................8-14
Charge warning light ............2-16
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-39
Bluetooth®audio................4-53
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system ..................4-59,4-73 Boosterseats..................1-41
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-33
Brakefluid..................8-12
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-30
Brake system ................5-32
Brake warning light .............2-16
Brake wear indicators ........2-23,8-22
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-inschedule ...............5-21
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-7
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-15
Bulbreplacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargolight ...................2-51
Cargonet....................2-44
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Car phone or CB radio .............4-58
CD care and cleaning .............4-55
CD

player (See audio system) . .4-31, 4-36, 4-42
Check tire press .................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24,1-25,1-26,1-28
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-26,1-33,1-37,1-41

Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-30
Child safety rear door lock ............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-23
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock.......................4-30 (models without navigation system) ....4-30
Clockset.....................4-30
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-13
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch ......2-36
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-38
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-31,4-36,4-42
Compass display .................2-10
Consolebox...................2-39
Control panel buttons ...............4-2
Brightness/contrast button ..........4-7
Enterbutton..................4-2
Setting button .................4-5
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......4-56
Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-14
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruisecontrol..................5-20
Cupholders...................2-41
Curtainside-impactandrolloverairbag....1-57 D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-30
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-28
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-30
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-16
Drive belt .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-38
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Driving with manual transmission ......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-23
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ..................2-35
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-30
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Block heater .................5-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-10 Changing engine oil filter
..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
Engine oil viscosity ..............
9-6
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-8
Enterbutton....................4-2
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-32
Exhaustgas(Carbonmonoxide).........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-25
F
First aid kit .....................6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutchfluid..................8-13
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
10-2

On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-26,1-33,1-37,1-41
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-13
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-45
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-58
Programmable features ..............4-5
Push starting ...................6-11
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-58
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-29
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-34,4-39
Steering wheel audio control switch ....4-56
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-31
Rearcenterseatbelt ..............1-19
Rear power windows ..............2-49
RearViewMonitor.................4-8
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-28
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-27
Recorders Eventdata..................9-32
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system ...........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-30Roof rack
.....................2-45
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Childseatbelts.....1-26,1-33,1-37,1-41
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-30
Seat adjustment Frontmanualseatadjustment ........1-2
Seatback pockets ................2-40
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-24
Infants and small children ..........1-25
Injured Person ................1-16
Largerchildren................1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-13
Pregnant women ...............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-58
Rear center seat belt ............1-19
Seatbeltextenders .............1-23
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-23
Seatbelts...................1-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-22
Three-point type with retractor .......1-16
Seat belt warning light ..............2-19
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.................2-32
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Security indicator light ..............2-22
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-25,3-2,5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22 Service manual order form
...........9-32
Servicing air conditioner .............4-21
Setting button ...................4-5
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) . . .1-57
Spark plug replacement .............8-16
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-59
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 ......4-56
Stoplight.....................8-30
Storage......................2-38
Storagebin....................2-42
Storage tray ...................2-38
Sunglasses case .................2-39
Sun visors ....................3-13
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-59
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-60, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-52
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-59
10-5