Nissan Xterra 2006 Owner's Manual

FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

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 understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle sothat youmay enjoymany miles(kilometers) ofdriving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.

A separate Warranty Information Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” explains details about maintaining and servicing your vehicle. 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.

Before driving your vehicle please read this Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS 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 alcohol or drugs.

● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions.

● ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate 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.

For descriptions specified for four-wheel drive models, a ning of the applicable sections/items.

mark is placed at the begin-

As with other vehicles with features for off-road use, failure to operate four-wheel drive models correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read “Driving safety precautions” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING This vehicle will handle and maneuver

differently from an ordinary passenger car because it has a higher center of gravity for off-road use. As with other vehicles with features of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

Be sure to read “On-pavement and offroad driving precautions”, and “Avoiding collision and rollover”, and “Driving safety precautions”, in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modi-

fication could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.

WHEN READING THE MANUAL

This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle.

All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully.

APD1005

If you see this symbol, it means “Do not do this” or “Do not let this happen.”

If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustration, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced orstored ina retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gardena, California.

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

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 Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:

For U.S. customers

1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)

For Canadian customers

1-800-387-0122

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

The ConsumerAffairs Departmentwill 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 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

Table of

Illustrated table of contents

Contents

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Heater, air conditioner and audio systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Technical and consumer information

Index

0 Illustrated table of contents

Airbags, seat belts and child restraints ...............0-2

Exterior front ......................................0-3

Exterior rear.......................................0-4

Passenger compartment ...........................0-5

Instrument panel...................................0-6

Engine compartment check locations ................0-8

Warning/indicator lights ............................0-9

AIRBAGS, SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS

1. 2nd row seat belts (P. 1-10)

2. Supplemental curtain side-impact and rollover air bags (if so equipped) (P. 1-39)

3. Front seat belts (P. 1-10)

4. Supplemental front impact air bags (P.1-39)

5. Seats (P. 1-2)

6. Occupant classification sensor (pressure sensor) (P.1-48)

7. Seat belt pretensioners (P. 1-52)

8. Supplemental side air bag modules (if so equipped) (P.1-51)

9. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) (P. 1-29)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-2 Illustrated table of contents

WII0055

EXTERIOR FRONT

1. Engine hood (P. 3-8)

2. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P. 2-21)

3. Windshield (P. 8-19)

4. Power windows (P. 2-42)

5. Door locks, keyfob, keys (P. 3-3, 3-5, 3-2)

6. Mirrors (P. 3-12)

7. Tire pressure (P. 8-31)

8. Flat tire (P. 6-2)

9. Tire chains (P. 5-33)

10. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-27)

11. Headlight and turn signal switch (P. 2-23)

12. Fog light switch (P. 2-25)

13. Tow hooks (P.6-11)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

WII0058

Illustrated table of contents 0-3

EXTERIOR REAR

1. Roof rack (P. 2-39)

2. Vehicle loading (P. 9-12)

3. Rear window defrost (P. 2-22)

4. Rear window washer (P.2-22)

5. Lift gate (P. 3-9)

6. Spare tire (P.6-2)

7. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-27)

8. Fuel-filler door (P.3-9)

9. Child safety rear door lock (P.3-5)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-4 Illustrated table of contents

WII0057

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

1. Map lights (P. 2-45)

2. Sun visors (P. 3-11)

3. Inside mirror (P.3-12)

4. Glove box (P. 2-32)

5. Console box (P. 2-32)

6. Front seats (P. 1-2)

7. Rear seats (P.1-7)

8. Storage (P. 2-31)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

WII0056

Illustrated table of contents 0-5

INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Ventilators (P. 4-2)

2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn

signal switch (P. 2-23)

3. Steering wheel switch for audio control

(if so equipped) (P. 4-25)

4. Driver supplemental air bag/horn

(P. 1-39, P. 2-26)

5. Meters, gauges and warning/indicator

lights (P. 2-3, 2-9)

6. Cruise control main/set switches

(if so equipped) (P. 5-17)

7. Windshield wiper/washer switch and

rear window wiper/washer switch (P. 2-21, P. 2-22)

8. Storage (P. 2-31)

9. Audio system controls (P. 4-10)

10. Front passenger supplemental air bag

(P. 1-39)

11. Upper and lower glove box (P. 2-32)

12. Passenger air bag status light (P. 1-48)

13. Power outlet (P. 2-29)

14. Electronic locking rear differential

(E-Lock) system switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-28) Hill descent control switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-27)

WIC0915

0-6 Illustrated table of contents

Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) OFF switch (P. 2-26)

15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-11)

16. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped) (P. 5-20)

17. Climate controls (P. 4-2)

18. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-25)

19. Ignition switch (P. 5-7)

20. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-11)

21. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-29)

22. Power outside mirror controls (if so equipped) (P. 3-13)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

Illustrated table of contents 0-7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

VQ40DE

1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)

2. Battery (P. 8-13)

3. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-23)

4. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)

5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)

6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)

7. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)

8. Drive belt location (P.8-16)

9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)

10. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)

11. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-8 Illustrated table of contents

WDI0507

WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS

Warning

light

Name Page

Anti-lock brake warning light

Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light (if so equipped)

Automatic transmission park warning light ( model)

Brake warning light

2-10

2-11

Warning

light

Name Page

Charge warning light

Door open warning light

Engine oil pressure warning light

4WD warning light ( model)

Low fuel warning light

Low tire pressure warning light

2-11

2-12

Warning

light

Name Page

Low windshield washer fluid warning light

Seat belt warning light and chime

Supplemental air bag warning light

2-13

2-14

Illustrated table of contents 0-9

Indicator

light

Name Page

Indicator

light

Name Page

Indicator

light

Name Page

Automatic transmission position indicator light

Cruise main switch indicator light (if so equipped)

Cruise set switch indicator light (if so equipped)

Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system on indicator light (if so equipped)

0-10

Illustrated table of contents

2-14

2-15

4WD shift indicator light ( model)

Front passenger air bag status light

High beam indicator light (Blue)

Hill Descent Control (HDC) system on indicator light (if so equipped)

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

2-15

2-27

2-15

Overdrive off indicator light (automatic transmission only)

Security indicator light (if so equipped)

Slip indicator light for models with ABLS (if so equipped)

Slip indicator light for models with VDC (if so equipped)

2-16

Indicator

light

Name Page

Transfer 4LO position indicator light ( model)

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light

2-17

Illustrated table of contents 0-11

MEMO

0-12 Illustrated table of contents

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Seats ............................................1-2

Front manual seat adjustment ....................1-2

Head restraint adjustment .......................1-4

Active head restraint (front seats).................1-5

Flexible seating.................................1-6

Seat belts .......................................1-10

Precautions on seat belt usage..................1-10

Child safety...................................1-12

Pregnant women ..............................1-14

Injured persons................................1-14

Three-point type seat belt with retractor..........1-14

Seat belt extenders ............................1-21

Seat belt maintenance .........................1-21

Child restraints...................................1-22

Precautions on child restraints ..................1-22

Child restraint installation on 2nd row bench

seats.........................................1-24

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for

CHildren) system..............................1-29

Top tether strap child restraint ..................1-30

Child restraint installation on front passenger

seat..........................................1-31

Booster seats ....................................1-35

Precautions on booster seats ...................1-35

Booster seat installation on rear seat center

or outboard positions ..........................1-37

Booster seat installation on front passenger

seat..........................................1-38

Supplemental restraint system .....................1-39

Precautions on supplemental restraint

system .......................................1-39

Supplemental air bag warning labels.............1-53

Supplemental air bag warning light ..............1-54

SEATS

WARNING

● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

● After adjustment,gently rockin theseat to make sure it is securely locked.

ARS1152

● For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See “Precautions on Seat Belt Usage” later in this section.

1-2 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

WRS0175 WRS0176

Forward and backward

Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the seat forwardor backward to the desiredposition. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

WARNING

After adjustment, gently rock in the seatto make sure it is securely locked.

Reclining

Torecline the seatback, pull the lever up andlean back. To bring the seatback forward, pull thelever up and lean your body forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes for added comfort and to help obtain proper seat belt fit. See “Precautions on seat belt usage” later in thissection. Also,the seatbackcan be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is stopped.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-3

WRS0131 WRS0389 WRS0213

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

Lumbar support (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever forward or backward to adjust the seat lumbar area.

1-4 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

The head restraints on the rear seats are removable.

WARNING

Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat.

WRS0134 SPA1025

Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears.

ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT (front seats)

WARNING

● Always adjust the head restraints properly as specified inthe previoussection. Failure to do so can reduce the effectiveness of the active head restraint.

● Active head restraints are designed to supplement other safety systems. Always wear seat belts. No system can prevent all injuries in any accident.

● Do not attach anything to the head restraint stalks. Doing so could impair active head restraint function.

The head restraint moves forward utilizing the force that the seatback receives from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the head restrainthelps supportthe occupant’shead by reducing its backward movement and helping absorb some of the forces that may lead to whiplash type injuries.

Active head restraints are effective for collisions at low to medium speeds in which it is said that whiplash injury occurs most.

Active head restraints operate only in certain rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head restraints return to their original positions.

Properly adjust the active head restraints as described earlier in this section.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-5

LRS0608

FLEXIBLE SEATING

WARNING

● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seats when they are in the fold-down position. In a collision, people riding in these areas without proper restraints are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

● Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.

● Do not fold down the rear seats when occupants are in the rear seat area or any luggage is on the rear seats.

● Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Always replace and adjust them properly if they have been removed for any reason.

● If the head restraints are removed for any reason, they should be securely stored to prevent them from causing injury to passengers or damage to the vehicle in case of sudden braking or an accident.

● When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

● Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In asudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

Folding the front passenger’s seatback (if so equipped)

To fold the front passenger’s seatback flat for extra storage length when transporting long items:

Slide the seat to the rear-most position. Lift

up on the recline lever, located on the outside edge of the seat, and fold the seatback forward as far as it will go. Then lift up on the latch located on the upper corner of the seatback to release the back of the seat.

1-6 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

LRS0609 LRS0577

Once the seatback is released it will enable

you to fold the front passenger seatback flat over the seat cushion.

3. To return the front passenger’s seat to a seating position lift up on the seatback and push it up to anupright position.Then pull up on the recline lever and lean the seatback to a proper seating position. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position.

WARNING

● If you fold the front passenger’s seatback flat forward to carry longer objects, be sure this cargo is properly secured and not near an air bag. In a crash, an inflating air bag might force that object toward a person. This could cause severe injury or even death. Secure objects away from the area in which an air bag would inflate. See “Precautions on supplemental restraint system” later in this section.

● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the front passenger’s seat when it is in the fold-downposition. Use of these areas by passengers could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-7

Folding the 2nd row bench seat

To fold the 2nd row bench seat flat for maximum cargo hauling:

Disconnect and secure the center seat belt

and tongues into the retractor base. See “Stowing the center seat belt” later in this section. Then properly stow theoutboard seat belts in the seat belt hooks before folding down the rear seats. See “Seat belt hook” in this section for more information. Lower the head restraints to the full “down”position. Pull the strap forward, located inthe centerof each seat cushion, and fold each seat cushion toward the front of the vehicle.

LRS0578 LRS0579 LRS0580

Then pull the straps located on the outside

edge of each seatback to fold the seatbacks forward.

This provides a level cargo floor.

1-8 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

To return the bench seats to a seating posi-

tion reverse this process. Raise the seatbacks to an upright position. Make sure to hold the seat belts above the seat cushion, then push the seat cushion down into place.

LRS0585

Removing the 2nd row bench seat cushions

The rear seat cushion can be removed to provide additional space when folding the 2nd row seatbacks flat. To remove the 2nd row bench seat cushions:

1. Pull the straps forward, located in the center of each seat cushion to fold the seat cushions forward.

2. Lift up and fold each of the red release handles on the seat base toward the front of the vehicle. The will release the seat cushion from the seat base.

3. Then lift up on the seat cushion to remove it from the seat base. Be sure to store it in a secure place.

To return the rear seat back to a seating position:

1. Push the anchor bars on the bottom of the seat cushions down into the seat base.

2. Rotate the seat cushion toward the rear of the vehicle and push down until they are folded flat to secure eachseat cushion to the seat base. Make sure to hold the seat

belts above the seat cushion and properly push the seat cushion down into place.

WARNING

● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.

● Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly. Never ride in the rear seat unless the seat bottom cushions are in place and latched.

● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

● When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured. If they are not completely secured in the latched position, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

● If the seat cushions are removed for any reason, they should be securely stored to prevent them from causing injury to passengers or damage to the vehicle in case of sudden braking or an accident.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-9

SEAT BELTS

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE

If you are wearing your seat belt properly adjusted andyou are sitting upright and well backin your seat, your chances of being injured or killed in anaccident and/or the severity ofinjury may be greatly reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages you and all of your passengers to buckle up every time you drive, even if your seating position includes a supplemental air bag.

Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories specify that seat belts beworn at all times when a vehicle is being driven.

SSS0136

1-10 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

WARNING

● Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times. Children should be properly restrained in the rear seat and, if appropriate, in a child restraint.

SSS0134 SSS0016

WARNING

● The seat belt should be properly adjusted to a snug fit. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-11

● Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely fastened to the proper buckle.

● Do not wear the seat belt inside out or twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.

● Do not allow more than one person to use the same seat belt.

● Never carry more people in the vehicle than there are seat belts.

● If the seat belt warning light glows continuously while the ignition is turned

SSS0014

WARNING

● Always route the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never run the belt behind your back, under your armor across your neck. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

● Position the lap belt as low and snug as possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.

ON with all doors closed and all seat belts fastened, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

● Once the pre-tensioner seat belt has activated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.

● Removal and installation of the pretensioner seat belt system components should be done by a NISSAN dealer.

1-12 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

● All seat belt assemblies, including retractors and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage orimproper operation is noted.

● All child restraints and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Always follow the restraint manufacturer’s inspection instructions and replacement recommendations. The child restraints should be replaced if they are damaged.

CHILD SAFETY

Children need adults to help protect them. They need to be properly restrained.

In addition to the general information in this manual, child safety information is available from many other sources, including doctors, teachers, government traffic safety offices, and community organizations. Every child is different, so be sure to learn the best way to transport your child.

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