NISSAN X-TRAIL 2006 Owners Manual

To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 40 km/h (25 MPH).
CAUTION
During the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.

Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

Avoid quick starts.

Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

Do not tow a trailer for the first 800 km (500
miles).
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.

Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.

Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear
as soon as possible.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep your engine tuned up.

Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.

Keep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and
waste fuel.

Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner andBREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
The ALL MODE 4X4 system is used to select
2WD, AUTO or LOCK depending on the driving
conditions.
ALL MODE 4X4 system electronically controls
the coupling. Move the 4WD mode switch to
select 2WD, AUTO or LOCK.
WARNING
A vehicle equipped with 4WD (Four-
Wheel Drive) should never be tested
using a two wheel dynamometer, orsimilar equipment. Make sure you in-
form the test facility personnel that your
vehicle is a 4WD equipped vehicle be-
fore it is placed on a dynamometer.
Failure to do so may result in transmis-
sion damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
SSD0349A
4WD MODE SWITCH
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) (if so equipped)
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4WD mode switch Wheels driven4WD mode indicator light
(
,
) Use conditions
2WDFront wheels
The wheel drive mode is in
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) when
driving on the normal road.*1Goes offFor driving on dry, paved
roads (Economy drive)
AUTODistribution of torque to the
front and rear wheels changes
automatically, depending on
road conditions encountered
[ratio; 100 : 0 (2WD)→50 :
50 (4WD)]. This results in im-
proved driving stability.
For driving on paved or
slippery roads
LOCK Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)*2
/
For driving on rough
roads
*1: 2WD mode may change to 4WD mode automatically during quick acceleration.
The 4WD mode indicator light does not illuminate.
*2: LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically, when the vehicle is accelerated.
4WD MODE SWITCH OPERATIONSThe 4WD mode switch electronically controls
the coupling. Move the switch to select between
each mode, 2WD, AUTO and LOCK, depending
on driving conditions.
WARNING
Depending on the driving condition, the
4WD mode may automatically changefrom 2WD to 4WD even when the 2WD
mode switch is selected.*
Do not start engine while in the 2WD,
AUTO or LOCK mode in the following
cases:

When on a free-roller or jacking up
the front tires with the rear tires on
the ground.

When towing with the rear tires
raised from the ground.
* The 4WD mode indicator light does not illumi-
nate even if the mode automatically changes
from 2WD to 4WD while driving.
4WD shift tips
If the 4WD mode switch is operated while
making a turn, accelerating or decelerating,
or if the key switch is turned off while in the
AUTO or LOCK, you may feel a jerk. This is
normal.

The oil temperature of power train parts will
increase if the vehicle is continuously oper-
ated under conditions where the difference in
rotation between the front and rear wheels is
large (wheels slip) by driving the vehicle
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off-road through sand, mud or water or free-
ing a stuck vehicle. In this case, the 4WD
warning light blinks rapidly and the 4WD
mode changes to the 2WD mode to protect
the power train parts. If you stop driving with
the engine idling and wait until the warning
light stops blinking, the 4WD returns to the
AUTO mode.

Brake distance in the 4WD mode is the same
as 2WD.

Even if the mode automatically changes to
the AUTO mode when driving with the LOCK
mode selected, the indicator light stays in the
LOCK mode.
WARNING

Do not place a 4WD equipped vehicle
on a two wheel dynamometer or raise
two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any D (drive) or R
(reverse) position. Doing so may re-
sult in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
When driving straight, shift the 4WD
lock switch to 2WD, AUTO or LOCK.
Do not operate the 4WD lock switch
when making a turn or reversing.

Do not operate the 4WD mode switch
(2WD, AUTO and LOCK) with the front
wheel spinning.

Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be especially
careful when starting or driving on
slippery surfaces with the 4WD lock
switch set in AUTO.
4WD WARNING LIGHTThe 4WD warning light is located in the instru-
ment panel.
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
SSD0142B
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switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
either remain illuminated or blink.
High-temperature power-train oil makes the
warning light blink rapidly (about twice per sec-
ond). The driving mode will change to 2WD.
AUTO mode may change to LOCK mode before
the warning light blinks. This is normal. If the
warning light blinks rapidly during operation,
stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately.
Then if the light goes off after a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds). Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
Change the 4WD mode switch into 2WD and
do not drive fast.
WARNING
Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle with two wheels on a two wheeldynamometer and the other two wheels
raised. Doing so may result in transmis-
sion damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious
vehicle damage or personal injury.
CAUTION

If the 4WD warning light comes on
while driving, AUTO or LOCK mode
will be changed to two-wheel drive
condition. Reduce the vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing. Have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

Never drive on dry hard surface roads
in the LOCK mode, as this will over-
load the power-train and may cause a
serious malfunction.

The power-train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
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WARNING

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in the 1st position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the automatic transmission selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
WARNING

Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission be placed into P (Park)
for automatic transmission models
or in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.

Make sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button on the side of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.
SSD0067C
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
increases wear on the brakes and pads, and
reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.Braking will be harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 MPH) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds willvary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the ABS operation
may indicate that road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
meter. The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
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vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.

When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all fourwheels.

When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
“Vehicle identification” in the “9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section for tire placard location.When accelerating or driving on a slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle sta-
bility.

When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.

When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is operat-
ing, the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.

If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator
light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
“SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)
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The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator light will blink and you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or backward. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.

When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.

If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
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