check engine NISSAN X-TRAIL 2006 Owner's Guide

WARNING

When engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as fan drive belt.

Automatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range on the dipstick at fluid temperatures be-
tween 50 and 80°C (122 and 176°F) after the
vehicle has been driven approximately 5 minutes
in urban areas after the engine is warmed up.
The level can be checked at fluid temperatures
between 30 and 50°C (86 and 122°F) using the
COLD range on the dipstick for reference, after
the engine is warmed up but before driving.
However, the fluid level must be rechecked
using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the
parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range, ending in P.
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is on the low side of either range, add
fluid to the charging pipe.
Do not overfill.
CAUTION
Use CANADA NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent. (For
more information regarding suitable flu-
ids, contact a NISSAN dealer for cor-
rect brands of DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TM
Automatic Transmission Fluid.)
SDI1583
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash with water.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
1or the brake warning light
comes on (for the brake fluid), add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
2.If
fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The low washer fluid warning light comes on
when the washer tank fluid is at a low level. To
check the fluid level, use your finger to plug the
center hole
1
of the cap/tube assembly (as
shown above), then remove it from the tank. If
there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid. Add a
washer solvent to the water for better cleaning.
In the winter season, add a windshield washer
antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the mixture ratio.
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
SDI0603A
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
1.
3. Tighten cell plugs
A.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact a
NISSAN dealer.1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Water pump
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
6. Drive belt auto-tensioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotateunexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1632
DRIVE BELTS
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CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up
Aslowly and firmly. If the number
of clicks is out of the range listed below, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Pulling force:
196 N (20 kg, 44 lb)
Range:
6 to 7 clicks
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range listed below,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Depressing force:
490 N (50 kg, 110 lb)
Range:
85 mm (3.35 in) or more (AT model)
80 mm (3.15 in) or more (MT model)
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching 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 wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
SDI1447B
DI1020MR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
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be followed.For additional information, see the
separate Service and Maintenance Guide.BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake pedal
movement (distance of travel) remains the
same from one pedal application to the next,
continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see a
NISSAN dealer.Some vehicles are equipped with engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes that use only type
A
fuses. Other ve-
hicles are equipped with typeA
fuses in the
engine compartment fuse box and type
Bfuses
in the passenger compartment fuse box.
Type
Afuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type
A
fuses can be installed in the engine
compartment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.If a type
A
fuse is used to replace a type
B
fuse, the type
A
fuse will not be level with the
fuse pocket as shown in the illustration. This will
not affect the performance of the fuse. Make
sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.
Type
B
fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type
A
fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.
SDI1751
SDI1752
FUSES
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI1928
SDI1753
Type A
SDI1754
Type B
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E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, or-
ange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knockwhile holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
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the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.

Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn 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 per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

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,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
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the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not “ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on
steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If
the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M
test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 88 km/h (55 MPH),then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least
10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
86 to 96 km/h (53 to 60 MPH) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 km/h (35 MPH)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 88 km/h (55 MPH)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the “P” or “N” position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of com-
puters that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help ser-
vice technicians with diagnosis and repair. De-
pending on the equipment on your vehicle, some
of the computers monitor emission control sys-
tems, braking systems, engine systems, trans-
mission systems, tire pressure systems, and air
bag systems, just to name a few. Some data
about vehicle operation may be stored in the
computers for use during servicing. Other data
may be stored if a crash event occurs. For
example, air bag readiness, air bag performance,
and seat belt use by the driver or passenger may
be recorded, depending on vehicle equipment.
These types of systems are sometimes called
Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehi-
cle’s computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in re-
sponse to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-25
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-47
Air bag warning light ....................................... 1-47, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service....................................... 4-14
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-14, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ......... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)................. 4-8
In-cabin microfilter .................................. 4-11, 4-13
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-28
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-17
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light .................................... 2-7
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Armrest......................................................................... 1-10
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-12
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-14
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-22Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-3
B
Back door ...................................................................... 3-7
Battery .......................................................................... 8-16
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system .......................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................ 1-32
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-25
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-24
Parking brake check............................... 5-15, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light .......................................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-19
Bulbcheck/instrument panel .................................... 2-7
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26C
Cabin air filter ................................................. 4-11, 4-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-32
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-20
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-21
Installation on rear center or outboard
positions ................................................................ 1-35
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-20
Top tether strap anchor point locations ....... 1-28
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-28
Child safety ................................................................. 1-14
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Chimes
Audible reminders............................................... 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-9
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-24
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................................. 9-10
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-22


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