ESP NISSAN XTERRA 2005 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

There are three basic types of child restraint
systems:
cRear facing child restraint
cFront facing child restraint
cBooster seat
The proper restraint depends on the child’s size.
Generally, infants up to about 1 year and less
than 20 pounds (9 kg) should be placed in rear
facing child restraints. Front facing child re-
straints are available for children who outgrow
rear facing child restraints and are at least 1 year
old. Booster seats are used to help position a
vehicle lap/shoulder belt on a child who can no
longer use a front facing child restraint.
WARNING
Infants and children need special protec-
tion. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit
them properly. The shoulder belt may
come too close to the face or neck. The
lap belt may not fit over their small hip
bones. In an accident, an improperly fit-
ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal
injury. Always use appropriate child
restraints.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri-
tories require the use of approved child restraintsfor infants and small children. See “Child Re-
straints” later in this section.
Also, there are other types of child restraints
available for larger children for additional protec-
tion.
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens
and children be restrained in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seat than in the front seat.
This is especially important because your
vehicle has a supplemental restraint sys-
tem (Air bag system) for the front passen-
ger. See “Supplemental restraint system”
later in this section.
Infants
Infants up to at least 1 year old should be placed
in a rear facing child restraint. NISSAN recom-
mends that infants be placed in child restraints
that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. You should choose a child restraint
that fits your vehicle and always follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Small Children
Children that are over one year old and weigh
between 20 lbs (9 kg) and 40 lbs (18 kgs) can beplaced in a forward facing child restraint. Refer to
the manufacturer’s instructions for minimum and
maximum weight and height recommendations.
NISSAN recommends that small children be
placed in child restraints that comply with Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Mo-
tor Vehicle Safety Standards. You should choose
a child restraint that fits your vehicle and always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for instal-
lation and use.
Larger children
Children who are too large for child restraints
should be seated and restrained by the seat belts
which are provided. The seat belt may not fit
properly if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches
(142.5 cm) tall and weighs between 40 lbs (18
kg) and 80 lbs (36 kg) . A booster seat should be
used to obtain proper seat belt fit.
NISSAN recommends that a child be placed in a
commercially available booster seat if the shoul-
der belt in the child’s seating position fits close to
the face or neck or if the lap portion of the seat
belt goes across the abdomen. The booster seat
should raise the child so that the shoulder belt is
properly positioned across the top, middle por-
tion of the shoulder and the lap belt is low on the
hips. A booster seat can only be used in seating
positions that have a three-point type seat belt.
The booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-13
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WARNING
cWhen sitting in the 2nd row rear seat, do
not hold onto the seatback of the front
seat. If the side air bag inflates, you may
be seriously injured. Be especially care-
ful with children, who should always be
properly restrained. Some examples of
dangerous riding positions are shown
in the illustrations.
cDo not use seat covers on the front
seatbacks. They may interfere with
supplemental side air bag inflation.
WRS0363SSS0159
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-45
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The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Vehicle dy-
namic control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
cNever rely solely on the hill descent
control system to control vehicle speed
when driving on steep downhill grades.
Always drive carefully when using the
hill descent control system and decel-
erate the vehicle speed by depressing
the brake pedal if necessary. Be espe-
cially careful when driving on frozen,
muddy or extremely steep downhill
roads. Failure to control vehicle speed
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.cThe hill descent control may not control
the vehicle speed on a hill under all load
or road conditions. Always be prepared
to depress the brake pedal to control
vehicle speed. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
CAUTION
When the hill descent control system op-
erates continuously for a long time, the
temperature of the brake pads may in-
crease and the hill descent control system
may be temporarily disabled (the indicator
light will blink) . If the indicator light does
not come on continuously after blinking,
stop using the system.
The hill descent control system is designed to
reduce driver workload when going down steep
hills. The HDC system helps to control vehicle
speed so the driver can concentrate on steering
the vehicle.
To activate the HDC system:
cthe automatic transmission selector lever
must be in forward or reverse gear,
cthe 4WD switch must be in the 4L position
and the vehicle speed must be under 15
mph (25 km/h) or
WIC0534LIC0743
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC)
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-26Instruments and controls
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POWER WINDOWS (if so equipped)
WARNING
cMake sure that all passengers have
their hands, etc. inside the vehicle while
it is in motion and before closing the
windows. Use the window lock switch
to prevent unexpected use of the power
windows.
cDo not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls and become
trapped in a window. Unattended chil-
dren could become involved in serious
accidents.
The power windows operate when the ignition
switch is in the ON position, or for about 45
seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position. If the driver’s or passenger’s door
is opened during this period of about 45 sec-
onds, power to the windows is canceled.
1. Window lock button
2. Power door lock switch
3. Front passenger side window switch
4. Right rear passenger window switch
5. Left rear passenger window switch
6. Driver side window switch
Driver’s side power window switch
The driver’s side control panel is equipped with
switches to open or close the front and rear
passenger windows.
To open a window, push the switch and hold it
down. To close a window, pull the switch and
hold it up. To stop the opening or closing function
at any time, simply release the switch.
Front passenger power window switch
The passenger window switch operates only the
corresponding passenger window. To open the
window, push the switch and hold it down
s1.To
close the window, pull the switch up
s2.
WIC0872WIC0873
WINDOWS
Instruments and controls2-41
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Rear power window switch
The rear passenger window switches open or
close only the corresponding passenger window.
To open the window, push the switch and hold it
down
s1. To close the window, pull the switch up
s2.
Locking passengers’ windows
When the window lock button is depressed, only
the driver side window can be opened or closed.
Push it again to cancel the window lock function.
Automatic operation
To fully open a window equipped with automatic
operation, press the window switch down to the
second detent and release it; it need not be held.
The window automatically opens all the way. To
stop the window, lift the switch up while the
window is opening.
MANUAL WINDOWS
The side windows can be opened or closed by
turning the hand crank on each door.
WIC0874LIC0410WIC0263
2-42Instruments and controls
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CHILD SAFETY REAR DOOR LOCK
Child safety locks help prevent the rear doors
from being opened accidentally, especially when
small children are in the vehicle.
The child safety lock levers are located on the
edge of the rear doors.
When the lever is in the lock position, the
door can be opened only from the outside.It is possible to lock/unlock all doors, turn the
interior lights on, and activate the panic alarm by
using the keyfob from outside the vehicle.
Be sure to remove the key from the vehicle
before locking the doors.
The keyfob can operate at a distance of approxi-
mately 33 ft (10 m) from the vehicle. The effective
distance depends on the conditions around the
vehicle.
As many as 5 keyfobs can be used with one
vehicle. For information concerning the purchase
and use of additional keyfobs, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
The keyfob will not function when:
cthe battery is discharged
cthe distance between the vehicle and the
keyfob is over 33 ft (10 m)
The panic alarm will not activate when the
key is in the ignition switch.
CAUTION
Listed below are conditions or occur-
rences which will damage the keyfob:
cDo not allow the keyfob to become wet.
cDo not drop the keyfob.cDo not strike the keyfob sharply against
another object.
cDo not place the keyfob for an extended
period in an area where temperatures
exceed 140°F (60°C) .
If a keyfob is lost or stolen, NISSAN rec-
ommends erasing the ID code of that key-
fob. This will prevent the keyfob from un-
authorized use to unlock the vehicle. For
information regarding the erasing proce-
dure, please contact a NISSAN dealer.
WPD0321
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-5
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RADIO
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and press the PWR (power)/VOL (volume) knob
to turn the radio on. If you listen to the radio with
the engine not running, the key should be turned
to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area, and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30
miles (40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single chan-
nel) FM having slightly more range than stereo
FM. External influences may sometimes interfere
with FM station reception even if the FM station is
within 25 miles (40 km) . The strength of the FM
signal is directly related to the distance between
the transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a
line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same
characteristics as light. For example they will
reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position
(usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter) static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control to reduce treble response.Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and reflected
signals reach the receiver at the same time. The
signals may cancel each other, resulting in mo-
mentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTION (if so
equipped)
When the satellite radio is first installed or the
battery has been replaced, the satellite radio may
not work properly. This is not a malfunction. Wait
more than 10 minutes with satellite radio ON and
AUDIO SYSTEM
4-10Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 3, 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before attempting to move
the shift selector lever out of the P (Park)
position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-10Starting and driving
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A large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels will make the warning light blink
slowly (about once per two seconds) . Change
the 4WD shift switch into 2WD and do not drive
fast.
CAUTION
cIf the warning light comes on or blinks
slowly during operation, have your ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
cShifting between 4H and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warning
light turns on.
cWhen the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be especially
careful when driving. If corresponding
parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD
mode will not be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is shifted.cDo not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic
transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the transmission se-
lector to the N position with the
brake pedal depressed and shift the
4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans-
mission vehicles, stop the vehicle
and shift the transmission shift lever
to the N position with the clutch
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.
cIf the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.The E-Lock system can provide additional trac-
tion and should only be used when a vehicle has
become or is becoming stuck. This system oper-
ates by electronically “locking” the two rear drive
wheels together, allowing them to turn at the
same speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when using
the 4LO position (4 wheel drive vehicles) .
When added traction is required, activate the
E-Lock system by pushing the switch ON. See
“Electronic Locking Rear Differential (E-Lock)
system switch” in the “Instruments and Controls”
section. Once the system fully engages, the indi-
cator light in the instrument panel will remain ON.
When the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or move to
engage the system, and the system will only
function up to approximately 4 MPH (7 km/h) .
Once the vehicle is free, the system should be
turned OFF and driving resumed.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled
and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock
system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-24Starting and driving
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The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and 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.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
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 stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brakes and pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear 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
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
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 the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing 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
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-27
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