steering NISSAN X-TRAIL 2006 Owner's Guide

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
9-20
Technical and consumer information


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 805 km
(500 miles).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

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. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.

Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.

Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 80
km (50 miles) of travel and at every break.

When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing Recommended by
NISSAN” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.Automatic transmissionTo tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’sTechnical and consumer information
9-21


06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ............................................................. 4-27, 4-30
Console box................................................................ 2-31
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with navigation
system)..................................................................... 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-8
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-34
Cruise control............................................................. 5-16
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-28
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-19
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-17
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-8
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light ............................................ 2-8
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-28
Driving with automatic transmission .............. 5-10
Driving with manual transmission ................... 5-14On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-4
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-18
Emission control information label ........................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-23
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-12
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-30
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-24
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2F
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-12
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-21
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-15
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................................. 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ................................................................ 4-25, 4-29
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-20
Four-wheel drive (4WD).......................................... 5-19
Four-wheel drive (4WD), 4WD mode switch
operations.................................................................... 5-20
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-18
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6


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10-2

Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-10
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Map light...................................................................... 2-40
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-19
Mirror
Inside rearview mirror ........................................ 3-11
Outside rearview mirrors .................................. 3-12
Vanity mirror ......................................................... 3-13
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-33
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-14
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside rearview mirrors ......................................... 3-12
Overdrive switch........................................................ 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-25P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-23
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-32
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-25
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-45
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-24
Child restraints .................................................... 1-20
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-4
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-37
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-32FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......................... 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ............................................... 4-25, 4-29
Rear center seat belt................................................ 1-19
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-25
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another country.......... 9-9
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Rollover........................................................................... 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-14
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Seat belt warning chime ............................................ 2-9
Seat belt warning light ............................................. 1-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-14
Injured persons.................................................... 1-15
Larger children .................................................... 1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-45
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-11
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-15
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-19


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10-4

Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-19
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-19
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment..................... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-15
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-22
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-13
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-14
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-13
Servicing air conditioner .......................................... 4-14
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-6, 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-18
SNOW mode switch ................................................ 2-23
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-10Storage ........................................................................ 2-26
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-38
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-38
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-47
Supplemental air bag warning light............. 1-47, 2-9
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Fog light switch................................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-21
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models .......................................................... 5-6, 5-10
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-14
Overdrive switch ................................................. 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-17
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-20
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-23
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-10Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-22
Tires
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-35, 9-11
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-40
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-41
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-39
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-34
Tonneau cover ........................................................... 2-34
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-28
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-15
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................................ 9-9
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-20
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-22


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10-5

QUICK REFERENCE1. Battery (P.8-16)
2. Brake fluid (P.8-14)
3. Meters and gauges (P.2-3)
4. Hood release (P.3-7)
5. Seat (P.1-2)
6. Seat belt (P.1-11)
7. Door lock/key (P.3-3)
8. Fuel (P.3-9, P.9-2)
9. Engine oil (P.8-10)
10. Windshield washer fluid (P.8-15)
11. Engine coolant (P.8-8)
12. Power steering fluid (P.8-14)
13. Audio system (P.4-14)/
Heater and air conditioner (P.4-8)
14. Spare tire (P.6-2)
STI0396

06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0