change wheel NISSAN X-TRAIL 2006 Owners Manual

Supplemental front air bag systemThe driver supplemental air bag is located in the
center of the steering wheel; the front passenger
supplemental air bag is mounted in the instru-
ment panel above the glove box. These systems
are designed to meet certification requirements
under Canadian regulations.All of the infor-
mation, cautions and warnings in this
manual still apply and must be followed.
The supplemental front air bags are designed to
inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, al-
though they may inflate if the forces in another
type of collision are similar to those of a higher
severity frontal impact. They may not inflate in
certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack
of it) is not always an indication of proper
supplemental air bag operation.
When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken
not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation and
choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use
of seat belts, helps to cushion the impact force
on the face and chest of the front occupants.
They can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating front air bag maycause facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air
bags do not provide restraint to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
practical away from the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel. The supplemental front air bags
inflate quickly in order to help protect the front
occupants. Because of this, the force of the front
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against the air
bag module during inflation. The air bag will
deflate quickly after the collision is over.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
WARNING

Do not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause in-jury if the supplemental front air bag
inflates.

Immediately after inflation, several
air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may
severely burn yourself.

No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental front air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental in-
flation of the air bag or damage to
the air bag system.

Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the supplemental air
bag system.

Tampering with the supplemental
front air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the steering
wheel and the instrument panel as-
sembly by placing material over the
steering wheel pad, above the dash-
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
4WD warning light (4WD
models)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If the 4WD system malfunctions or the revolu-
tion, or radius of the front and the rear wheel
differs, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. See “Using four-wheel drive
(4WD)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
CAUTION

If the warning light comes on while
driving, 4WD mode will change to
2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle speed
and have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the LOCK mode.

If the 4WD warning light blinks when
you are driving:
•blinks rapidly (about twice a sec-
ond):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. The driving mode
will change to 2WD to prevent the
4WD system from malfunctioning.
If the warning light turns off, you
can drive again.
•blinks slowly (about once every 2
seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, tire pressure iscorrect and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See “Window washer fluid” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
key is turned to ON, and will remain illuminated
until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about 6
seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is securely
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belt and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Instruments and controls
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gravity than a two wheel drive ve-
hicle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as con-
ventional two wheel drive vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly could result in loss of control
and/or a roll over accident.

Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Install tire chains on
the front wheels when driving on slip-
pery roads and drive carefully.

Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See “Brake system” later in this sec-
tion for wet brakes.

Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.

Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. See “Peri-odic maintenance” in the “Service
and Maintenance Guide”.

Do not drive continuously on sandy
or muddy roads with the front wheels
spinning. The 4WD warning light
blinks and the driving mode changes
to 2WD. This could reduce traction
force remarkably. Be especially care-
ful when towing a trailer. (4WD mod-
els)

Do not use 2-wheel chassis dyna-
mometers or 2-wheel free rollers.
(4WD models)

Never operate the accelerator pedal
with any wheels raised and the other
wheels on the ground while jacking
up or with any wheels on a roller and
the other wheels on the ground. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could lurch for-
ward or backward. (4WD models)

When a wheel is off the ground due
to an unlevel surface, do not spin the
wheel excessively. (4WD models)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AT)The ignition lock is designed so that the key
cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the
selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
SSD0392
Automatic Transmission (AT)
IGNITION SWITCH
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matic transmission as soon as possible.Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into lower range, depending
on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and the shift
selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the
transmission upshifts into Overdrive as ve-
hicle speed increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary push
the Overdrive switch once. The O/D OFF
indicator light in the instrument panelcomes on at this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
Fail-safeIf the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ONposition. The vehicle
may return to its normal operating condi-
tion. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition have a NISSAN dealer
check the transmission and repair if neces-
sary.
SSD0371
Starting and driving
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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
Starting and driving
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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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The jack should be used on level firm
ground.
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by
turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut
wrench.Do not remove the wheel nuts
until the tire is off the ground.
3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears
the ground. To lift the vehicle, securely hold
the jack lever and rod with both hands as
shown above. Remove the wheel nuts, and
then remove the tire.
WARNING

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

Use only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles.
The jack is designed only for liftingyour vehicle during a tire change.

Use the correct jack up points; never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.

Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.

Never use blocks on or under the
jack.

Do not start or run engine while ve-
hicle is on the jack, as it may cause
the vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip dif-
ferentials.

Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
SCE0574
In case of emergency
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the locks hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering conditions,
such as excessive free play, hard steering or
strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster:
Check that the air comes out of the defroster
outlets properly and in good quantity when
operating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the upper level and lower level lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.Brake and clutch fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level on the dipstick after parking the
vehicle on a level spot and turning off the engine.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or
holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual
or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immediately
locate the trouble and correct it. (See “Precau-
tions when starting and driving” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section for exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or
other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level in the reservoir tank with the
engine off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off any
dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumu-
lated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, deterioration or loose connections.
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy roads
or to control dust. It is very important to remove
these substances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the under-
body should be thoroughly flushed with plain
water, being careful to clean those areas where
mud and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see “Cleaning exterior” in the “7.
Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
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the tire(s) should be replaced.

The original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.

Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be
obvious. Replace the tires as
necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.

Improper service of the spare
tire may result in serious per-
sonal injury. If it is necessary to
repair the spare tire, contact a
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Tire
Safety Information” in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING

The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.

If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offsetcould cause premature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteris-
tics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interfer-
ence can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear. Refer to “Wheels and
Tires” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this
manual for wheel offset dimensions.

Do not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.

The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
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