engine NISSAN XTERRA 2012 N50 / 2.G Owner's Guide

WARNING
●The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
● Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
● Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the interior
air to become stale and the windows to
fog up.
1. Fan control dial
2. Temperature control dial
3. Air flow control dial
4. Air conditioner button
5. Rear window defroster button
6. Air recirculation button
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
The fan control dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control dial
The air flow control dial allows you to select the
air flow outlets.
MAX
A/C — Air flows from center and side vents
with maximum cooling.
— Air flows from center and sidevents.
— Air flows from center and side ventsand foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets andfoot outlets.
Type B
LHA0489
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
(manual) (Type B)
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— Air flows mainly from defrosteroutlets.
● When the,orposition is
selected, the air recirculation
mode
cannot be turned on. This prevents the win-
dows from fogging.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to adjust
the temperature of the outlet air. To lower the
temperature, turn the dial to the left. To increase
the temperature, turn the dial to the right.
Air recirculation button
ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Press the
button to the on position when:
● driving on a dusty road.
● to prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
● for maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet. Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 to 4) position and push the
button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator
light on the
button will come on. Push
the
button again to turn off the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets. 1. Push the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center vent.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-11

Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2.
Turn the fan control dial to the desired position.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
● To quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to 4 and the
temperature control lever to the full HOT
position.
●
When theposition is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36°F
(2°C) . If the system is in defrost mode for
more than one minute, the air conditioning
system will continue to operate until the fan
control dial is turned to OFF or the vehicle is
shut off, even if the air flow control dial is
turned to a position other than the
position. This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The
mode
automatically turns off, allowing outside air to
be drawn into the passenger compartment to
further improve the defogging performance.
Bi-level heating
The bi-level mode directs warmed air to the side
and center vents and to the front and rear floor
outlets.
1. Push the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the wind-
shield.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position between the middle and the
hot position. ●
When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light on the
button will
not come on) if the outside temperature is
more than 36°F (2°C) . If the air flow control
dial is in the
position for more than
one minute, the air conditioning system will
continue to operate until the fan control dial
is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off,
even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than the
position. This
dehumidifies the air which helps defog the
windshield. The
mode automatically
turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn
into the passenger compartment to further
improve the defogging performance.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
and air inlet in front of the windshield. This
improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position, and push in the
button to
activate the air conditioner. When the air condi-
tioner is on, cooling and dehumidifying functions
are added to the heater operation.
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The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify the air.1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3.
Turn the fan control dial to the desired position.
4. Push thebutton. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
● For quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to
the on position (indicator light on) . Be sure
to return the
button to the off position
for normal cooling.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion. 3. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the air flow control dial is in the
orposition, the air conditioner automati-
cally turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . If one of these positions is selected
for more than one minute, the air conditioning
system will continue to operate until the fan con-
trol dial is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off,
even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than these positions. This dehu-
midifies the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowing
outside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de- sired position.
Operating tips
●Keep the windows closed while the air con-
ditioner is in operation.
● After parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly. ●
The air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
● A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air
is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
● If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions for MAXIMUM AND QUICK heating,
cooling or defrosting. For additional information
on heating and cooling, see “Heater and air con-
ditioner (manual)” in this section. The air recir-
culation (
) button should always be in
the OFF position for heating and defrost-
ing.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-13

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
RADIO
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position and press the PWR (power)/VOL (vol-
ume) knob to turn the radio on. If you listen to the
radio with the engine not running, the ignition
switch should be placed in 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.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30 mi
(40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single channel) FM
having slightly more range than stereo FM. Exter-
nal influences may sometimes interfere with FM
station reception even if the FM station is within
25 mi (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 char-
acteristics 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.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-17

1. PRESET A·B·C button
2.
CD eject button
3. FM·AM button
4. CD insert slot
5. CD button 6. MENU button
7. TUNE button
8. RPT button
9. PWR button/VOL control knob
10. RDM button11. Station select (1 - 6) buttons
12. SEEK button
FM/AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC (CD) PLAYER (Type A and B) (if
so equipped)
For all operation precautions, see
Audio opera-
tion precautions earlier in this section.
Audio main operation
Power button and VOL control knob
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position, then press the PWR (power) button. If
you listen to the radio with the engine not running,
place the ignition switch in the ACC position. The
mode (radio or CD) that was playing immediately
before the system was turned off resumes play-
ing.
When no CD is loaded, the radio comes on.
Pressing the PWR button again turns the system
off.
Turn the VOL control knob to the right to increase
volume or to the left to decrease volume.
Type B
WHA1167
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-25

ANTENNA
The antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
removed. When you need to remove the antenna,
turn the antenna rod counterclockwise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna clock-
wise. Tighten the antenna rod to specification
using a suitable tool such as an open-end
wrench. The antenna rod tightening specification
is 2.0 – 2.6 N·m (18 – 23 in-lb) . Do not use pliers
to tighten the antenna as they can leave marks on
the antenna surface. The antenna rod cannot be
hand tightened to the proper specification.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna rod
during installation or the antenna rod may
break during vehicle operation.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
precautions; otherwise, the new equipment may
adversely affect the engine control system and
other electronic parts.
WARNING
●
A cellular telephone should not be used
for any purpose while driving so full
attention may be given to vehicle op-
eration. Some jurisdictions prohibit the
use of cellular telephones while driving.
● If you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
● If you are unable to devote full attention
to vehicle operation while talking on
the phone, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
● Keep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the electronic control
modules.
● Keep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the electronic con-
trol system harnesses. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
● Adjust the antenna standing-wave ratio
as recommended by the manufacturer.
● Connect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
● For details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
● Do not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Doing
so will bypass the variable voltage con-
trol system and the vehicle battery may
not charge completely. Refer to “Vari-
able voltage control system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion later in this manual.
● Use electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-37

WARNING
●Use a phone after stopping your vehicle
in a safe location. If you have to use a
phone while driving, exercise extreme
caution at all times so full attention may
be given to vehicle operation.
● If you are unable to devote full attention
to vehicle operation while talking on
the phone, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid discharging the vehicle battery,
use a phone after starting the engine.
Your NISSAN is equipped with the Bluetooth
Hands-Free Phone System. If you have a com-
patible Bluetoothenabled cellular phone, you
can set up the wireless connection between your
cellular phone and the in-vehicle phone module.
With Bluetooth wireless technology, you can make or receive a hands-free telephone call with
your cellular phone in the vehicle.
Once your cellular phone is connected to the
in-vehicle phone module, no other phone con-
necting procedure is required. Your phone is
automatically connected with the in-vehicle
WHA1359
BLUETOOTH
HANDS-FREE PHONE
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
4-38Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

“Connect Phone”
NOTE:
The Add Phone command is not available
when the vehicle is moving.
Main Menu“Connect Phone”“Add Phone”
A
“Select Phone”B
“Delete Phone”C
“Turn Bluetooth OFF”D
Use the Connect Phone commands to manage
the phones connecting to the vehicle or to enable
the Bluetooth function on the vehicle.
“Add Phone”
A
Use the Add Phone command to add a phone to
the vehicle. See “Connecting procedure” in this
section for more information.
“Select Phone”
B
Use the Select Phone command to select from a
list of phones connected to the vehicle. The sys-
tem will list the names assigned to each phone
and then prompt you for the phone you wish to
select. Only one phone can be active at a time. “Delete Phone”
C
Use the Delete Phone command to delete a
phone that is connected to the vehicle. The sys-
tem will list the names assigned to each phone
and then prompt you for the phone you wish to
delete. Deleting a phone from the vehicle will also
delete that phonebook for that phone.
“Turn Bluetooth OFF”
D
Use the Turn Bluetooth OFF command to prevent
a wireless connection to your phone.
VOICE ADAPTATION (VA) MODE
Voice Adaptation allows up to two out-of-dialect
users to train the system to improve recognition
accuracy. By repeating a number of commands,
the users can create a voice model of their own
voice that is stored in the system. The system is
capable of storing a different voice adaptation
model for each connected phone.
Training procedure
The procedure for training a voice is as follows.
1. Position the vehicle in a reasonably quiet outdoor location.
2. Sit in the driver’s seat with the engine run- ning, the parking brake on, and the transmis-
sion in P (Park) . 3. Press and hold the
button for more
than 5 seconds.
4. The system announces: “Press the PHONE/SEND (
) button for the
hands-free phone system to enter the voice
adaptation mode or press the PHONE/END
(
) button to select a different lan-
guage.”
5. Press the
button.
For information on selecting a different lan-
guage, see “Choosing a language” in this
section.
6. Voice memory A or memory B is selected automatically. If both memory locations are
already in use, the system will prompt you to
overwrite one. Follow the instructions pro-
vided by the system.
7. When preparation is complete and you are ready to begin, press the
button.
8. The VA mode will be explained. Follow the instructions provided by the system.
9. When training is finished, the system will tell you an adequate number of phrases have
been recorded.
4-48Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ....................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Ignition switch .................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-11
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-12
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-13
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-18
Parking brake .................................... 5-19
Cruise control .................................... 5-20Precautions on cruise control
...................5-20
Cruise control operations .......................5-21
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-22
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-23
Transfer case shifting procedures ...............5-24
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-29
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-31
Power steering ................................... 5-32
Brake system .................................... 5-32
Brake precautions ............................. 5-32
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-33
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-35
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-36
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-37
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-38
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-38
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-38
Battery ....................................... 5-38
Draining of coolant water .......................5-38