cooling NISSAN XTERRA 2012 N50 / 2.G Owners Manual

Adjust air flow direction for the driver’s side vents
1, center vents2, and passenger’s side vents
3by moving the vent slide and/or vent assem-
blies.
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.
WHA1165
VENTS HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
(manual) (Type A)
4-2Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

1. Fan speed control dial
2. Front window defroster button
3. Rear window and outside mirror (if soequipped) defroster button
4. Air recirculation button
5. Temperature control dial
6. MAX A/C button
7. Air flow control buttons
8. Air conditioner buttonCONTROLS
Fan control dial
The fan control dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control buttons
The air flow control buttons allow you to select
the air flow outlets.
MAX
A/C — Air flows from center and side
vents with maximum cooling (air
conditioning) .
— Air flows from center and sidevents.
— Air flows from center and sidevents and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outletsand foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from defrosteroutlets.
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.
Type A
WHA1406
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-3

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 position and push the
button to
turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is operating.
To turn off the air conditioner, push the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window and outside mirror (if so
equipped) defroster switch
For more information about the rear window and
outside mirror (if so equipped) defroster 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. Press the
button to the OFF position
for normal heating. The indicator light on
the
button will go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
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 ventilators.
1. Press the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion. 4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.
1. Press the defrost/defog button
.
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.
● To quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to the highest
setting and the temperature control to the
full HOT position.
● When the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (the indi-
cator light on the
button will come on)
if the outside temperature is more than 36°F
(2°C) . This dehumidifies the air which helps
defog the windshield. The
mode au-
tomatically turns off, allowing outside air to
be drawn into the passenger compartment
to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
4-4Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

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. Press the
button to the OFF position.
The indicator light on the
button will
go off.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
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. Press the
air flow control button.
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 button is selected for more than one
minute, the air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the fan control dial is
turned to OFF, the vehicle is shut off, or the
A/C button is used to turn off the compres-
sor 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 automati-
cally 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. 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. Press the
button to the OFF position.
2. Press the
air flow control button.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
4. Press the
button. The indicator light
on the
button will come 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. The indicator light on
the
button will come on. Be sure to
return the
to the OFF position for nor-
mal cooling. The indicator light on the
button will go off. You may also select MAX
A/C for quick cooling.
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-5

Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.1. Press the
air flow control button.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi- tion.
3. Press the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the
orpositions are se-
lected, 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 one of these air flow control buttons 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, the air conditioner is
turned OFF, or the vehicle is shut off, even if a
position other than these positions is selected.
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.
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.
4-6Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

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)
4-10Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

— 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.
4-12Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

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

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used. For details see “Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-38Starting and driving