Nissan Xterra dashboard symbols and warning lights
Every light in the Nissan Xterra owner's manual, 2010 to 2015. Tap a light to see what it means and what to do. Red means stop safely, amber means get it checked soon.
2010 to 2015 Xterra warning lights
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the ABS warning light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is operational. If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock function is turned off.
What to do: Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the automatic transmission oil temperature is too high. If the light comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until the light turns off. CAUTION Continued vehicle operation when the A/T oil temperature warning light is on may damage the automatic transmission. Automatic transmission park warning light ( model) WARNING.
What to do: Pull over and let it cool with the engine idling. If the light stays on, have it checked before driving far.
Brake warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: This light functions for both the parking brake and.
What to do: Check the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, the brakes may not work properly: stop and get help rather than driving on.
Parking brake indicator
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light comes on when the parking.
What to do: Release the parking brake before driving. If it flashes or will not release, see a dealer.
Low brake fluid warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform the following: 1. For additional information, refer to the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. 2.
What to do: Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary.
Charge warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: If this light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate the charging system is not functioning properly. If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN dealer immediately. CAUTION; Do not ground electrical accessories directly to the battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the variable control system and the vehicle battery may not charge completely.
What to do: Turn the engine off and check the generator belt.
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Door open warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when any of the doors are not closed securely while the ignition switch is in the.
What to do: Stop and close every door firmly.
Engine oil pressure warning light
Stop safely · usual colour
The manual says: This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop. The engine oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
What to do: Pull over safely and turn the engine off. Check the oil level when the engine has cooled. If the level is fine and the light stays on, have it towed.
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4WD warning light ( model)
Information · usual colour
The manual says: The 4WD warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the engine is started. If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly, the warning light will either remain illuminated or blink. For additional information, refer to “4WD warning light”in the “Starting and driving”section of this manual. CAUTION.
What to do: If amber or flashing, the system has a fault or is overheating: drive gently and have it checked.
Low fuel warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel tank is getting low. There will be a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty). Instruments and controls 2-17.
What to do: Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E (Empty).
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the windshield-washer fluid is at a low level. For additional information, refer to “Windshield-washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
What to do: Add windshield-washer fluid as necessary.
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Supplemental air bag warning light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or START position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off. This means the system is operational.
What to do: The car drives normally, but get it checked soon. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself.
Automatic transmission position indicator light (A/T models only)
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is in the ON position, this indicator light shows the shift lever position. For additional information, refer to “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of.
What to do: Pull over and let it cool with the engine idling. If the light stays on, have it checked before driving far.
Cruise main switch indicator light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: The light comes on when the cruise control main switch is pushed. The light goes out when the main switch is pushed again. When the cruise main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise control system is operational. For additional information, refer to “Cruise control” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
What to do: Nothing to do.
Cruise set switch indicator light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: The light comes on while the vehicle speed is controlled by the cruise control system. If the light blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate the cruise control system is not functioning properly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN.
What to do: Nothing to do.
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system on indicator light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully engaged. The indicator light flashes when the system is first turned on. When the system fully engages, the light remains on. If the switch is on and the indicator light continues to flash, the system is not engaged.
4WD shift indicator light ( model)
Information · usual colour
The manual says: The light should turn off within 1 second after placing the ignition switch in the ON position. While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indicator light will illuminate the position selected by the 4WD shift switch. The 4WD shift indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the.
What to do: If amber or flashing, the system has a fault or is overheating: drive gently and have it checked.
Front passenger air bag status light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: The front passenger air bag status light ( ) will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be OFF depending on how the front passenger seat is being used. For front passenger air bag status light operation, refer to “Front passenger air bag and status light” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual. 2-20 Instruments and controls.
What to do: The car drives normally, but get it checked soon. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself.
High beam indicator light (blue)
Information
The manual says: This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected. The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated.
What to do: Dip them for oncoming traffic and when following another car.
Hill descent control system on indicator light
Information · usual colour
The manual says: When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this light comes on briefly and then turns off. The light comes on when the hill descent control system is activated. If the hill descent control switch is on and the indicator light blinks, the system is not engaged. If the indicator light does not come on when the hill descent switch is on, the system may not be functioning properly.
What to do: Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction. The MIL may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. 4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank. After a few driving trips, the light should turn off if no other potential emission control system malfunction exists.
What to do: Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gal (11. Check the fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning message is displayed in the odometer.
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Overdrive OFF indicator light (A/T models only)
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the overdrive function is OFF. The automatic transmission overdrive function is controlled by the overdrive switch. For additional information, refer to “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of.
Security indicator light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function indicates the security system equipped on the vehicle is operational. For additional information, refer to “Security sys.
What to do: Hold the key fob against the start button and start again. If it keeps happening, replace the key fob battery.
More about the key / immobilizer light · Shop key fob batterys on Amazon
Slip indicator light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the traction control system is operating, thus alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road surface may.
What to do: If it flashes, ease off and drive gently for the conditions. If it stays on, have the system checked.
Transfer 4LO position indicator light ( model)
Information · usual colour
The manual says: This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position with the ignition switch in the ON position. The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the switch while driving. The indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the other. The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the transmission into gear.
What to do: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light
Check soon · usual colour
The manual says: This indicator light comes on when the VDC off switch is pushed to OFF, the transfer case is in the 4LO position ( model), or when the VDC system is not functioning properly. This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not operating. Push the VDC off switch again or restart the engine and the system will operate normally.
What to do: Turn it back on unless you are stuck in snow or mud. It normally turns on again with the next start.
| Light | Colour | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake warning light | Red* | This light functions for both the parking brake and. | |
| Parking brake indicator | Red* | When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light comes on when the parking. | |
| Low brake fluid warning light | Red* | When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform the following: 1. For additional information, refer to the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. 2. | |
| Charge warning light | Red* | If this light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate the charging system is not functioning properly. If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN dealer immediately. CAUTION; Do not ground electrical accessories directly to the battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the variable control system and the vehicle battery may not charge completely. | |
| Door open warning light | Red* | This light comes on when any of the doors are not closed securely while the ignition switch is in the. | |
| Engine oil pressure warning light | Red* | This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop. The engine oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. | |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light | Amber* | When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the ABS warning light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is operational. If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock function is turned off. | |
| Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light | Amber* | This light comes on when the automatic transmission oil temperature is too high. If the light comes on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until the light turns off. CAUTION Continued vehicle operation when the A/T oil temperature warning light is on may damage the automatic transmission. Automatic transmission park warning light ( model) WARNING. | |
| Low fuel warning light | Amber* | This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel tank is getting low. There will be a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty). Instruments and controls 2-17. | |
| Low windshield-washer fluid warning light | Amber* | This light comes on when the windshield-washer fluid is at a low level. For additional information, refer to “Windshield-washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. | |
| Supplemental air bag warning light | Amber* | When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or START position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off. This means the system is operational. | |
| Automatic transmission position indicator light (A/T models only) | Amber* | When the ignition switch is in the ON position, this indicator light shows the shift lever position. For additional information, refer to “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of. | |
| Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system on indicator light | Amber* | This light comes on when the electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully engaged. The indicator light flashes when the system is first turned on. When the system fully engages, the light remains on. If the switch is on and the indicator light continues to flash, the system is not engaged. | |
| Front passenger air bag status light | Amber* | The front passenger air bag status light ( ) will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be OFF depending on how the front passenger seat is being used. For front passenger air bag status light operation, refer to “Front passenger air bag and status light” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual. 2-20 Instruments and controls. | |
| Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) | Amber* | If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction. The MIL may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. 4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank. After a few driving trips, the light should turn off if no other potential emission control system malfunction exists. | |
| Overdrive OFF indicator light (A/T models only) | Amber* | This light comes on when the overdrive function is OFF. The automatic transmission overdrive function is controlled by the overdrive switch. For additional information, refer to “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of. | |
| Security indicator light | Amber* | This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function indicates the security system equipped on the vehicle is operational. For additional information, refer to “Security sys. | |
| Slip indicator light | Amber* | This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the traction control system is operating, thus alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road surface may. | |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light | Amber* | This indicator light comes on when the VDC off switch is pushed to OFF, the transfer case is in the 4LO position ( model), or when the VDC system is not functioning properly. This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not operating. Push the VDC off switch again or restart the engine and the system will operate normally. | |
| 4WD warning light ( model) | Green* | The 4WD warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the engine is started. If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly, the warning light will either remain illuminated or blink. For additional information, refer to “4WD warning light”in the “Starting and driving”section of this manual. CAUTION. | |
| Cruise main switch indicator light | Green* | The light comes on when the cruise control main switch is pushed. The light goes out when the main switch is pushed again. When the cruise main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise control system is operational. For additional information, refer to “Cruise control” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual. | |
| Cruise set switch indicator light | Green* | The light comes on while the vehicle speed is controlled by the cruise control system. If the light blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate the cruise control system is not functioning properly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN. | |
| 4WD shift indicator light ( model) | Green* | The light should turn off within 1 second after placing the ignition switch in the ON position. While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indicator light will illuminate the position selected by the 4WD shift switch. The 4WD shift indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the. | |
| Hill descent control system on indicator light | Green* | When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this light comes on briefly and then turns off. The light comes on when the hill descent control system is activated. If the hill descent control switch is on and the indicator light blinks, the system is not engaged. If the indicator light does not come on when the hill descent switch is on, the system may not be functioning properly. | |
| Transfer 4LO position indicator light ( model) | Green* | This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position with the ignition switch in the ON position. The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the switch while driving. The indicator light may blink while shifting from one drive mode to the other. The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the transmission into gear. | |
| High beam indicator light (blue) | Blue | This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected. The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated. |
Source: 2010 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual; 2011 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual; 2012 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual and others. * Usual colour; the manual text doesn't state it.
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