Nissan Xterra Warning Lights: What They Mean

Other warnings and indicators

Engine oil pressure warning light

Engine oil pressure is low. Not a low oil level indicator; running the engine with it on can quickly cause serious damage.
What to do: Pull off the road safely, stop the engine immediately, check oil with the dipstick, and call a NISSAN dealer or authorized repair shop. PDF page 100

Supplemental air bag warning light

Front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags and/or pretensioners may not operate in an accident.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 103

Low tire pressure warning light

One or more tires have low pressure. If it flashes about 1 minute at startup then stays on, the TPMS is malfunctioning.
What to do: Stop safely, avoid abrupt moves, and set all 4 tires to the recommended cold pressure. For a TPMS malfunction, have a NISSAN dealer check it. PDF page 101

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light

If it stays on while the engine runs or while driving, the ABS may not work properly. Brakes work normally without anti-lock assistance.
What to do: Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. PDF page 98

Automatic transmission park warning light

Park (P) position will not function and the transfer case is in neutral.
What to do: Shift the 4WD switch to 2WD, 4H or 4LO again with the lever in P. Always set the parking brake when parking. PDF page 98

Automatic transmission oil temperature warning light

Automatic transmission oil temperature is too high; continued driving may damage the transmission.
What to do: Reduce vehicle speed as soon as safely possible until the light turns off. PDF page 98

4WD warning light

Comes on or stays lit for a 4WD system malfunction. Slow blinking means a large difference in wheel rotation, such as mismatched front and rear wheel diameters.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer. If it blinks slowly, shift to 2WD and do not drive fast. PDF page 277

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Steady means an emission control malfunction was detected, possibly a loose fuel cap. Blinking means an engine misfire that may damage emission controls.
What to do: Tighten the fuel cap; if the light stays on after a few trips, see a dealer. If blinking, stay under 45 MPH and avoid hard acceleration. PDF page 104

Door open warning light

A door is not closed securely while the ignition is ON. PDF page 100

Low fuel warning light

The fuel level in the tank is getting low.
What to do: Refuel as soon as convenient, preferably before the gauge reaches E. PDF page 100

Cruise set switch indicator light

Cruise control is controlling vehicle speed. Blinking while the engine runs may mean the cruise control is not functioning properly.
What to do: If it blinks, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. PDF page 103

Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system on indicator light

E-Lock clutch is fully engaged. Continued flashing with the switch on means the system is not engaged. PDF page 103

Hill descent control system on indicator light

Hill descent control is active. Blinking with the switch on means the system is not engaged.
What to do: If it does not come on with the switch on, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. PDF page 104

4WD shift indicator light

Shows the drive mode selected by the 4WD shift switch; it may blink while shifting between modes. PDF page 103

Front passenger air bag status light

Shows whether the passenger front air bag is OFF, depending on how the front passenger seat is being used. PDF page 103

Cruise main switch indicator light

Cruise control main switch is on and the cruise control system is operational. PDF page 103

Automatic transmission position indicator light

With ignition ON, shows the current shift lever position. PDF page 103

Blue: system on

High beam indicator light

Headlight high beams are on, or the passing signal is activated. PDF page 104

Summarized in our own words from the 2015 Nissan Xterra owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.