2009 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 202

To remove the key from the ignition switch: 1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) position with the ignition switch in the ON position. 2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position. 3. Remove the key from the ignition switch. If the shift selector is shifted to the P (Park) position after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position or when the ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove the key. 1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park) position. 2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position. 3. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position. 4. Remove the key. The shift selector is designed so it cannot moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position or if the key is removed from the switch. The shift selector can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ON position and the foot brake pedal is depressed. There is an OFF position between the LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position is indicated by a "1" on the key cylinder. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, the steering wheel is not locked. In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise from the straight up position. To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to the LOCK position. Remove the key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel slightly right and left. If the key will not turn from the LOCK position, turn the steering wheel to the left or right while turning the key to unlock the key cylinder. WSD0041 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION The ignition lock is designed so the ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position and the key removed until the shift selector is moved to the P (Park) position. When removing the key from the ignition switch, make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park) position. If the shift selector is not returned to P (Park) position, the ignition switch cannot be moved to the LOCK position. 5-10 Starting and driving