2015 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 286

HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so equipped) centrate on steering while reducing the burden of brake and accelerator operation. ● When additional braking is required on steep downhill roads, activate the hill descent control system by pushing the switch ON. For additional information, refer to "Hill descent control switch" in the "Instruments and controls" section of this manual. ● Once the system is activated, the indicator light will remain on in the instrument panel. For additional information, refer to "Hill descent control system on indicator light" in the "Instruments and controls" section of this manual. If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed while the hill descent control system is on, the system will stop operating temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or brake pedal is released, the hill descent control system begins to function again if the hill descent control operating conditions are fulfilled. For the best results, when descending steep downhill grades, the hill descent control switch should be ON and the shift lever in 2 (Second gear) or 1 (Low gear) for engine braking. WARNING ● Never rely solely on the hill start assist system to prevent the vehicle from moving backward on a hill. Always drive carefully and attentively. Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be especially careful when stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards may result in a loss of control of the vehicle and possible serious injury or death. ● The hill start assist system is not designed to hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may result in a collision or serious personal injury. ● The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill under all load or road conditions. Always be prepared to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Failure to do so may result in a collision or serious personal injury. When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill start assist system automatically keeps the brakes applied. This helps prevents the vehicle from rolling backward in the time it takes the driver to release the brake pedal and apply the accelerator. Hill start assist will operate automatically under the following conditions: ● The shift lever is shifted to a forward or reverse gear. ● The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake. The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill start assist will stop operating completely. Hill start assist will not operate when the shift lever is shifted into N (Neutral) or P (Park) or on a flat and level road. Starting and driving 5-37