Nissan Xterra (2015 year). Instruction — part 17

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.

The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.

On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position from the ACC or
ON position, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, push the key in, then place the ignition
switch in LOCK position.

KEY POSITIONS

LOCK: Normal parking position (0)

OFF: (Not used) (1)

ACC: (Accessories) (2)

This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.

ON: Normal operating position (3)

This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.

START: (4)

This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM

The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.

If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring), restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:

1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position

for approximately 5 seconds.

2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or

LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.

4. Restart the engine while holding the device

(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.

If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.

WSD0052

Starting and driving

5-11

● Make sure the area around the vehicle is

clear.

● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-

ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.

● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance

and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.

● Lock all doors.
● Position

seat

and

adjust

head

restraint/headrests.

● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to

do likewise.

● Check the operation of warning lights when

the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Automatic transmission:

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral). P (Park) is recommended.

The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the OFF position or
if the key is removed from the ignition
switch.

The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.

Manual transmission:

Move the shift lever to N (Neutral). Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.

The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the

accelerator pedal by placing the ignition
switch in the START position. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.

● If the engine is very hard to start in ex-

tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.

● If the engine is very hard to start because

it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by plac-
ing the ignition in the START position.
Release the key when the engine starts. If
the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.

CAUTION

Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10 sec-
onds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

STARTING THE ENGINE

5-12

Starting and driving

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-

onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:

1. Installation or extended use of electronic

accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)

2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only

driven short distances. In these cases, the
battery may need to be charged to maintain
battery health.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

WARNING

● Do not depress the accelerator pedal

while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 3, 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.

● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use

caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)

while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.

● Except in an emergency, do not shift to

the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of control.

CAUTION

● Except in an emergency, do not shift to

the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.

● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill

grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.

The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.

Starting the vehicle

1. After starting the engine, fully depress the

foot brake pedal before moving the shift
lever out of the P (Park) position.

2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and

move the shift lever into a driving gear.

3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start

the vehicle in motion.

DRIVING THE VEHICLE

Starting and driving

5-13

The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.

The shift lever cannot be moved out of the
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK or OFF position.

To move the shift lever:

Push the button while depressing the

brake pedal

Push the button to shift

Shift without depressing brake pedal

Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift lever out of the P (Park)
position.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is
in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away
and result in serious personal injury or
property damage.

If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position
for any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral),
or any D (Drive) position, the ignition switch can-
not be placed in the LOCK position and the key
cannot be removed from the ignition switch.
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position, then
the ignition switch can be placed in LOCK.

P (Park):

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the P (Park) shift lever position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift lever from N (Neutral) or any
drive position to P (Park). Apply the parking

LSD0151

5-14

Starting and driving

brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking
brake first, then move the shift lever into the P
(Park) position.

R (Reverse):

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
lever from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive
position to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.

D (Drive):

Use this position for all normal forward driving.

3 (Third gear):

Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.

Do not downshift into the 3 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 3 position.

2WD:

99 MPH (160 km/h)

4H:

93 MPH (150 km/h)

4LO:

34 MPH (55 km/h)

2 (Second gear):

Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.

Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 2 position.

2WD:

62 MPH (100 km/h)

4H:

59 MPH (95 km/h)

4LO:

21 MPH (35 km/h)

1 (Low gear):

Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud,
or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.

Do not downshift into the 1 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 1 position.

2WD:

37 MPH (60 km/h)

4H:

37 MPH (60 km/h)

4LO:

12 MPH (20 km/h)

Starting and driving

5-15

Shift lock release

If the battery is discharged, the shift lever may not
be moved from the P (Park) position even with the
brake pedal depressed.

To move the shift lever, release the shift lock. The
shift lever can be moved to N (Neutral). However,
the steering wheel will be locked unless the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position (for
models with a steering lock mechanism). This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is
discharged.

To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-

tion and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift lock release cover as

shown.

4. Use a protective cloth on the tip of a small

screwdriver before inserting it in the shift
lock release slot and pushing down.

5. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-

tion while holding down the shift lock re-
lease.

6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position

to unlock the steering wheel (for models with
a steering lock mechanism).

7. Now the vehicle may be moved to the de-

sired location.

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have a NISSAN dealer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.

WARNING

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed, the
stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning
stop lights could cause an accident injur-
ing yourself and others.

Accelerator downshift
— in D position —

For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.

LSD0141

5-16

Starting and driving

Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch

Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.

ON:

With the engine running and the
shift lever in the D (Drive) position,
the transmission upshifts into Over-
drive as vehicle speed increases.

Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.

OFF:

For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.

When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive off. The
O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.

When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

WARNING

● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of control.

● Do not over-rev the engine when shift-

ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.

CAUTION

● Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal

while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.

● Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

● Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

● When the vehicle is stopped with the

engine running (for example, at a stop
light), shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.

LSD0142

Starting and driving

5-17

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.

To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If
the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th, 5th and 6th gear in sequence according to
vehicle speed.

To back up depress the shift lever and then move
it to the R (Reverse) position after stopping the
vehicle completely.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (First), shift into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (First).

If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel drive,
refer to “Transfer case shifting procedures” in this
section.

Suggested up-shift speeds

The following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road
conditions, the weather and individual driving
habits.

● 4-wheel drive models (4H position):

GEAR CHANGE

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

11 (18)

2nd to 3rd

17 (27)

3rd to 4th

25 (40)

4th to 5th

32 (51)

5th to 6th

45 (72)

● 4-wheel drive models (4L position):

GEAR CHANGE

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

—

2nd to 3rd

—

3rd to 4th

—

4th to 5th

—

5th to 6th

—

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.

Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will en-
sure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

LSD0148

5-18

Starting and driving

Allowable maximum speed in each gear:

4-wheel drive models

2H/4H position

GEAR

MPH (km/h)

1st

34 (55)

2nd

60 (97)

3rd

87 (140)

4th

—

5th

—

6th

—

4L position

GEAR

MPH (km/h)

1st

13 (21)

2nd

22 (36)

3rd

33 (53)

4th

45 (72)

5th

57 (93)

6th

—

WARNING

● Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

● Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

● Do not use the shift lever in place of the

parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.

● Do not leave children unattended in a

vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.

To engage: Pull the parking brake lever up

䊊

A

.

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.

3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever

slightly, push the button

䊊

B

and lower the

lever completely .

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

LSD0150

PARKING BRAKE

Starting and driving

5-19

1.

ACCEL•RES switch

2.

COAST•SET switch

3.

CANCEL switch

4.

ON•OFF switch

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

● If the cruise control system malfunctions, it

cancels automatically. The SET indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.

● If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the

cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

● The SET indicator light may blink when the

cruise control main switch is turned ON
while pushing the ACCEL•RES, COAST-
•SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, use the following proce-
dures.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:

● When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

● In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in

speed.

● On winding or hilly roads.
● On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
● In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing the
clutch pedal when the cruise control is set.
Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal
and turn the main switch off immediately.
Failure to do so may cause engine damage.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 - 89 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

To turn on the cruise control, push the main
switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instru-
ment panel comes on.

To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The SET indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.

● To pass another vehicle, depress the ac-

celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
set speed.

● The vehicle may not maintain the set speed

when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.

LSD2150

CRUISE CONTROL

5-20

Starting and driving

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods.

● Push the CANCEL button; the SET indicator

light in the instrument panel goes out.

● Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light

goes out.

● Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE

indicator light and SET indicator light in the
instrument panel go out.

The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if:

● you depress the brake or clutch pedal while

pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET
switch. The preset speed is deleted from
memory.

● the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

● you depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-

mission), or move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) (automatic transmission).

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of
the following three methods.

● Depress the accelerator pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.

● Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.

● Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one
of the following three methods.

● Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-

hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.

● Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-

lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.

● Push and release the COAST/SET switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of your
new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in shortened
engine

life

and

reduced

engine

performance.

● Avoid driving for long periods at constant

speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 RPM.

● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
● Avoid quick starts.
● Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 mi

(805 km). Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

Starting and driving

5-21

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake

Pedal Application

● Avoid rapid starts and stops.
● Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possible.

● Maintain constant speed while commut-

ing and coast whenever possible.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

● Look ahead to try and anticipate and mini-

mize stops.

● Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops.

● Maintaining a steady speed can minimize

red light stops and improve fuel efficiency.

3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher

Vehicle Speeds

● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.

● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.

● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling load.

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-

tances

● Observing the speed limit and not ex-

ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag.

● Maintaining a safe following distance be-

hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking.

● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.

● Select a gear range suitable to road con-

ditions.

5. Use Cruise Control

● Using cruise control during highway driv-

ing helps maintain a steady speed.

● Cruise control is particularly effective in

providing fuel savings when driving on flat
terrains.

6. Plan for the Shortest Route

● Utilize a map or navigation system to de-

termine the best route to save time.

7. Avoid Idling

● Shutting off your engine when safe for

stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads

● Automated passes permit drivers to use

special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting.

9. Winter Warm Up

● Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel

economy.

● Vehicles typically need no more than

30 seconds of idling at start-up to effec-
tively circulate the engine oil before driv-
ing.

● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating

temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling.

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

● Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever possible.

● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the

windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system.

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-22

Starting and driving

● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended scheduled main-

tenance.

● Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-

sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.

● Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.

● For vehicles equipped with

, use 4H

or 4L position only when necessary. Four-
wheel drive operation lowers fuel economy.

● Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.

For additional information, refer to “Engine
oil and oil filter recommendations” in “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of
this manual.

WARNING

● For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-

tempt to raise 2 wheels off the ground
and shift the transmission to any drive
or reverse position with the engine run-
ning. Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.

● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped

vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer, or
similar equipment even if the other 2
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.

CAUTION

● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO

position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.

If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:

– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift

switch to 2WD.

– in the 4LO position for automatic

transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.

– in the 4LO position for manual trans-

mission vehicles, stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the clutch pedal
depressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.

● If the warning light is still on after the

above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

USING 4–WHEEL DRIVE

(4WD) (if so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-23

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES

The part time 4WD system provides 3 positions
(2WD, 4H and 4LO), so you can select the desired
drive mode according to the driving conditions.

2WD or 4WD shift procedure:

4WD Shift

Switch Position

Wheels Driven

Indicator Light

Use Conditions

4WD Shift Procedure

4WD shift

Transfer 4LO position

2WD

Rear wheels

For driving on dry, paved
roads (Economy drive)

Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift position en-
gaged.

4H

4 wheels

For driving on rocky, sandy
or snow-covered roads

Neutral

*1
May blink

Neutral disengages the
automatic transmission
mechanical parking lock,
which will allow the vehicle
to roll. Do not leave the
transfer shift position in
Neutral.*2

1. Stop the vehicle.
2. For automatic transmission vehicles: Shift the shift lever to

the (N) position with the brake pedal depressed.
For manual transmission vehicles: Shift the shift lever to the
(N) position with the clutch depressed.

3. For automatic transmission vehicles: Depress and turn the

4WD shift switch to 4LO or 4H with the brake pedal de-
pressed.
For manual transmission vehicles: Depress and turn the 4WD
switch to 4LO or 4H with the clutch pedal depressed.

THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT ENGAGE BETWEEN 4H
AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST
STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL
AND MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL FOR AUTO-
MATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES. FOR MANUAL TRANSMIS-
SION VEHICLES YOU MUST MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO
NEUTRAL. *3

4LO

4 wheels

Illuminated

For use when maximum
power and traction is re-
quired (for example: on
steep grades or rocky,
sandy, muddy roads)

5-24

Starting and driving

*1: Before moving the shift lever from N (Neutral) position, wait until the 4LO indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift procedure is

completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transfer gear
may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the N (Neutral) position.

- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.

1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switch

⬙OFF⬙.

2. Start the engine.

- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD warning light illuminates, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

3. Apply the parking brake. For automatic transmission vehicles, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position. For manual
transmission vehicles, move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position.

4. With the brake pedal depressed on automatic transmission vehicles or with the clutch pedal depressed on manual transmission vehicles, move the
4WD shift switch to desired mode.

- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the shift lever from N (Neutral) position.

*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator

lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.

*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The

indicator light will also turn on when

4LO is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.

Starting and driving

5-25

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are 3 types of drive
modes available, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.

The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.

To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, shift the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position, and for automatic
transmission vehicles depress the brake
pedal or for manual transmission vehicles
depress the clutch pedal. The switch must
be depressed and turned when changing
into or out of 4LO.

WARNING

● When parking, apply the parking brake

before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is
on and the ATP warning light goes off.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpect-
edly move even if the automatic trans-
mission is in the P position.

● The 4LO indicator light must stop blink-

ing and remain illuminated or turn off
before shifting the transmission into
gear. If the shift lever is shifted from the
(N) position to any other gear when the
4LO indicator light is blinking, the ve-
hicle may move unexpectedly.

CAUTION

● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

● The 4H position provides greater trac-

tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components. Speeds
over 62 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is not
recommended

● The 4LO position provides maximum

power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 MPH
(50 km/h).

● When driving straight, shift the 4WD

shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing.

● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-

tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low automatic transmission
gears (D1 or D2) or manual transmis-
sion (1st gear or 2nd gear) for engine
braking.

● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.

● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads

in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary

noise

and

tire

wear.

NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD position under these conditions.

● The 4WD transfer case may not be

shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.

When driving on rough roads,

● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
● Drive carefully according to the road surface

conditions.

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Starting and driving