1997 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

cDo not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N position. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even
if the manual transmission is in gear
or the automatic transmission is in
the P position.
cFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which in turn could result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
Your NISSAN is equipped with one of two
4WD systems, auto-lock free-running hubs
or manual-lock free-running hubs.The auto-lock free-running hub is designed
to allow for automatic 4-wheel drive en-
gagement when the shift lever is moved to
the 4H or 4L position. If your vehicle is
equipped with this system, follow these op-
erational cautions:
CAUTION
cThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.cAccelerating quickly from a stop af-
ter shifting from 2-wheel drive to
4-wheel drive may not allow engage-
ment of the auto-locking free-
running hubs and may cause a clat-
tering noise. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. In such a case, release
the accelerator pedal to reduce the
engine speed or stop the vehicle.
cIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from
4-wheel drive to 2-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.
cUnder extremely cold conditions
[below 5ÉF (-15ÉC)], the front axle
shafts may rotate even with the
transfer lever in the 2H position. If
this occurs, the auto-locking hubs
may make a clattering noise. To
avoid this, drive first in 4-wheel drive
to warm up the vehicle and differen-
tial gear oil. Then, shift to 2-wheel
drive.
SD0021
AUTO-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
4-16
ZX

cIn cold weather, it may be necessary
to reduce speed or stop the vehicle
in order to shift from 2-wheel drive to
4-wheel drive.
cWhen shifting into or out of 4-wheel
drive while driving, do not stop shift
lever movement midway. An incom-
plete shift may cause a clattering
noise from the auto-locking hubs.
Continued use of the vehicle with
this noise may damage the hub lock.
Drive in 4-wheel drive to stop the
noise. Shift to 2-wheel drive as de-
scribed.
4-17
ZX

TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer lever to 4H at speeds below 25 MPH (40 km/h). It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform
this operation when driving straight.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Per-
form this operation when driving straight.
NOTE:
For 2-wheel drive operation, set the free-running hubs in the disengaged position. AUTO-LOCK hubs will not disen-
gage until the vehicle is moved about 3 feet (1 m) in the opposite direction of travel:
cWhen driving forward, stop and move 3 feet (1 m) in reverse.
cWhen backing up, stop and move 3 feet (1 m) forward, then move the vehicle about 3 feet (1 m) in reverse.
This will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear.
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
NOTE:
Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.
4-18
ZX

The manual-lock free-running hubs are de-
signed to allow you to engage or disengage
the front drive shaft to the front wheels.
Before driving, set the free-running hub to
the desired position:
c2-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the FREE position.
c4-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the LOCK position.
Be certain to align theSmark on the knob
with thecmark on the wheel hub.
CAUTION
cNever drive in 4-wheel drive (4H or
4L) with the free-running hubs in the
FREE position.
cDo not drive your vehicle with the
left and right free-running hub set to
different positions.
cFor the first 300 miles (483 km) it is
recommended that you drive in the
2H position with the free-running
hubs set in the LOCK position.
cTo ensure proper lubrication of front
drive components, drive in the LOCK
position for at least 10 miles (16 km)
each month.
SD0022
MANUAL-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
4-19
ZX

TO SHIFT TRANSFER
CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR MANUAL-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Move the transfer lever to 4H. It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Per-
form this operation when driving straight.
NOTE:
For 2-wheel drive operation, set the free-running hubs in the FREE position. This will allow for better fuel economy,
quieter ride and less component wear.
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the clutch pedal.
4. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H.
NOTE:
Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.
4-20
ZX

Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and off-road use. It has a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track to make it
suitable for off-road use. These characteris-
tics give the vehicle a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars. An
advantage of the higher ground clearance is
a better view of your surroundings, allowing
you to anticipate problems. However, avoid
driving in deep water or mud as your
NISSAN is mainly designed for leisure use,
unlike a conventional off-road vehicle.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
cDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
cDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.cMany hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you
may not be able to control your
speed. If you drive across them, you
may roll over.
cStay alert when driving to the top of
a hill. At the top there could be a
drop-off or other hazard that could
cause an accident.
cIf your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in reverse gear.
Never back down in neutral (N) or
with the clutch depressed, using
only the brake, as this could cause
loss of control.
c
Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and
fade, resulting in loss of control and
an accident. Apply brakes lightly and
use a low gear to control your speed.
cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN 4-wheel drive
vehicle has a higher center of gravitythan a 2-wheel drive vehicle and can
tip over more easily. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the
same speeds as conventional
2-wheel drive vehicles any more
than low-slung sports cars are de-
signed to perform satisfactorily un-
der off-road conditions. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly could
result in loss of control and/or a
rollover accident.
cUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it will
not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
cAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
DRIVING YOUR
4-WHEEL DRIVE SAFELY
4-21
ZX

cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
cAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken
if you are barefoot.
cLower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty
side winds. Slower speeds ensure
better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires even with 4WD.
Accelerating quickly, steering or
braking may cause loss of control or
the vehicle to stick in the road.
cInstall the same size of winter tires
on all four (4) wheels (such as stud-
less tires) or install tire chains to the
rear wheels when driving on slippery
roads (e.g., after a snow) and drive
carefully using 4WD.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water as
specified in ``Wet brakes'' under theheading ``Brake system,'' later in this
section.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. For
details, refer to ``Maintenance for off-
road driving'' in the ``Maintenance
schedule'' section.CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer
case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
Snow tires
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
4-wheel drive model.
TIRES OF 4-WHEEL
DRIVE
4-22
ZX

Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, with a gauge. Adjust to
the specified pressure if necessary. Tire
pressures are shown on the tire placard
affixed to the glove box.
Tire chain
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
WARNING
cDo not park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
c
The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position
and the parking brake set to prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
cNever place the transfer control le-
ver in the N position. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly evenif the manual transmission is in gear or
the automatic transmission is in the P
position. This could result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in the R (Re-
verse) position. When parking on an up-
hill grade, place the gearshift lever in the
1st position.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
4-23
ZX