1997 NISSAN FRONTIER engine

uncomfortable shift shocks as the trans-
mission repeatedly shifts between 3rd
and overdrive. In this case, set the over-
drive switch in the OFF
position. The
indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch in the ONposition.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the OFF
position. This
reduces fuel economy.
Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the gearshift lever. After
shifting, release the clutch slowly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
Reverse (R). First shift into the Neutral (N)
position, then into Reverse (R).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
Reverse or 1st, shift into Neutral, then re-
lease the clutch pedal. Depress the pedal
and shift into Reverse or 1st again.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel
drive, see ``
Transfer case shifting pro-cedures for 4-wheel drive vehicles'' later in
this section.
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into Reverse.
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,
shift to N and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.
Suggested shift-up speeds
The folllowing table provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These
SD1017M
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
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suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift ranges should be
adjusted for specific road conditions, weather
conditions and individual driving habits.
c2-wheel drive models and 4-wheel drive
models (2H and 4H position):
Shift from MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
c4-wheel drive model (4L position):
Shift from MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (19)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (35)
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 sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according tothe road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation.
Allowable maximum speed in each gear:
2-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (48)
2nd 55 (88)
3rd 80 (129)
4th & 5th þ (þ)
4-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
2H/4H position
1st 25 (40)
2nd 43 (69)
3rd 68 (109)
4th & 5th þ (þ)
4L position
1st 12 (19)
2nd 22 (35)
3rd 30 (48)
4th & 5th þ (þ)1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P is preferred.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
P and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to
OFF or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the selector lever is in one of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral),
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
3.With your foot off the accelerator
pedal,turn the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
c
If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, depress
STARTING THE ENGINE
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the accelerator pedal fully and hold it
to help start the engine.
cIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
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
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at
least 30 seconds after starting. Drive at a
moderate speed for a short distance first,
especially in cold weather.To apply:pull the lever out.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift in the N (neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the P (park)
position.
3. While pulling out on the parking brake
lever slightly, turn the lever and push it in
completely.4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
cDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
cDo not leave children unattended in
a vehicle. They could release the
parking brake and cause an
accident.
IC0177
PARKING BRAKE
OPERATION
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To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
COAST/SET switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed decreases by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RESUME switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
cThe cruise indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RESUME/ACCEL,
COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch. To
properly set the cruise control system,
perform the preceding steps in the order
indicated.
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The CRUISEindicator in the instrument cluster then
blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the cruise indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Don't use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
cit is not possible to keep the vehicle
at a set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
con winding or hilly roads.
con slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
cin 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 neutral without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is on. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
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During the first 1,000 miles (1,609 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
cDo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not drive over the following speed
limits:
2-wheel drive models:
55 MPH (88 km/h)
4-wheel drive models
(2H or 4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
4-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).c
For the first 300 miles (483 km), it is
recommended that you drive in the
2-wheel drive (2H) position with the free-
running hubs set in LOCK if your vehicle
is equipped with manual-lock free-
running hubs.
cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
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cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low pressure increases tire
wear and wastes fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
c
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. 4-wheel drive operation lowers fuel
economy.2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear
wheels are driven. Use when driving under
the same conditions as standard 2WD ve-
hicle.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it
is difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e.,
driving at normal speeds on snow covered,
icy, wet, muddy or sandy roads).
4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand,
mud or deep snow. The 4L position pro-
vides maximum power and traction. Avoidraising vehicle speed excessively, as the
maximum speed in 5th gear is approxi-
mately 30 MPH (48 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N position. Shift the
lever quickly and smoothly when moving
across the N position with the vehicle stopped.
CAUTION
cDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in 4-wheel drive.
cDriving on dry hard surfaces in 4H or
4L may cause unnecessary noise
and tire wear. We recommend driv-
ing in the 2H position under these
conditions.
WARNING
cWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and shift the transfer
control lever in the 2H, 4H or 4L
position.
SD0020
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
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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
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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
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