2000 NISSAN FRONTIER stop start

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmission
control module 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
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal to ensure the ve-
hicle is at a complete stop before at-
tempting to shift the selector lever.
IKeep the foot brake pedal depressed
and shift the selector lever into a driving
gear.
IRelease the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned toLOCK or if the key is removed.
If the battery charge is low, the shift lever
can be moved if the ignition switch is in
the ACC position.
Shifting with automatic transmission
(KA24DE engine)
Pull the selector lever rearward to shift into
P (Park), or R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to
2or1.
P (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or
when starting the engine. Always be sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop. For maximum
safety, depress the brake pedal, then move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift the
ASD1008
Starting and driving5-9
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selector lever into the P (Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park), use the following procedure:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it clockwise to
the ACC position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the shift
selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Shift into this
position only after the vehicle has com-
pletely stopped.N (Neutral):
Neither forward or 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 normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use for moderate uphill grades engine brak-
ing on downhill grades or starting on slip-
pery surfaces.
Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
above 62 MPH (100 km/h), and do not exceed
62 MPH (100 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position for steep uphill grades,
driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
Do not downshift into the 1 position at
speeds above 30 MPH (48 km/h), and do
not exceed 30 MPH (48 km/h) in the 1
position.
5-10Starting and driving
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Shifting with automatic transmission
(VG33E engine)
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R
(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other
positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine. Al-
ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete
stop. For maximum safety, depress the
brake pedal, then push in the shift lever
button and move the lever to the P (Park)position. Apply the parking brake. When
parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the lever into the P (Park)
position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift selector lever still cannot be moved
out of P (Park), follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal and move
the shift selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position. For
maximum safety, check to ensure the area
behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake
pedal depressed, push in the shift selector
lever button and move the shift selector
lever to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
ASD1024
Starting and driving5-11
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OVERDRIVE SWITCH (VG33E
engine)
ON: With the engine running and the se-
lector 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 tempera-
ture.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary
push the OVERDRIVE switch once.
The O/D OFF indicator light in theinstrument 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 between third gear
and 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 OVER-
DRIVE on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the OVER-
DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.
WARNING
IDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
IWhen 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.
ASD1023
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
5-14Starting and driving
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1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is preferred.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned
to OFF or if the key is removed from
the ignition 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 fully depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
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.IIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, depress
the accelerator pedal fully and hold it
to help start the engine.
IIn 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.
WARNING
IBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
IDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
IDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
I
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
STARTING THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION
5-16Starting and driving
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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.
IDo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
IDo not drive over the following speed
limits:
two-wheel drive models:
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(2H or 4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
IDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
IAvoid quick starts.
IAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
I
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. Four-wheel drive operation lowers
fuel economy.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-20Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard
surfaces in 4H or 4L may cause unnec-
essary noise, tire wear, and increased
fuel consumption. NISSAN recom-
mends driving in the 2H position under
these conditions.
WARNING
IWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and always make sure
to shift the transfer control lever into
the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
IDo not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could roll unex-
pectedly even if the manual
transmission is in gear or the auto-
matic transmission is in the P (Park)
position.
IFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
resulting in serious personal injury
or property damage.2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear
wheels are driven. Use for driving under the
same conditions as standard 2WD vehicles
or state dynamometer I/M testing.
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 provides
maximum power and traction. Avoid raising
vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum
speed is approximately 30 MPH (48 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N (Neutral) position.
Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when
moving across the N (Neutral) position with
the vehicle stopped.
Your NISSAN is equipped with one of two
4WD systems, auto-lock free-running hubs
or manual-lock free-running hubs.
ASD1022
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
Starting and driving5-21
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The auto-lock free-running hub is designed
to allow for automatic four-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
IThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.IAccelerating quickly from a stop af-
ter shifting from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive may not allow en-
gagement 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.
IIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from four-
wheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.
IUnder 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 four-wheel
drive to warm up the vehicle and
differential gear oil. Then, shift to
two-wheel drive.IIn cold weather, it may be necessary
to reduce speed or stop the vehicle
in order to shift from two-wheel drive
to four-wheel drive.
IWhen shifting into or out of four-
wheel drive while driving, do not
stop shift lever movement midway.
An incomplete 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 four-wheel
drive to stop the noise. Shift to two-
wheel drive as described.
SD0021
AUTO-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
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