
(manual transmission vehicles), us-
ing only the brake, as this could
cause loss of control.
cHeavy 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.
cUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
cTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low
as possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could movesuddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
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 hot.
cLower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
cDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
cAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four-wheel
drive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two-wheel drive veh-icle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive ve-
hicles. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a roll over accident.
cAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See(Brake system(later in this sec-
tion for(Wet brakes(.
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. See
(Periodic maintenance(in the(Main-
tenance(section of this manual.
Starting and driving
5-5
ZX 

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES
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
cWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and always make sure
to shift the transfer control lever into
the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
cDo 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.
cFailure 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 pro-
vides 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.
AUTO-LOCK FREE-
RUNNING HUBS
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
cThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.
SD0021
Starting and driving5-21
ZX 

TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4HMove the transfer case shift lever to 4H at speeds below 25 MPH (40 km/h). It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Per-
form this operation when driving straight, not while cornering.
From 4H to 2H1. Move the transfer case shift lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal.
Perform this operation when driving straight, not while cornering.
2. Disengage the AUTO-LOCK hubs following the procedure outlined below.
NOTE:
The 4WD indicator light may not turn off immediately under certain driving conditions, such as when the vehicle is driven
uphill. This is normal and it will shut off as the vehicle is driven further.
AUTO-LOCK HUB DISENGAGEMENT (FREE MODE)
The AUTO-LOCK hubs will not disengage until the vehicle is completely stopped and is then moved in a straight line, approxi-
mately 7-10 feet (2-3 m), in the opposite direction of travel. For example:
If you were driving the vehicle forward, stop and move the vehicle 7-10 feet (2-3 m) backward.
If you were driving the vehicle in reverse, stop and move the vehicle 7-10 feet (2-3 m) forward.
It is not necessary to immediately return the AUTO-LOCK hubs to FREE MODE when shifting from 4H to 2H. The vehicle may be
operated under normal 2H conditions with the AUTO-LOCK hubs engaged. However, disengaging the AUTO-LOCK hubs will al-
low for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear. Leaving the hubs locked while driving in 2H may be desir-
able so that you can easily shift to 4H at speeds greater than 25 MPH (40 km/h).
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 4L position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the transmission selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Depress the transfer case shift lever and move it to the 2H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
4. Disengage the AUTO-LOCK hubs following the procedure outlined above.
Starting and driving5-23
ZX 

1. Remove the splash shield.
cRemove the six push pins.
cRemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
2. Remove the radiator drain cap. Open the
radiator drain plug located at the bottom
of the radiator. Drain the engine coolant.
cWaste coolant must be disposed of
properly.
cCheck your local regulations.3. Remove the cylinder block drain plug(s).
ADI1113ADI1054WDI0054
8-8Do-it-yourself
ZX 

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Unit: (mm) (in)
Drive Type2WD 4WD
Body Regular Cab King Cab Crew Cab King Cab Crew Cab
Wheelbase Short Long Long Long Long
Overall length*1 4699 (185) 4999 (196.8) 4906 (193.1) 4999 (196.8) 4906 (193.1)
Overall width 1720 (67.7)1664 (65.5)*5
1808 (71.2)*41808 (71.2)*4
(65.5)*51664 (65.5)*5
1808 (71.2)*41808 (71.2)*4
(65.5)*5
Overall height 1613 (63.5)1605 (63.2)*2
1694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*61687 (66.4)1694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*61687 (66.4)
Front tread 1395 (54.9)1395 (54.9)*2
1525 (60)*3, *61525 (60) 1525 (60) 1525 (60)
Rear tread 1390 (54.7)1390 (54.7)*2
1507 (59.3)*3, *61507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3)
Wheelbase 2648 (104.3) 2950 (116.1) 2950 (116.1) 2950 (116.1) 2950 (116.1)
Gross vehicle weight rating
lb (kg)
Gross axle weight rating See the ``F.M.V.S.S. certification label'' on the driver side door jamb pillar.
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: The step bumper adds 168 mm (6.9 in) to the overall length.
*2: XE with KA24DE engine.
*3: XE with VG33E engine and SE models.
*4: With over-fender.
*5: Without over-fender.
*6: SC with VG33ER engine.
Technical and consumer information10-11
ZX 

Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33E Engine)
2WD 4WD
King Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
XE XE SE SE XE XE SE SE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1169 530 1200 544 1200 535 1169 530 1125 510
California 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1169 530 1200 544 1200 535 1169 530 1125 510
Canada 1200 544 1133 514 N/A N/A N/A N/A 1133 514 1200 490 N/A N/A N/A N/A
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See9Vehicle Loading Information9earlier in this section for details.
Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33E Engine)
2WD 4WD
Crew Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
XE XE SE SE XE XE SE SE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1133 514 1089 494 1080 490 1036 470 937 425 1014 460 1003 470 970 440
California 1133 514 1089 494 1080 490 1036 470 937 425 1014 460 1003 470 970 440
Canada 1080 490 1032 468 997 452 997 452 1036 470 1003 455 992 455 937 425
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See9Vehicle Loading Information9earlier in this section for details.
10-20Technical and consumer information
ZX 

Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33ER Engine)
2WD 4WD
King Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1200 544 1160 525 1170 530 1105 500
California 1200 544 1160 525 1170 530 1105 500
Canada N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See9Vehicle Loading Information9earlier in this section for details.
Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33ER Engine)
2WD 4WD
Crew Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1060 480 1015 460 1015 460 950 430
California 1060 480 1015 460 1015 460 950 430
Canada 1010 457 980 444 980 445 925 420
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See9Vehicle Loading Information9earlier in this section for details.
Technical and consumer information10-21
ZX 

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lbs (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHT2WD 4WD
M/T (4cyl) A/T (4cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6) M/T (V6) A/T (V6)
MAXIMUM
TRAILER
WEIGHT*13,500 (1,588) 2,000 (907) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE
LOAD350 (159) 200 (91) 350 (159)Except Supercharger
500 (227)
350 (159)Except Supercharger
500 (227)
Supercharger
350 (159)Supercharger
350 (159)
GROSS
COMBINED
WEIGHT
RATING7,000 (3,175) 6,000 (2,721) 8,000 (3,628)Except Supercharger
9,500 (4,309)
8,000 (3,628)Except Supercharger
9,500 (4,309)
Supercharger
8,000 (3,628)Supercharger
8,000 (3,628)
RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT*2Sway Control
DeviceÐSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
Device
*1: ll towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000
lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional
trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX