
This occurs because the transfer clutch
is released and not because of a mal-
function.
CAUTION
IWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO, or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or revers-
ing.
IDo not shift the 4WD shift switch
while driving on steep downhill
grades. Use the engine brake.
IDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
IBefore placing the 4WD shift switch
in the 4H position from 2WD or AUTO,
ensure the vehicle speed is less than
50 MPH (80 km/h). Failure to do so
can damage the 4WD system.
INever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
IEngine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be espe-cially careful when starting or driving
on slippery surfaces with the 4WD
shift switch set in AUTO.
4WD shift indicator lightThe 4WD shift indicator light is located in the
tachometer.
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to ON.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift
indicator light will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shift switch.
IThe 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shifting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shift indicator light will
come on. If the indicator light does not
SSD0141
Starting and driving
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-7
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-14
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-15
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................... 8-17
Battery ..................................................................... 8-18
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-18
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-19Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-21
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-21
Replacing............................................................ 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-22
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-22
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-22
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-23
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-24
Checking clutch pedal ........................................ 8-24
Fuses....................................................................... 8-24
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-25
Multi-remote controller battery replacement....... 8-25
Lights ....................................................................... 8-27
Headlights........................................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-31
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-31
Types of tires...................................................... 8-32
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-33
Clutch housing drain............................... 8-37Z
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Check the fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the
COLD range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.
IUse Genuine Nissan PSF II or equiva-
lent.
BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine Nissan
Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 fluid up to the
MAX. line.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should
be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
SDI1209SDI0386B
DI0187M
SDI0847
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Do-it-yourself
8-15
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WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can
affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash the surface with water.
CLUTCH FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine Nissan
Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 fluid up to the
MAX. line.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should
be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can
affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash the surface with water.
SDI0844
8-16
Do-it-yourself
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CHECKING CLUTCH PEDALPress the pedal by hand and be sure the free
travel is within the above limit. If free travel is
out of the range shown above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate
and fuses are in good condition, check the
fusible links. If any of these fusible links are
melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN
parts.
DI0070-B
SDI0395
CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES8-24
Do-it-yourself
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CLUTCH HOUSING DRAIN
Whenever you drive in deep water or mud,
check water entry in the clutch housing by
removing the blind plug at the bottom of the
transmission case. After checking, be sure to
reinstall the plug.
DI0117
Do-it-yourself
8-37
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uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from
the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:
Make sure the pedal operates smoothly and
check that it has the proper free travel.
Brakes:
Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to
one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
make sure it has the proper distance under it
when depressed fully. Check the brake
booster function. Be certain to keep floormats
away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check that the lever has the proper travel and
confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is
held securely with the selector lever in the P
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking the vehicle on a
level spot and turning off the engine. (Be sure
to wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain
back into the sump.)
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:
Make sure that the brake and clutch fluid level
is between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and the
engine is turned off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*:
Check the level after putting the selector lever
in P (Park) with the engine idling.Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when the engine is
cold.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the radiator and clean off
any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have
accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no
cracks, deformation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*:
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked
or oily.
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
Exhaust system:
Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks
or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems
unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes,
immediately locate the trouble and correct it.
See ªPrecautions when starting and drivingº in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for exhaust
gas (carbon monoxide).
Underbody:
The underbody is frequently exposed to corro-
sive substances such as those used on icy
9-4
Maintenance
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Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive offroad through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more
frequent maintenance may be required of the
following items:G
Brake pads and discs
G
Brake lining and drums
G
Brake lines and hoses
G
Wheel bearing grease
G
Differential, transmission and transfer oil
G
Steering linkage
G
Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
G
Air cleaner filter
G
Clutch housing (See ªClutch housing drainº
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for check-
ing water entry.)
These items should be checked frequently to
assure safe and proper operation of your ve-
hicle.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Emission control system
maintenanceAdditional information on the following
items with * is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Drive belts*:
Check drive belts for wear, fraying or cracking
and also for proper tension. Replace the drive
belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter:
Under normal driving conditions, the air
cleaner filter should be replaced in accordance
with the maintenance schedule. However,
driving the vehicle in dusty areas may cause
more rapid clogging of the element. Conse-
quently, the element may have to be replaced
more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines:
Check vapor lines and connections for failure
or looseness. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel lines:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connectionsfor leaks, looseness or deterioration. Replace
any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filter:
When the filter becomes clogged, the vehicle
speed cannot be increased as the driver
wishes. In such an event, replace the filter.
Engine coolant*:
Flush and refill the cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter*:
Under normal driving conditions, the engine oil
and oil filter should be replaced in accordance
with the maintenance schedule. However, un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*:
Replace with new plugs having the correct
heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance:
Check the valve clearance if valve noise in-
creases.
Timing belt:
Replace the timing belt for driving the cam-
shafts.
9-10
Maintenance
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