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
LOCK or if the key is removed.
The shift lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or OFF position
without depressing the foot brake pedal.
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
Shifting
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. Whenparking 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.
ASD1024
5-10Starting and driving
ZX
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.D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds
above 68 MPH (110 km/h). Do not exceed
68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds
above 34 MPH (55 km/h). Do not exceed 34
MPH (55 km/h) in the 1 position.
ASD1025
Starting and driving5-11
ZX
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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
ODo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
ODo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
ODo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
OStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
OWhen 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.
Shifting
To change gears, or when up shifting or
down shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully,
shift into the appropriate gear, then release
the clutch slowly and smoothly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R
(Reverse). First shift into the N (Neutral)
position, then into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch
pedal and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st
again.
WDI0049
Starting and driving5-13
ZX
c)Push and release the RES/ACCEL switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed
increases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
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 to the desired speed.
c) Push and 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 re-
lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
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.
ODo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
ODo not drive over the following speed
limits:
two-wheel drive models and four-
wheel drive models (2H position):
Do not exceed the legal speed limit
four-wheel drive models
(4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
ODo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
OAvoid quick starts.
OAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
ODo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).OAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
ODrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
OAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
OUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
OAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-17
ZX
OFailure 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.
AUTO-LOCK FREE-
RUNNING HUBS
Your NISSAN is equipped with 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. Follow these opera-
tional cautions:
CAUTION
OThe auto-locking hubs will make aclicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.
OAccelerating 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.
OIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from four-
wheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle in reverse
gear, in a straight line, about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m).
OUnder 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.
SD0021
Starting and driving5-19
ZX
OIn 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.
OWhen 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.
5-20Starting and driving
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. Perform
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. Per-
form 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, approximately
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 allow
for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear. Leaving the hubs locked while driving in 2H may be desirable 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 driving5-21
ZX
verse) position. When parking on an up-
hill grade, place the gearshift lever in the
1st position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
O
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:Às1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
OHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
OHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is needed,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster,
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-23
ZX