
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.
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.
WSD0017
Starting and driving5-11
ZX

Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low, the selector
lever may not be moved from the P position
even with the brake pedal depressed and
the selector lever button pushed.
To move the selector lever, push the shift
lock release and selector lever button. The
selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release, complete the
following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position
and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot, and push down.
5. Push the selector lever button and move
the selector lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.
6. Start the engine.
If the selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park), take your vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealership as soon as possible.
Accelerator downshift
In D position
For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv-
ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to
the floor. This shifts the transmission down
into second gear or first gear, depending on
the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch
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 the
instrument panel comes on at this time.
ASD1023
5-12Starting and driving
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

CAUTION
ONever drive in four-wheel drive (4H
or 4L) with the manual lock free-
running hubs in the FREE position.
ODo not drive your vehicle with the
left and right manual lock free-
running hubs set to different posi-
tions.
OTo ensure proper lubrication of front
drive components, drive in the LOCK
position for at least 10 miles (16 km)
each month.The manual-lock free-running hubs are de-
signed to allow you to engage or disengage
the front drive shaft to the front wheels.
Before driving, set the free-running hub to
the desired position:
ctwo-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the FREE position.
cfour-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the LOCK position.
Be certain to align theSmark on the knob
with theOmark on the wheel hub.
SD0022
MANUAL-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
5-22Starting and driving
ZX

TO SHIFT TRANSFER
CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR MANUAL-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set both free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Move the transfer lever to 4H. It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer 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.
NOTE:
For two-wheel drive operation, set the free-running hubs in the FREE position. Disengaging the MANUAL LOCK
hubs will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear.
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P(Park) position.
4. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
NOTE:
Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.
Starting and driving5-23
ZX

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:s1
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 driving5-25
ZX