2003 NISSAN FRONTIER lock

To move the selector lever:
: Pull lever toward you to shift
: Shift without pulling lever
Shifting (KA24DE engine)
Pull the shift selector lever to shift into P (Park) , R
(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2 or 1.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selector
lever from the N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the 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 se-
lector lever still cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
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 a NISSAN dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R
(Reverse) position.The brake pedal must be
depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from P
(Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive position to R
(Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor 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 all normal forward driving.
WSD0068
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above
58MPH (92 km/h) . Do not exceed 58 MPH (92
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 braking on steep downhill
grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above
30 MPH (48 km/h) . Do not exceed 30 MPH (48
km/h) in the 1 position.To move the selector lever:
: Depress the button to shift
: Shift without depressing button
Shifting (VG33E or VG33ER engine)
Push the shift selector lever button to shift into P
(Park) , R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All
other positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selector
lever from the N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the 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 se-
lector lever still cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
WSD0061
5-12Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed and the shift
selector lever button pushed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock and push the shift selector lever button. The
shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion.
To release the shift lock, 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 cover
sA.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
slot, and push down
sB.
5. Push the shift selector lever button
sCand
move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral)
position
sDwhile holding down the shift
lock.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch (KA24DE engine
type a)
ON: For typical driving, push the over-
drive switch ON
with the se-
lector lever in the D (Drive) position.
The transmission is upshifted into
OVERDRIVE as the vehicle speed
increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
WSD0069
5-14Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

cDo not leave the transfer control lever in
the N (Neutral) position. Otherwise, the
vehicle could roll unexpectedly even if
the manual transmission is in any gear
or the automatic transmission is in the
P (Park) position. This could result in
serious personal injury or property
damage.
cFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, which
could cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
CAUTION
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in
four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard sur-
faces in 4H or 4L may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear, and increased fuel con-
sumption. NISSAN recommends driving in
the 2H position under these conditions.
2H— (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use for driving under the same condi-
tions as standard 2WD vehicles or state dyna-
mometer I/M testing.
4H— (4WD, high range) Four wheels are driven.
Use when driving on roads where it is difficult todrive in the 2H position (for example, driving at
normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet, muddy
or sandy roads) .
The 4H position provides greater power and
traction. Avoid excessive speed as it will cause
increased fuel consumption, higher oil tempera-
ture and could damage drivetrain components.
Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H are not
recommended.
4L— (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) .
N— 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 engagement
when the shift lever is moved to the 4H or 4L
position. Follow these operational cautions:
CAUTION
cThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and dis-
engaging. This is normal.
SD0021
5-22Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

cAccelerating quickly from a stop after
shifting from two-wheel drive to four-
wheel drive may not allow engagement
of the auto-locking free-running hubs
and may cause a clattering noise. If this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal to
reduce the engine speed or stop the
vehicle. Continued use of the vehicle
with this noise may damage the hub
lock.
cIf the auto-locking hubs make a clatter-
ing 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) .
cUnder extremely cold conditions [below
5°F (-15°C)], 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.
cIn cold weather, it may be necessary to
reduce speed or stop the vehicle in or-
der to shift from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive.cWhen 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 dam-
age the hub lock. Drive in four-wheel
drive to stop the noise. Shift to two-
wheel drive as described.
For Automatic transmission models:
When moving the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to
4L or 4H, you must always move it quickly
through the N position. If you are slow to shift, the
engine idle speed will allow the transfer gears to
speed up and gear clashing will occur.
Do not move the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to
4L or 4H, from 2H to 4L and from 4L to 2H with
the engine turned off. Otherwise, you may have
difficulty in moving the transfer lever to the de-
sired position.
Do not leave the transfer lever in the N position
with the engine running. Stopping with the trans-
fer case in the N position may cause gear grind-
ing when selecting another gear. Changing the
transfer case gear quickly and smoothly will elimi-
nate this.
Starting and driving5-23
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

TO SHIFT
TRANSFER CASESHIFT PROCEDURE FOR AUTO-LOCK FREE RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4H Move 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. 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 ft (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 ft (2-3 m) backward.
If you were driving the vehicle in reverse, stop and move the vehicle 7-10 ft (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.
Keep the engine running.
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.
Keep the engine running.
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.
Keep the engine running.
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.
5-24Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X

2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in 1st gear.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gen-
tly touches the curb.
cHEADED 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.
cHEADED 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 position
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 the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
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 hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE 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 dis-
tance 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. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-26Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/16/03Ðcathy
X

WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at
each wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed at
each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure toprevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system (4-wheel ABS)
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate at
speeds below3-6MPH(5-10km/h) . (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When driving, the anti-lock brake system con-
trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-
ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve-
hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The
system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec-
tronically controls the pressure applied to each
brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS
system is operating. Such vibration and noise
encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob-
lem, but indicates that the system is functioningproperly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS brake
warning light on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Starting and driving5-27
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/15/03Ðarosenma
X