5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Low tire pressure warning system................5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Driving safety precautions.......................5-5
Ignition switch.....................................5-7
Automatic transmission..........................5-7
Manual transmission............................5-8
Key positions..................................5-8
Before starting the engine..........................5-9
Starting the engine................................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-10
Manual transmission...........................5-16
Parking brake....................................5-18
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-19
Precautions on cruise control...................5-19
Cruise control operations.......................5-20Break-in schedule................................5-21
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-21
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-22
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-22
Auto-lock free-running hubs............5-23
Parking/parking on hills............................5-26
Power steering...................................5-27
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)...................5-28
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-30
Cold weather driving..............................5-31
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-31
Anti-freeze....................................5-31
Battery.......................................5-31
Draining of coolant water.......................5-31
Tire equipment................................5-31
Special winter equipment.......................5-32
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-32
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-32
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cUnsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly 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 pos-
sible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
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 encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the performance
capablity 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 vehicle. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover 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 section for
“Wet brakes”.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
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 mainte-
nance” in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.”
5-6Starting and driving
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cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
c
Use 4H or 4L position only when
necessary. Four-wheel drive operation low-
ers fuel economy.
To move the transfer case lever:
: Push down on the lever to shift
: Shift without pushing down on the lever
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES
WARNING
cWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H or
4L position and the parking brake is
applied.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 to
WSD0067
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD)
5-22Starting and driving
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drive 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 driving in sand, mud or deep snow. The 4L
position provides maximum power and traction.
Avoid raising vehicle speed excessively, as the
recommended 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.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.
SD0021
Starting and driving5-23
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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 driv-
ing 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, approximately 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 com-
ponent 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.
Starting and driving5-25
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DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Unit: mm (in)
Drive Type 2WD 4WD
Body King Cab Crew Cab Crew Cab King Cab Crew Cab Crew Cab
Wheelbase Long Short Long Long Short Long
Overall length*1 5153 (202.9) 5077 (199.9) 5532 (217.8) 5153 (202.9) 5077 (199.9) 5532 (217.8)
Overall width 1808 (71.2)*4 1808 (71.2)**4 1808 (71.2)**4 1808 (71.2)*4 1808 (71.2)*4 1808 (71.2)*4
Overall height 1605 (63.2)*2
1694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*51694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*51694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*51694 (66.7)*3
1687 (66.4)*51687 (66.4) 1687 (66.4)
Front tread 1395 (54.9)*2
1525 (60)1525 (60) 1525 (60) 1525 (60) 1525 (60) 1525 (60)
Rear tread 1390 (54.7)*2
1507 (59.3)1507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3) 1507 (59.3)
Wheelbase 2950 (116.1) 2950 (116.1) 3329.9 (131.1) 2950 (116.1) 2950 (116.1) 3329.9 (131.1)
Gross vehicle weight rating See the “F.M.V.S.S. certification label” on the driver side door jamb pillar.
lb (kg)
Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: Includes rear step bumper.
*2: XE with KA24DE engine.
*3: XE with VG33E engine and SE models.
*4: With over-fender.
*5: SC with VG33ER engine.
Technical and consumer information9-9
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Vehicle Load Weight Capacity (KA24DE Engine)
2WD
King Cab
Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
XE XE
lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1312 595 1312 595
California 1312 595 1312 595
Canada 1312 595 1312 595
Vehicle Load Weight Capacity (VG33E Engine)
2WD4WD
K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1191 540 1036 470 1103 500 1147 520 970 440 1080 490
California 1191 540 1036 470 1103 500 1147 520 970 440 1080 490
Canada 1191 540 N/A N/A 1103 500 1147 520 N/A N/A 1080 490
Vehicle Load Weight Capacity (VG33ER Engine)
2WD4WD
K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1169 530 1014 460 1080 490 1080 490 915 415 1025 465
California 1169 530 1014 460 1080 490 1080 490 915 415 1025 465
Canada N/A N/A N/A N/A 1080 490 N/A N/A N/A N/A 1025 465
Technical and consumer information9-17
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
Unit: lbs (kg)
Model 2WD 4WD
Weight M/T (4 cyl) A/T (4 cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6) M/T (V6) A/T (V6)
Maxiumum Trailer
Weight*13,001 (1,361) 2,000 (907)Except Supercharger
3,500 (1,588)Except Supercharger
5,000 (2,268)Except S/C C/C L/B
3,500 (1,588)Except S/C C/C L/B
5,000 (2,268)
Supercharger
3,400 (1,542)Supercharger
4,902 (2,223)S/C C/C L/B
3,400 (1,542)S/C C/C L/B
4,902 (2,223)
Maximum Tongue Load 300 (136) 200 (91)Except Supercharger
350 (159)Except Supercharger
500 (227)350 (159)Except S/C C/C L/B
500 (227)
Supercharger
340 (154)Supercharger
490 (222)S/C C/C L/B
340 (154)S/C C/C L/B
490 (222)
Gross Combined
Weight Rating7,000 (3,175) 6,000 (2,721) 8,002 (3,629) 9,500 (4,309) 8,002 (3,629) 9,500 (4,309)
Recommended
Equipment*2Sway Control Device — Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device Sway Control Device
*1: All 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 3,000lb (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 prop-
erly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission C/C = Crew Cab
A/T = Automatic Transmission L/B = Long Bed
2WD = 2-wheel drive S/C = Supercharger
4WD = 4-wheel drive
9-20Technical and consumer information
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