2004 NISSAN XTERRA stop start

CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM
The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) .
The low tire pressure warning system will activate
only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
20 MPH (32 km/h) . Also, this system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for ex-
ample a flat tire while driving) .
Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the
outside temperature. Low outside temperature
can lower the temperature of the air inside the tire
which can cause a lower tire inflation pressure.
This may cause the low tire pressure warning
light to illuminate.
If the warning light illuminates in low ambient
temperature as described above, check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown
on the tire placard to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF.
Frequently check the tire pressure and adjust
pressure of each tire properly.
Low tire pressure warning
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi, 193 kPa) , the lowtire pressure warning light comes on and the
chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section.
WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning light
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Serious vehicle
damage could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the tire placard to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If you have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible. (See
“Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency”
section for changing a flat tire.)
c
Starting and driving5-3
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4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
cOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before attempting to move
the shift selector lever out of the P (Park)
position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK position or if the key is re-
moved.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-10Starting and driving
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The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ACC position. This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the bat-
tery is discharged. The shift selector lever
can also be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ON position and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
To move the selector lever:
: Depress the button to shift
: Shift without pushing button
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to
R (Reverse) , N (Neutral) or D (Drive) .
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.
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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):
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
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.
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
60 MPH (96 km/h) . Do not exceed 60 MPH (96
km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowing 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
31 MPH (50 km/h) . Do not exceed 31 MPH (50
km/h) in the 1 position.
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OFF: For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts into and out of
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 Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when shift-
ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
cFully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse) .
cWhen 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 upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If
the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd
and 4th up to 5th gear in sequence according to
vehicle speed.
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cPush and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.
cPush and release the RES/ACCEL switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cLightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
cPush and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.
cPush and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
c
Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
c
Air conditioner operation lowers fuel economy.
Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
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.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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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. If the ATP light is on,
this indicates that the automatic trans-
mission P position will not function and
the transfer control lever is in the N
position.
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
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.
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USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD)
Starting and driving5-19
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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.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.
SD0021
5-20Starting and driving
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