2016 NISSAN FRONTIER 4WD

Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the shift lever is shifted
from the N (Neutral) position to any other gear
when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the ve-
hicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, follow the
instructions below:● For automatic transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
● For manual transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N position with the
brake pedal (A/T models) or clutch pedal (M/T
models) depressed.Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to
OFF, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model) , or when the VDC system is not
functioning properly. This indicates the VDC sys-
tem is not operating.
Push the VDC off switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is opera-
tional. If the light stays on or comes on along with
the SLIP (
) indicator light while you are
driving, have the VDC system checked. It is rec-
ommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service. If the battery is removed or discharged, the VDC
system is disabled and the VDC indicator light
will not turn off after 2 seconds when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. To reset the
system, you must perform the reset procedure.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you might
feel slight vibration or hear the system working
when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this
is normal.
The VDC system will be disabled and the VDC
light will illuminate when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-lock) system switch (if so
equipped) is turned on and the E-lock system is
engaged. If the E-lock system disengages or the
switch is turned off, the VDC system will be
enabled and the VDC light will turn off.
Instruments and controls2-23

The vehicle should be driven with the VDC sys-
tem on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
WARNING
● Never rely solely on the hill descent
control system to control vehicle speed
when driving on steep downhill grades.
Always drive carefully when using the
hill descent control system and deceler-
ate the vehicle speed by depressing the
brake pedal if necessary. Be especially
careful when driving on frozen, muddy
or extremely steep downhill roads. Fail-
ure to control vehicle speed may result
in a loss of control of the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death. ●
The hill descent control may not control
the vehicle speed on a hill under all load
or road conditions. Always be prepared
to depress the brake pedal to control
vehicle speed. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
CAUTION
When the hill descent control system op-
erates continuously for a long time, the
temperature of the brake pads may in-
crease and the hill descent control system
may be temporarily disabled (the indicator
light will blink) . If the indicator light does
not come on continuously after blinking,
stop using the system.
The hill descent control system is designed to
reduce driver workload when going down steep
hills. The hill descent control system helps to
control vehicle speed so the driver can concen-
trate on steering the vehicle.
To activate the hill descent control system: ● the shift lever must be in forward or reverse
gear,
● the 4WD switch must be in the 4L position
and the vehicle speed must be under
25 km/h (15 mph) or
LIC1548LIC0743
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH (if
so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-35

●the 4WD switch must be in the 4H position
and the vehicle speed must be under
35 km/h (21 mph) , and
● the hill descent control system switch must
be ON.
The hill descent control system on indicator light
will come on when the system is activated. Also,
the stop/tail lights illuminate while the hill descent
control system applies the brakes to control ve-
hicle speed.
If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed
while the hill descent control system is on, the
system will stop operating temporarily. As soon
as the accelerator or brake pedal is released, the
hill descent control system begins to function
again if the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.
The hill descent control system on indicator light
blinks if the switch is on and all conditions for
system activation are not met or if the system
becomes disengaged for any reason.
To turn off the hill descent control system, push
the switch to the OFF position.
For additional information, refer to “Hill descent
control system on indicator light” in this section
and “Hill descent control system” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual. The E-Lock system can help provide added trac-
tion if the vehicle is stuck or becoming stuck.
To activate the E-Lock system:
● the 4WD switch must be in the 4LO position
(4-wheel drive vehicles) ,
● the vehicle must be stopped or moving at
4 mph (7 km/h) or less, and
● the E-Lock system switch must be turned
ON. When the E-Lock switch is turned ON, the indi-
cator light will flash until the system engages.
However, if all operation conditions listed above
are not met or the system becomes disengaged,
the indicator light will continue to flash.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled
and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock
system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.
For additional information, refer to “Electronic
locking rear differential (E-Lock) system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual for
further explanation and system limitations.
WARNING
●
Never leave the E-Lock system ON when
driving on paved or hard-surfaced
roads. Turning the vehicle may result in
the rear wheels slipping and result in an
accident and personal injury. After us-
ing the E-Lock system to free the ve-
hicle, turn the system OFF.
LIC0729
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-36Instruments and controls

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-8
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Ignition switch .................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-12
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-14
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-18
Parking brake .................................... 5-20Cruise control (if so equipped) . .
...................5-21
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-21
Cruise control operations .......................5-22
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-23
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-23
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-24
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-25
Transfer case shifting procedures . . .............5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-31
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-33
Power steering ................................... 5-34
Brake system .................................... 5-34
Brake precautions ............................. 5-34
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-35
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-36
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-37
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-39
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-40
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-40
Rear sonar system (RSS) (if so equipped) ...........5-41
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-42

●Unsecured 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.
● To 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 possible. Do not
equip the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over.
● Do 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.
● Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
● Always drive with the floor mats in place
as the floor may become hot. ●
Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more affected
by strong side winds. Slower speeds
ensure better vehicle control.
● Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged (if so equipped) .
● For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury. ●
Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
● Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
● If 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
passenger car. The vehicle is not de-
signed for cornering at the same speeds
as passenger cars. Failure to operate
this vehicle correctly could result in loss
of control and/or a rollover accident.
Starting and driving5-9

WARNING
●For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
●Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the N
position with the brake pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans- mission vehicles, stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N po-
sition with the clutch pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD. ●
If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES
The part time 4WD system provides 3 positions
(2WD, 4H and 4LO) , so you can select the
desired drive mode according to the driving con-
ditions.
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-25

2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift SwitchPosition Wheels Driven Indicator Light
Use Conditions4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
2WD Rear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive) Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate
transfer shift position engaged.
4H
4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blink Neutral disengages the automatic trans-
mission mechanical parking lock, which
will allow the vehicle to roll. Do not leave
the transfer shift position in Neutral.*2
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. For automatic transmission vehicles:
Shift the shift lever to the (N) posi-
tion with the brake pedal depressed.
For manual transmission vehicles:
Shift the shift lever to the (N) posi-
tion with the clutch depressed.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles: Depress and turn the 4WD shift
switch to 4LO or 4H with the brake
pedal depressed.
For manual transmission vehicles:
Depress and turn the 4WD switch
to 4LO or 4H with the clutch pedal
depressed.
THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT EN-
GAGE BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR
4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST
STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED
THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE
SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL FOR AU-
TOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES.
FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VE-
HICLES YOU MUST MOVE THE SHIFT
LEVER TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO
4 wheels
Illuminated For use when maximum power and trac-
tion is required (for example: on steep
grades or rocky, sandy, muddy roads)
5-26Starting and driving

*1: Before moving the shift lever from neutral, wait until the 4LO indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shift procedure is completed andthe transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transfer gear may grind, not
engage correctly or stay in the neutral position.
- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switch OFF.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD warning light illuminates, have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
3. Apply the parking brake, for automatic transmission vehicles, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to Neutral position. For manual transmission vehicles, move the shift lever to Neutral position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed on automatic transmission vehicles or with the clutch pedal depressed on manual transmission vehicles, move the 4WD shift switch to desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the shift lever from Neutral position.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The
indicator light will also turn on when
4LO is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.
Starting and driving5-27