The shif t lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ON positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the ignition
switch. When the ignition is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not locked
(for models with a steering lock mecha-
nism).
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and lef t.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK
position, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t or right while turning the key to un-
lock the key cylinder.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (M/T) (if
so equipped)
The ignition switch includes a device that
helps prevent accidental removal of the
key while driving.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On M/T models, to turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK position from the ACC or ON
position, place the ignition switch in the
OFF position, push the key in, then place the
ignition switch in the LOCK position.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
WSD0052
5-12Starting and driving
If the engine fails to start using a registered
key (for example, when interference is
caused by another registered key, an auto-
mated toll road device or automatic pay-
ment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedures:1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON po- sition for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the in-
terference) separate from the regis-
tered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. ∙ Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
∙ Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid (if so
equipped), and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
∙ Check that all windows and lights are clean.
∙ Visually inspect tires for their appear- ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
∙ Check that all doors are closed.
∙ Position seat and adjust head restraints/headrests.
∙ Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
∙ Fasten the seat belt and ask all passen- gers to do likewise.
∙ Check the operation of warning lights when the key is placed in the ON posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“Warning lights, indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic transmission:
Move the shif t lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is recommended.
The shif t lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any
of the other gear positions if the ig-
nition switch is placed in the OFF po-
sition or if the key is removed from
the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to oper-
ate if the shif t lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shif t lever to N (Neutral). De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to oper-
ate unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal by placing the
ignition switch in the START position.
Release the key when the engine
starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13
∙ If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when re-
starting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the
floor) and hold it and then crank the
engine. Release the key and the ac-
celerator pedal when the engine
starts.
∙ If the engine is very hard to start be- cause it is flooded, depress the accel-
erator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Crank the engine for
5-6 seconds. Af ter cranking the en-
gine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off
the accelerator pedal by placing the
ignition in the START position. Re-
lease the key when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start, turn the key off and wait
10 seconds before cranking again, oth-
erwise the starter could be damaged. 4. Allow the engine to idle for at least
30 seconds af ter starting. Do not race
the engine while warming it up. Drive at
a moderate speed for a short distance
first, especially in cold weather.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as: 1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. The vehicle is not driven regularly
and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T)
(if so equipped)
WARNING
∙ Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shif ting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 3, 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shif ting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
∙ Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shif ting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
∙ Never shif t to either the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position while the vehicle is
moving forward and P (Park) or D
(Drive) position while the vehicle is re-
versing. This could cause an accident
or damage the transmission.
∙ Do not downshif t abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shif t 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 in-
jury or property damage.
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position for any reason while the vehicle is
in N (Neutral), or any D (Drive) position, the
ignition switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position and the key cannot be re-
moved from the ignition switch. Move the
shif t lever to the P (Park) position, then the
ignition switch can be placed in the LOCK
position.
P (Park)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use
the P (Park) position only when the ve-
hicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shif t lever position when
the vehicle is parked or when starting the
engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped. The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shif t lever from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park).
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then move
the shif t lever into the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse)
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use
the R (Reverse) position only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up.
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before selecting the R (Reverse)
position. The brake pedal must be de-
pressed to move the shif t lever from P
(Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to
R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shif t to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving. D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
3 (Third gear)
Use this position for driving up and down
long slopes where engine braking would
be advantageous.
Do not downshif t into the 3 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 3 position.
2WD:99 mph (160 km/h)
4H: 93 mph (150 km/h)
4LO: 34 mph (55 km/h)
2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
Do not downshif t into the 2 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 2 position.
5-16Starting and driving
2WD:62 mph (100 km/h)
4H: 59 mph (95 km/h)
4LO: 21 mph (35 km/h)
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 downshif t into the 1 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 1 position. 2WD:37 mph (60 km/h)
4H: 37 mph (60 km/h)
4LO: 12 mph (20 km/h)
Shif t lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shif t lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) posi-
tion even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shif t lever, release the shif t
lock. The shif t lever can be moved to N
(Neutral). However, the steering wheel will
be locked unless the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position (for models with a
steering lock mechanism). This allows the
vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-
charged. To push the shif t lock release, complete the
following procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shif t lock release cover as shown.
4. Use a protective cloth on the tip of a small screwdriver before inserting it in
the shif t lock release slot and pushing
down.
5. Move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shif t
lock release.
6. Place the ignition switch in the ON po- sition to unlock the steering wheel (for
models with a steering lock mecha-
nism).
7. Now the vehicle may be moved to the desired location.
If the shif t lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the automatic transmission
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
LSD0141
Starting and driving5-17
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. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
3. Apply the parking brake, for A/T vehicles, depress the brake pedal and move the shif t lever to N (Neutral) position. For M/T vehicles,
move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed on A/T vehicles or with the clutch pedal depressed on M/T vehicles, move the 4WD shif t switch to
the desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shif ting the shif t lever from the N (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 shif t to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shif t and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shif t 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 shif t the 4WD shif t 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.
5-28Starting and driving
When driving on rough roads:∙ Set the 4WD shif t switch to 4H or 4LO.
∙ Drive carefully according to the road surface conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck: ∙ Set the 4WD shif t switch to 4H or 4LO.
∙ Use the Electronic Locking Rear Differ- ential (E-Lock) system (if so equipped).
Turn the switch ON while the vehicle is
stationary and apply the throttle to try
to free the vehicle.
∙ If it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the vehicle back and forth between R (Re-
verse) and D (Drive) gears.
∙ If the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, place stones or wooden blocks under the
tires. Then try the recovery procedures
above. Tire chains may be effective.
CAUTION
∙ Do not spin the tires excessively. Tireswill sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
∙ Avoid shif ting gears with the engine running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shif t switch operations
∙ Shif t the 4WD shif t switch to either the
2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
∙ If the 4WD shif t switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the key switch is
turned off while in the 4H or 4LO posi-
tion, you may feel a jolt. This is not
abnormal. ∙
When the vehicle is stopped af ter
making a turn, you may feel a slight
jolt af ter the shif t lever is moved to N
(Neutral) or P (Park). This occurs be-
cause the transfer clutch is released
and not because of a malfunction.
CAUTION
∙ When driving straight, shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shif t switch
when making a turn or reversing.
∙ Do not shif t the 4WD shif t switch while driving on steep downhill
grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears 2 (Sec-
ond gear) or 1 (Low gear) or manual
transmission (1st gear or 2nd gear) for
engine braking.
∙ Do not operate the 4WD shif t switch with the rear wheels spinning.
∙ Before placing the 4WD shif t switch in the 4H position from 2WD, ensure the
vehicle speed is less than 62 mph
(100 km/h). Failure to do so can dam-
age the 4WD system.
∙ Never shif t the 4WD shif t switch be- tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD0145
5-30Starting and driving
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rollinginto traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB
A:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
B:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB
C:
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. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position and remove the key. The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to as-
sist 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 harder to operate.
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic 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 pres-
sure 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 pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t 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
Starting and driving5-35