DRIVING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and off-road use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your NISSAN is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional off-road vehicle.
Remember that 2-Wheel Drive models are
less capable than 4–Wheel Drive (4WD)
models for rough road driving and extrica-
tion when stuck in deep snow or mud, or
the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
∙ Drive carefully when off the road andavoid dangerous areas. Every person
who drives or rides in this vehicle
should be seated with their seat belt
fastened. This will keep you and your
passengers in position when driving
over rough terrain.
∙ Do not drive across steep slopes. In- stead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road ve-
hicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward. ∙ Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
∙ Do not shif t gears while driving on downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
∙ Stay alert when driving to the top of a hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
∙ If your engine stalls or you cannot make it to the top of a steep hill, never
attempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in R (Reverse) gear.
Never back down in N (Neutral) or with
the clutch depressed (manual trans-
mission vehicles), using only the
brake, as this could cause loss of
control. ∙ Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and
fade, resulting in loss of control and
an accident. Apply brakes lightly and
use a low gear to control your speed.
Use the hill descent control feature (if
so equipped).
∙ Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it will
not be thrown forward and cause in-
jury 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 pos-
sible. 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.
Starting and driving5-9
WARNING
∙ Never remove the ignition key or placethe ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion while driving. The steering wheel
will lock (for models with a steering
lock mechanism). This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle
and could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be placed in the LOCK posi-
tion and the key removed until the shif t
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shif t lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shif t lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be
placed in the LOCK position. To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1. Move the shif t lever to the P (Park) posi- tion with the ignition switch in the ON
position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition.
If the shif t lever is moved to the P (Park)
position af ter the ignition switch is placed
in the OFF position or when the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK posi-
tion, proceed as follows to remove the key. 1. Move the shif t lever into the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly toward the ON position.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
The shif t lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
placed in the OFF position or if the key is
removed from the switch.
WSD0041
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-11
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
WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-
mission is automatically “reset” to overdrive
ON.
ON: With the engine running andthe shif t lever in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission up-
shif ts into overdrive as vehicle
speed increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the en-
gine has reached operating tempera-
ture.
OFF: For driving up and down longslopes where engine braking is
necessary push the O/D off
switch once. The Overdrive 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
shif t shocks as the transmission shif ts into
and out of overdrive repeatedly. In this
case, depress the overdrive switch to turn
the overdrive off. The Overdrive OFF indica-
tor light in the instrument panel comes on
at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress
the O/D off switch to turn the overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the over-
drive off. This reduces fuel economy.
WSD0045
5-18Starting and driving
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
∙ Do not downshif t abruptly on slipperyroads. This may cause a loss of
control.
∙ Do not over-rev the engine when shif ting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
∙ Do not rest your foot on the clutchpedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
∙ Fully depress the clutch pedal before shif ting to help prevent transmission
damage.
∙ Stop your vehicle completely before shif ting into R (Reverse).
∙ When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example, at a stop
light), shif t to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.
Shif ting
To change gears, or when upshif ting or
downshif ting, depress the clutch pedal
fully, shif t into the appropriate gear, then
release the clutch slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully de-
press the clutch pedal before operating the
shif t lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shif ted, a gear noise may be heard. Trans-
mission damage could occur. Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shif t to 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th (if so equipped) gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shif t lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position af ter
stopping the vehicle completely.
On the 5-speed manual transmission
model, you cannot shif t directly from the
5th gear into R (Reverse). First shif t into N
(Neutral), then in to R (Reverse) af ter stop-
ping the vehicle completely.
5 - speed
WSD0154
6 - speed
LSD0148
Starting and driving5-19
3. While pulling up on the parking brakelever slightly, press the button
Band
lower the lever completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warn- ing light goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
1. ACCEL•RES switch
2. COAST•SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. ON•OFF switch
∙ If the cruise control system malfunc- tions, it cancels automatically. The SET
indicator light in the instrument panel
then blinks to warn the driver. ∙ If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
ON•OFF switch off and have the system
checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
∙ The SET indicator light may blink when the ON•OFF switch is turned on while
pushing the ACCEL•RES, COAST•SET, or
CANCEL switch (located on the steering
wheel). To properly set the cruise con-
trol system, use the following proce-
dures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
∙ When it is not possible to keep thevehicle at a set speed.
∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in speed.
∙ On winding or hilly roads.
∙ On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
∙ In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.LSD2753
CRUISE CONTROL
5-22Starting and driving
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shif t into N (Neutral) without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is set. Should this occur, depress
the clutch pedal and turn the ON•OFF
switch off immediately. Failure to do so
may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 - 89 mph (40 - 144 km/h) with-
out keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
ON•OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the COAST-
•SET switch and release it. The SET indica-
tor light in the instrument panel comes on.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
∙ To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed. ∙ The vehicle may not maintain the set
speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods:
∙ Push the CANCEL switch; the SET indi- cator light in the instrument panel goes
out.
∙ Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light goes out.
∙ Turn the ON•OFF switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator
light in the instrument panel go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celed and the SET indicator light in the in-
strument panel goes out if: ∙ You depress the brake or clutch pedal (if so equipped) while pushing the ACCEL-
•RES or COAST•SET switch. The preset
speed is deleted from memory.
∙ The vehicle slows down more than 8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed.
∙ You depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission), or move the shif t lever to
N (Neutral) (automatic transmission). To reset at a faster cruising speed,
use
one of the following three methods:
∙
Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST•SET switch.
∙ Push and hold the ACCEL•RES switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
∙ Push and release the ACCEL•RES switch. Each time you do this, the set speed
increases by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:
∙ Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST•SET switch and release it.
∙ Push and hold the COAST•SET switch. Release the switch when the vehicle
slows to the desired speed.
∙ Push and release the COAST•SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed, push and
release the ACCEL•RES switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 25 mph (40 km/h).
Starting and driving5-23