*1: Before moving the shif t lever from N (Neutral), wait until the 4LO indicator stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shif t procedure is completed and the
transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shif ted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transfer gear may grind, not engage
correctly or stay in the N (Neutral) position.
- If the 4WD vehicle information display warning message illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to the correct oper ating
condition.
1. Turn off the engine by placing the ignition switch in the OFF position.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD vehicle information display warning message turns off. If the warning message in the vehicle information display stays on, have th e
system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed, 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 switch must be in the ON position and the vehicle's engine must be running for a shif t to take place and fo rthe
4WD shif t and 4LO position indicators to be operable. Otherwise, the shif t will not take place and no indicators will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator 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, see “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” (P. 5-118).
Starting and driving5-107
The transfer case 4WD shif t switch is used
to select either 2WD or 4WD depending on
the driving conditions. There are three
types of drive modes available: 2WD, 4H and
4LO.
The 4WD shif t switch electronically controls
the transfer case operation. Rotate the
switch to move between each mode: 2WD,
4H and 4LO.
To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, move the shif t lever
to N (Neutral), and depress the brake
pedal. The switch must be pushed and
turned to select 4LO.
WARNING
• When parking, apply the parking
brake before stopping the engine
and make sure that the 4WD shif t
indicator is on and the Automatic
Transmission Park (ATP) warning
light goes off. Otherwise, the vehicle
could unexpectedly move even if the
A/T is in the P (Park) position. •
The 4LO indicator must stop blinking
and remain illuminated or turn off
before shif ting the transmission into
gear. If the shif t lever is shif ted from
the N (Neutral) position to any other
gear when the 4LO indicator is blink-
ing, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly.
CAUTION
• Never shif t the 4WD shif t switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
•
The 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption
and higher oil temperatures, and
could damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4H
is not recommended.
• The 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 mph
(50 km/h).
•
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 (be-
tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low A/T gears (M1 or
M2) for engine braking.
• Do not operate the 4WD shif t switch
(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.
• Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driv-
ing on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise and
tire wear. NISSAN recommends driv-
ing in the 2WD position under these
conditions.
• The 4WD transfer case may not be
shif ted between 4H and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the
transfer 4LO position indicator may
blink even when the 4WD shif t switch
is shif ted. Af ter driving for a while
you can change the 4WD transfer
case between 4H and 4LO.
5-108Starting and driving
–In the 4LO position, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission shif t lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the brake pedal
depressed, and shif t the 4WD shif t
switch to 2WD.
• If the warning message is still on af-
ter the above operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
• The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing message on. The E-Lock system can provide additional
traction and should only be used when a
vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.
This system operates by electronically
“locking” the two rear drive wheels to-
gether, allowing them to turn at the same
speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when
using the 4LO position (4-Wheel Drive ve-
hicles).
When added traction is required, activate
the E-Lock system by pushing the switch
on. For additional information, see “Elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem switch” (P. 2-59). Once the system fully
engages, the indicator light in the instru-
ment panel will remain on. When the sys-
tem is activated, both rear wheels will en-
gage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or
move to engage the system, and the sys-
tem will only engage up to approximately 4
mph (7 km/h). Once the vehicle is free, the
system should be turned off and driving
resumed.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is dis-
abled and the ABS warning light illumi-
nates when the E-Lock system is on.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 per-
sonal injury. Af ter using the E-Lock
system to free the vehicle, turn the
system off.
• Use the E-Lock system only in an
emergency when it is not possible to
free a stuck vehicle even when using
4LO. Never use the E-Lock system on
a slippery road surface such as snow
or ice surface. Using the E-Lock sys-
tem when driving in these road con-
ditions may cause unexpected
movement of the vehicle during en-
gine braking, accelerating or turning,
which may result in an accident and
serious personal injury.
• Observe the above warnings. Other-
wise, loss of normal steering control
may result. This may result in an ac-
cident and serious personal injury.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-112Starting and driving
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if
you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
–
When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. For ad-
ditional information, see “Tire and
Loading Information label” (P. 8-37).
– For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-35)
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
5-116Starting and driving
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above3-6mph(5-10
km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert,
drive safely and be in control of the ve-
hicle at all times. • The ABLS system uses automatic brak-
ing to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle with
more traction. The ABLS system applies
braking to the slipping wheel, which helps
redirect power to the other wheel.
• On 4–Wheel Drive (4WD) models the ABLS system operates in both 4H and 4LO
modes. If 4WD mode is engaged, the
ABLS system operates for both drive ax-
les. On 2–Wheel Drive vehicles, the ABLS
system operates on the drive axle only.
• The ABLS system is always on. In some conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system is turned off.
• The ABLS system does not operate if both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-117
WARNING
• The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the slip indicator light may
illuminate. •
If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the ABLS system may not oper-
ate properly and the slip indicator
light may illuminate. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non-slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
• If the 4WD transfer case is shif ted into 4LO the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. For
additional information, see “Using
4-Wheel Drive (4WD)” (P. 5-105).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-118Starting and driving
When the VDC system operates, theindicator light in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following:
• The road may be slippery or the systemmay determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
• You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-21) and “Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-21).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light will come on in the in-
strument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when these indicator
light is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
indicator light illumi-
nates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this
occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
ON when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully. •
Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
Starting and driving5-119
•When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the front and rear wheels
depending on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle's suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or theindicator light may
illuminate.
•
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may illuminate.
• If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indi-
cator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or theindicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-120Starting and driving