differential NISSAN FRONTIER 2011 Owner´s Manual

15. Electronic locking rear differential(E-Lock) system switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-35)
Heated seat switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-33)
Hill descent control switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-34)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-34)
16. Shift selector (P. 5-13,5-17)
17. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-24)
18. Climate controls (P. 4-2, P.4-10)
19. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-32)
20. Ignition switch (P. 5-10)
21. Tilt steering wheel control
(if so equipped) (P. 3-13)
22. Cargo lamp switch (P. 2-33)
23. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch (if
so equipped) (P. 2-36)
24. Outside mirror controls
(if so equipped) (P. 3-16)
Illustrated table of contents
0-7

Warninglight Name Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light 2-15
Automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature
warning light (if so
equipped)2-15
Automatic transmis-
sion park warning
light (
model)2-15
or
Brake warning light 2-16
Charge warning
light
2-16
Warning
light Name Page
Door open warning
light 2-16
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-17
4WD warning light
(
model)2-17
Low fuel warning
light 2-17
Low tire pressure
warning light2-17
Low windshield-
washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)2-19
Seat belt warning
light and chime
2-19
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-19
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic transmis-
sion position indica-
tor light (if so
equipped) 2-20
Cruise main switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)
2-20
Cruise set switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-20
Electronic locking
rear differential (E-
Lock) system on
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-20
4WD shift indicator
light (
model)
2-20
Front passenger air
bag status light
2-20
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-4
Tachometer ....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-6
Fuel gauge ....................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge (if so equipped) ........2-8
Voltmeter (if so equipped) .......................2-8
Trip computer (if so equipped) ...................2-9
Compass and outside temperature display
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-10
Outside temperature display ....................2-10
Compass display .............................. 2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-14
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-15
Warning lights ................................ 2-15
Indicator lights ................................ 2-20
Audible reminders ............................. 2-23
Security systems (if so equipped) ..................2-24
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ..........2-24
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system
(if so equipped) ............................... 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-26Switch operation
.............................. 2-26
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-28
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-28
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-30
Instrument brightness control ...................2-31
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-31
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-32
Horn ............................................ 2-32
Cargo lamp switch ............................... 2-33
Heated seat (if so equipped) .......................2-33
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-34
Hill descent control switch (if so equipped) ..........2-34
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
switch (if so equipped) ............................ 2-35
Clutch
interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-36
Power outlet ..................................... 2-37
Storage ......................................... 2-38
Storage trays ................................. 2-38
Under-seat storage bins ........................ 2-39

15. Electronic locking rear differential(E-Lock) system switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-35)
Heated seat switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-33)
Hill descent control switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-34)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-34)
16. Shift selector (P. 5-13,5-17)
17. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-24)
18. Climate controls (P. 4-2, P.4-10)
19. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-32)
20. Ignition switch (P. 5-10)
21. Tilt steering wheel control
(if so equipped) (P. 3-13)
22. Cargo lamp switch (P. 2-33)
23. Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-36)
24. Outside mirror controls
(if so equipped) (P. 3-16) 1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Voltmeter (if so equipped) 6. Odometer/Twin trip odometer/Trip
computer (if so equipped)
7. Engine oil pressure gauge
(if so equipped)
8. Engine coolant temperature gauge
LIC2028
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)Hill descent control system on indicator light
(if so equipped)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning
light (if so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (A/T models only)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(if so equipped)Security indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light for models with ABLS
(if so equipped)
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light for models with VDC
(if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system on indicator light (if so equipped)Transfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
4WD warning light (model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light (if so equipped)
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-14Instruments and controls

WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems, and/or pretensioner systems will
not operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmissionposition indicator light (if so
equipped)
See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Electronic locking reardifferential (E-Lock) system on
indicator light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system clutch is fully
engaged.
The indicator light flashes when the system is first
turned on. When the system fully engages, the
light remains on. If the switch is on and the
indicator light continues to flash, the system is
not engaged.
For additional information, see “Electronic lock-
ing rear differential (E-Lock) system switch” later
in this section and “Electronic locking rear differ-
ential (E-Lock) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
4WD shift indicator light(
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
placing the ignition switch in the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
2-20Instruments and controls

Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
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
(if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF, the
transfer case is in the 4LO position (
model) , or when the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system is not functioning properly. This indicates
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is not oper-
ating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control 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 operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control system is disabled and the
VDC indicator light will not turn off after 2 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. To reset the system, you must perform
the reset procedure. Refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control 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.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-23

●the 4WD switch must be in the 4H position
and the vehicle speed must be under 21
mph (35 km/h) , 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, see “Hill descent con-
trol system on indicator light” earlier in this sec-
tion and “Hill descent control system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual. The Electronic Locking Rear Differential (E-Lock)
system can help provide added traction 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.
See “Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system” in the “Starting and Driving” section 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)
Instruments and controls2-35

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 ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
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 ................................. 5-11
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-12
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-13
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-17
Parking brake .................................... 5-19Cruise control (if so equipped)
.....................5-20
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-20
Cruise control operations .......................5-21
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-22
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-23
Transfer case shifting procedures . . . ............5-24
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-29
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-31
Power steering ................................... 5-32
Brake system .................................... 5-32
Brake precautions ............................. 5-32
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-33
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-35
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-36
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-37
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-38
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-38
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-38

When driving on rough roads,● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
● Drive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
● Use the Electronic Locking Rear Differential
(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 reverse and
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. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
● Avoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shift switch operations
● Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the
2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
● If the 4WD shift 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 after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt
after the shift selector is shifted to N or
P. This occurs because the transfer
clutch is released and not because of a
malfunction.
CAUTION
● When driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing.
● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears (D1 or D2) or
manual transmission (1st gear or 2nd
gear) for engine braking.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
● Before placing the 4WD shift switch in
the 4H position from 2WD, ensure the
vehicle speed is less than 62 MPH (100
km/h) . Failure to do so can damage the
4WD system.
● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD0145
Starting and driving5-27