wheel NISSAN FRONTIER 1999 D22 / 1.G User Guide

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ig-
nition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the key:
1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift 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
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged. The shift
lever can also be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a²1²on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-
tion. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running. The shifter can be moved if the
ignition switch is in ACC position.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
ASD1014
Starting and driving5-5
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Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the gearshift lever. After
shifting, slowly release the clutch.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R
(Reverse). First shift into the N (Neutral)
position, then into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch
pedal and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st
again.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheeldrive, see ``
Transfer case shifting pro-
cedures for four-wheel drive vehicles'' later
in this section.
Suggested up-shift speeds
The folllowing table provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These
suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift ranges should be
adjusted for specific road conditions, weather
conditions and individual driving habits.
ITwo-wheel drive models and four-wheel
drive models (2H and 4H position):
Shift from MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
I4-wheel drive model (4L posi-
tion):
Shift from MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 12 (19)
3rd to 4th 20 (32)
4th to 5th 22 (35)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road
driving, use the highest gear suggested for that
speed. Always observe posted speed limits,
and drive according to the road conditions,
which will ensure safe operation.
Allowable maximum speed in each gear:
2-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (48)
2nd 55 (88)
3rd 80 (129)
4th & 5th þ (þ)
4-wheel drive models MPH (km/h)
2H/4H position
1st 25 (40)
2nd 43 (69)
3rd 68 (109)
4th & 5th þ (þ)
4L position
1st 12 (19)
2nd 22 (35)
3rd 30 (48)
4th & 5th þ (þ)
SD1017M
Starting and driving5-13
ZX

During the first 1,000 miles (1,609 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
IDo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
IDo not drive over the following speed
limits:
two-wheel drive models:
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(2H or 4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
IDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
IAvoid quick starts.
IAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
I
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. Four-wheel drive operation lowers
fuel economy.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-18Starting and driving
ZX

CAUTION
IDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in four-wheel drive.IDriving on dry hard surfaces in 4H or
4L may cause unnecessary noise
and tire wear. We recommend driv-
ing in the 2H position under these
conditions.
WARNING
IWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and always make sure
to shift the transfer control lever into
the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
IDo not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could roll unex-
pectedly even if the manual
transmission is in gear or the auto-
matic transmission is in the P (Park)
position.
IFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which in turn could result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear
wheels are driven. Use when driving underthe same conditions as standard 2WD ve-
hicle.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it
is difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e.,
driving at normal speeds on snow covered,
icy, wet, muddy or sandy roads).
4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand,
mud or deep snow. The 4L position provides
maximum power and traction. Avoid raising
vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum
speed is approximately 30 MPH (48 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the N (Neutral) position.
Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when
moving across the N (Neutral) position with
the vehicle stopped.
Your NISSAN is equipped with one of two
4WD systems, auto-lock free-running hubs
or manual-lock free-running hubs.ASD1022
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
Starting and driving5-19
ZX

The auto-lock free-running hub is designed
to allow for automatic four-wheel drive en-
gagement when the shift lever is moved to
the 4H or 4L position. If your vehicle is
equipped with this system, follow these op-
erational cautions:
CAUTION
IThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.IAccelerating quickly from a stop af-
ter shifting from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive may not allow en-
gagement of the auto-locking free-
running hubs and may cause a clat-
tering noise. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. In such a case, release
the accelerator pedal to reduce the
engine speed or stop the vehicle.
IIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from four-
wheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.
IUnder extremely cold conditions
[below 5ÉF (-15ÉC)], the front axle
shafts may rotate even with the
transfer lever in the 2H position. If
this occurs, the auto-locking hubs
may make a clattering noise. To
avoid this, drive first in four-wheel
drive to warm up the vehicle and
differential gear oil. Then, shift to
two-wheel drive.IIn cold weather, it may be necessary
to reduce speed or stop the vehicle
in order to shift from two-wheel drive
to four-wheel drive.
IWhen shifting into or out of four-
wheel drive while driving, do not
stop shift lever movement midway.
An incomplete shift may cause a
clattering noise from the auto-
locking hubs. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. Drive in four-wheel
drive to stop the noise. Shift to two-
wheel drive as described.
SD0021
AUTO-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
5-20Starting and driving
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CAUTION
INever drive in four-wheel drive (4H
or 4L) with the free-running hubs in
the FREE position.
IDo not drive your vehicle with the
left and right free-running hub set to
different positions.
ITo ensure proper lubrication of front
drive components, drive in the LOCK
position for at least 10 miles (16 km)
each month.The manual-lock free-running hubs are de-
signed to allow you to engage or disengage
the front drive shaft to the front wheels.
Before driving, set the free-running hub to
the desired position:
Itwo-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the FREE position.
Ifour-wheel operation Ð Turn the knob to
the LOCK position.
Be certain to align theSmark on the knob
with theImark on the wheel hub.
SD0022
MANUAL-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
5-22Starting and driving
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TO SHIFT TRANSFER
CASE:SHIFT PROCEDURE FOR MANUAL-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUBS
From 2H to 4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set both free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Move the transfer lever to 4H. It is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal.
From 4H to 2HMove the transfer lever to 2H. This can be done at any speed, and it is not necessary to depress the clutch pedal. Perform
this operation when driving straight.
NOTE:
For two-wheel drive operation, set the free-running hubs in the FREE position. Disengaging the MANUAL LOCK
hubs will allow for better fuel economy, quieter ride and less component wear.
From 4H to 4L or 4L to
4H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to the desired 4L or 4H position. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 2H to 4L1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Set free-running hubs in the LOCK position.
3. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
4. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 4L. Change gears quickly and smoothly.
From 4L to 2H1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal, or place the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
3. Depress the transfer lever and move it to 2H. Chnage gears quickly and smoothly.
NOTE:
Follow the NOTE shown in shifting from 4H to 2H.
Starting and driving5-23
ZX

Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and off-road use. It has a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track to make it
suitable for off-road use. These characteris-
tics give the vehicle a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars. An
advantage of the higher ground clearance is
a better view of your surroundings, allowing
you to anticipate problems. However, avoid
driving in deep water or mud as your
NISSAN is mainly designed for leisure use,
unlike a conventional off-road vehicle.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Always wear
your seat belts to help keep you and
your passengers in position when
driving over rough terrain.
IDo not drive across steep slopes.
Instead drive either straight up or
straight down the slopes. Off-road
vehicles can tip over sideways much
more easily than they can forward or
backward.IMany 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.
IStay 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.
IIf 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 reverse gear.
Never back down in N (neutral) or
with the clutch depressed, using
only the brake, as this could cause
loss of control.
I
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.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four-wheel drive
vehicle has a higher center of gravitythan a two-wheel drive vehicle and can
tip over more easily. The vehicle is not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road con-
ditions. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a rollover accident.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure it so that it will
not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
IAvoid raising the center of gravity by
loading things on the roof or equip-
ping the vehicle with tires larger than
specified in this manual. This could
cause your vehicle to roll over. Put
heavy loads in the cargo area as far
forward and as low as possible.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could jerk
and injure your hands. Instead drive
with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
DRIVING YOUR
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SAFELY
5-24Starting and driving
ZX

IBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken
if you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty
side winds. Slower speeds ensure
better vehicle control.
IDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires even with 4WD.
IAccelerating quickly, steering or
braking may cause loss of control.
IInstall the same size of winter tires
on all four (four) wheels (such as
studless tires) or install tire chains
to the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads (e.g., after a snow)
and drive carefully using 4WD.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water asspecified in ``Wet brakes'' under the
heading ``Brake system,'' later in this
section.
IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. For
details, refer to ``Maintenance for off-
road driving'' in the ``Maintenance''
section of this manual.
Checking water entry
If you have driven in deep water or mud,
check water entry in the clutch housing by
removing the blind plug at the bottom of the
transmission case. After checking, be sure
to reinstall the plug.
ADI0726
Starting and driving5-25
ZX

CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. A spare tire of the same size,
brand, construction and tread pattern
must also be used. Failure to do so may
result in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which will cause excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Snow tires
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the pressure in all tires,
including the spare, with a gauge. Adjust to
the specified pressure if necessary. Tire
pressures are shown on the tire placard
affixed to the glove box.
Tire chain
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress. When driving on clear
paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD.
TIRES OF FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE
5-26Starting and driving
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