wheel NISSAN FRONTIER 2000 D22 / 1.G User Guide

CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline seriously
reduce the three-way catalyst's abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollut-
ants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat.
IDo not keep driving if the engine
misfires, or if noticeable loss of per-
formance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the
vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.ON-PAVEMENT AND OFFROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than
passenger cars to make them capable of
performing in a variety of on-pavement and
offroad applications. This gives them a
higher center of gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles
any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off
road conditions. If at all possible, avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers particu-
larly at high speeds. As with other vehicles
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
Be sure to read the driving safety precau-
tions later in this section.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss
of control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to rollover, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
²Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems²section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
Starting and driving
5-3
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collisions and rollovers.In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in the
accident, alcohol can increase the se-
verity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.DRIVING SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS
Your NISSAN is designed for both normal
and offroad use. However, avoid driving in
deep water or mud as your NISSAN is
mainly designed for leisure use, unlike a
conventional offroad vehicle.
Remember that two wheel drive models are
less capable than four wheel drive models
for rough road driving and extrication when
stuck in deep snow or mud, or the like.
Please observe the following precautions:
WARNING
IDrive carefully when off the road and
avoid dangerous areas. Every per-
son who drives or rides in this ve-
hicle should be seated with their
seat belt fastened. This will keep you
and your passengers in positionwhen 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.
IDo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
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 R (Reverse)
gear. Never back down in N (Neutral)
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

or with the clutch depressed
(manual transmission vehicles), us-
ing only the brake, as this could
cause loss of control.
IHeavy 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.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
ITo 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 possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
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 hot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
IAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheeld-
rive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive veh-icle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two wheel drive ve-
hicles. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a roll over accident.
IAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See²Brake system²later in this sec-
tion for²Wet brakes².
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. See
²Periodic maintenance²in the²Main-
tenance²section of this manual.
Starting and driving
5-5
ZX

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn
the key to LOCK.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key. In
order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turnclockwise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
ASD1015
IGNITION SWITCH
5-6Starting and driving
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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 igni-
tion switch is in the ACC position. 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 the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not
locked.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. 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 position. To unlock the
steering wheel, insert the key and turn itgently while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver tolose 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 driving5-7
ZX

Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, or when up shifting or
down shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully,
shift into the appropriate gear, then release
the clutch slowly and smoothly.
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-wheel
drive, 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 driving5-15
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
5-20Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in four-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard
surfaces in 4H or 4L may cause unnec-
essary noise, tire wear, and increased
fuel consumption. NISSAN recom-
mends driving 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,
resulting in serious personal injury
or property damage.2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear
wheels are driven. Use for driving under the
same conditions as standard 2WD vehicles
or state dynamometer I/M testing.
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 driving5-21
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
5-22Starting and driving
ZX

CAUTION
INever drive in four-wheel drive (4H
or 4L) with the manual lock free-
running hubs in the FREE position.
IDo not drive your vehicle with the
left and right manual lock free-
running hubs set to different posi-
tions.
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
5-24Starting and driving
ZX