Nissan Frontier (2019 year). Instruction

WARNING

Apply the parking brake if the shift lever
is in any position while the engine is not
running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal in-
jury or property damage.

If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position for any reason while the vehicle is
in N (Neutral), or any D (Drive) position, the
ignition switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position and the key cannot be re-
moved from the ignition switch. Move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position, then the
ignition switch can be placed in the LOCK
position.

P (Park)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the P (Park) position only when the ve-
hicle is completely stopped.

Use the P (Park) shift lever position when
the vehicle is parked or when starting the
engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped.

The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift lever from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park).

Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then move
the shift lever into the P (Park) position.

R (Reverse)

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use
the R (Reverse) position only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up.
Make

sure

the

vehicle

completely

stopped before selecting the R (Reverse)
position. The brake pedal must be de-
pressed to move the shift lever from P
(Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to
R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.

D (Drive)

Use this position for all normal forward
driving.

3 (Third gear)

Use this position for driving up and down
long slopes where engine braking would
be advantageous.

Do not downshift into the 3 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 3 position.

2WD:

99 mph (160 km/h)

4H:

93 mph (150 km/h)

4LO:

34 mph (55 km/h)

2 (Second gear)

Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.

Do not downshift into the 2 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 2 position.

5-16

Starting and driving

2WD:

62 mph (100 km/h)

4H:

59 mph (95 km/h)

4LO:

21 mph (35 km/h)

1 (Low gear)

Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.

Do not downshift into the 1 position at
speeds over the following and do not ex-
ceed the following speeds in the 1 position.

2WD:

37 mph (60 km/h)

4H:

37 mph (60 km/h)

4LO:

12 mph (20 km/h)

Shift lock release

If the battery is discharged, the shift lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) posi-
tion even with the brake pedal depressed.

To move the shift lever, release the shift
lock. The shift lever can be moved to N
(Neutral). However, the steering wheel will
be locked unless the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position (for models with a
steering lock mechanism). This allows the
vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-
charged.

To push the shift lock release, complete the
following procedure:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position and remove the key.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift lock release cover as

shown.

4. Use a protective cloth on the tip of a

small screwdriver before inserting it in
the shift lock release slot and pushing
down.

5. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position while holding down the shift
lock release.

6. Place the ignition switch in the ON po-

sition to unlock the steering wheel (for
models with a steering lock mecha-
nism).

7. Now the vehicle may be moved to the

desired location.

If the shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the automatic transmission
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

LSD0141

Starting and driving

5-17

WARNING

If the shift 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 downshift
— in D (Drive) position —

For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
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 and
the shift lever in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission up-
shifts 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 long
slopes 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
shift shocks as the transmission shifts 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

5-18

Starting and driving

MANUAL TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)

WARNING

∙ Do not downshift abruptly on slippery

roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

∙ Do not over-rev the engine when

shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.

CAUTION

∙ Do not rest your foot on the clutch

pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.

∙ Fully depress the clutch pedal before

shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

∙ Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

∙ When the vehicle is stopped with the

engine running (for example, at a stop
light), shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, depress the clutch pedal
fully, shift 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
shift lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shifted, a gear noise may be heard. Trans-
mission damage could occur.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th (if so equipped) gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.

To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after
stopping the vehicle completely.

On the 5-speed manual transmission
model, you cannot shift directly from the
5th gear into R (Reverse). First shift into N
(Neutral), then in to R (Reverse) after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.

5 - speed

WSD0154

6 - speed

LSD0148

Starting and driving

5-19

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R (Re-
verse) or 1st.

If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel
drive, refer to “Transfer case shifting proce-
dures” in this section.

Suggested up-shift speeds

The

following

are

suggested

vehicle

speeds for shifting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual upshift
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.

∙ For QR25DE 2-Wheel Drive models:

GEAR CHANGE

mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

11 (17)

2nd to 3rd

15 (24)

3rd to 4th

24 (38)

4th to 5th

35 (56)

∙ For VQ40DE 4-Wheel Drive models and

4-Wheel Drive models (2H and 4H posi-
tion):

GEAR CHANGE

mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

11 (17)

2nd to 3rd

17 (27)

3rd to 4th

25 (40)

4th to 5th

32 (51)

5th to 6th

45 (72)

Suggested maximum speed in
each gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is
not running smoothly, or if you need to ac-
celerate.

Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine
when shifting to a lower gear as it may
cause engine damage or loss of vehicle
control.

Allowable maximum speed in each gear:

2–Wheel Drive models (QR25DE engine)

GEAR

mph (km/h)

1st

34 (54)

2nd

58 (94)

3rd

89 (144)

4th

—

5th

—

2–Wheel Drive models (VQ40DE engine)

GEAR

mph (km/h)

1st

35 (56)

2nd

60 (97)

3rd

87 (141)

4th

—

5th

—

4–Wheel Drive models (VQ40DE engine)

2H position

GEAR

mph (km/h)

1st

33 (54)

2nd

58 (93)

3rd

84 (135)

4th

—

5th

—

6th

—

5-20

Starting and driving

4H position

GEAR

mph (km/h)

1st

33 (54)

2nd

58 (93)

3rd

62 (100)

4th

62 (100)

5th

62 (100)

6th

62 (100)

4L position

GEAR

mph (km/h)

1st

12 (20)

2nd

22 (35)

3rd

31 (50)

4th

31 (50)

5th

31(50)

6th

31 (50)

WARNING

∙ Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

∙ Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

∙ Do not use the shift lever in place of

the parking brake. When parking, be
sure

the

parking

brake

fully

engaged.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.

To engage: Pull the parking brake lever up

䊊

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.

Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-
sition.

LSD2755

PARKING BRAKE

Starting and driving

5-21

3. While pulling up on the parking brake

lever slightly, press the button

䊊

and

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 the

vehicle 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

5-22

Starting and driving

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not
shift 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 shift 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 driving

5-23

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance
and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.

∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow, and do
not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

∙ Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

∙ Avoid quick starts.

∙ Avoid hard braking as much as pos-

sible.

∙ Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles

(805 kilometers). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.

1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake

Pedal Application

∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.

∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possible.

∙ Maintain constant speed while com-

muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.

2. Maintain Constant Speed

∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and

minimize stops.

∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic

lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.

∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini-

mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.

3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher

Vehicle Speeds

∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.

∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.

∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin

when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.

4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-

tances

∙ Observing the speed limit and not

exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.

∙ Maintaining a safe following distance

behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.

∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate

changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.

∙ Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

5-24

Starting and driving

5. Use Cruise Control

∙ Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady
speed.

∙ Cruise control is particularly effective

in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains.

6. Plan for the Shortest Route

∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to

determine the best route to save
time.

7. Avoid Idling

∙ Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll

Roads

∙ Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.

9. Winter Warm Up

∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

∙ Vehicles typically need no more than

30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving.

∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-

ating

temperature

quickly

while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool

∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking

area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible.

∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening

the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem.

∙ Keep your engine tuned up.

∙ Follow the recommended scheduled

maintenance.

∙ Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

∙ Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.

∙ For vehicles equipped with

, use

4H or 4L position only when necessary.
4-Wheel Drive operation lowers fuel
economy.

∙ Use the recommended viscosity engine

oil. For additional information, refer to
“Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

Starting and driving

5-25

WARNING

∙ For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-

tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.

∙ Do

not

attempt

test

4WD

equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions
testing), or similar equipment even if
the other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure you inform test fa-
cility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with 4WD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drive-
train damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous

vehicle

damage

personal

injury.

CAUTION

∙ Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or

4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in
4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.

If the 4WD warning light turns on
when you are driving on dry hard sur-
face roads:

– In the 4H position, shift the 4WD

shift

switch

2–Wheel

Drive

(2WD).

– In the 4LO position for automatic

transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.

– In the 4LO position for manual

transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position with the clutch
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.

∙ If the warning light is still on after the

above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES

The part-time 4WD system provides three
positions (2WD, 4H and 4LO), so you can
select the desired drive mode according to
the driving conditions.

USING 4–WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)

(if so equipped)

5-26

Starting and driving

2WD or 4WD shift procedure:

4WD Shift Switch

Position

Wheels Driven

Indicator Light

Use Conditions

4WD Shift Procedure

4WD shift

Transfer 4LO position

2WD

Rear wheels

For driving on dry,
paved roads
(Economy drive)

Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate trans-
fer shift position engaged.

4 wheels

For driving on rocky,
sandy or snow-
covered roads

N (Neutral)

*1
May blink

N (Neutral) disen-
gages the automatic
transmission (A/T)
mechanical parking
lock, which will allow
the vehicle to roll. Do
not leave the trans-
fer shift position in N
(Neutral).*2

1. Stop the vehicle.
2. For A/T vehicles: Move the shift lever

to the N (Neutral) position with the
brake pedal depressed.
For manual transmission (M/T) ve-
hicles: Move the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the clutch
depressed.

3. For A/T vehicles: Depress and turn the

4WD shift switch to 4LO or 4H with the
brake pedal depressed.
For M/T vehicles: Depress and turn the
4WD switch to 4LO or 4H with the
clutch pedal depressed.

THE TRANSFER CASE DOES NOT ENGAGE
BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H) UN-
LESS YOU HAVE FIRST STOPPED THE VE-
HICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND
MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO N (NEUTRAL)
FOR A/T VEHICLES. FOR M/T VEHICLES
YOU MUST MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO N
(NEUTRAL). *3

4LO

4 wheels

Illuminated

For use when maxi-
mum power and
traction is required
(for example, on
steep grades or
rocky, sandy, muddy
roads)

*1: Before moving the shift lever from N (Neutral), wait until the transfer 4LO position indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the

4WD shift procedure is completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shifted into gear before the
indicator is on steady, the transfer gear may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the neutral position.

Starting and driving

5-27

- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
1. Turn off the engine by turning the ignition switch off.

2. Start the engine.

- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD warning light illuminates, have the system checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

3. Apply the parking brake, for A/T vehicles, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position. For M/T vehicles,

move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

4. With the brake pedal depressed on A/T vehicles or with the clutch pedal depressed on M/T vehicles, move the 4WD shift switch to

the desired mode.

- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shifting the shift lever from the N (Neutral) position.

*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be on and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for

the indicator lights (4WD shift and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO. The

indicator light will also

turn on when 4LO is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.

5-28

Starting and driving

The transfer case 4WD shift 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 shift 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 shift lever
to N (Neutral), and for A/T vehicles de-
press the brake pedal or for M/T vehicles
depress the clutch pedal. The switch
must be depressed and turned when
changing into or out of 4LO.

WARNING

∙ When parking, apply the parking

brake before stopping the engine and
make sure that the 4WD shift indica-
tor light is on and the ATP warning
light goes off. Otherwise, the vehicle
could unexpectedly move even if the
A/T is in the P (Park) position.

∙ The transfer 4LO position indicator

light must stop blinking and remain
illuminated or turn off before shifting
the transmission into gear. If the shift
lever is shifted from the N (Neutral)
position to any other gear when the
transfer 4LO position indicator light is
blinking,

the

vehicle

may

move

unexpectedly.

CAUTION

∙ Never shift the 4WD shift 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

compo-

nents.

Speeds

over

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, 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 (be-

tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the engine
brake and low A/T gears 2 (Second
gear) or 1 (Low gear), or M/T (1st gear
or 2nd gear) for engine braking.

∙ Do not operate the 4WD shift switch

(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.

∙ Do not drive on dry hard surface roads

in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on
dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may
cause unnecessary noise and tire
wear. NISSAN recommends driving in
the

2WD

position

under

these

conditions.

∙ The 4WD transfer case may not be

shifted between 4H and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the trans-
fer 4LO position indicator light may
blink even when the 4WD shift switch
is shifted. After driving for a while you
can change the 4WD transfer case be-
tween 4H and 4LO.

Starting and driving

5-29

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 Differ-

ential (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 R (Re-
verse) and D (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

making a turn, you may feel a slight
jolt after the shift lever is moved to N
(Neutral) or P (Park). This occurs be-
cause 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

steep

downhill

grades. Use the engine brake and low
automatic transmission gears 2 (Sec-
ond gear) or 1 (Low gear) 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 dam-
age the 4WD system.

∙ Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-

tween 4LO and 4H while driving.

LSD0145

5-30

Starting and driving

4WD shift indicator light

The 4WD shift indicator light is located in
the odometer display.

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
indicator 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. When the shifting
is completed, the 4WD shift indicator
light will come on.

∙ If the 4WD warning light comes on, the

4WD shift indicator light goes out.

CAUTION

If the 4WD shift indicator light indica-
tion changes to 2WD when the 4WD
shift switch is shifted to the 4H position
at low ambient temperatures, the 2WD
mode may be being engaged due to
malfunctioning drive system. If the in-
dicator does not return to normal and
the 4WD warning light comes on, have
the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.

4WD warning light

Warning light

Comes on or

blinks when:

Comes on

There is a mal-

function in the

4–Wheel Drive

system

Blinks
slowly

The difference

in wheel rota-

tion is large

The 4WD warning light is located in the me-
ter.

The 4WD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
It turns off soon after the engine is started.

If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD sys-
tem when the ignition switch is ON, the
warning light will either remain illuminated
or blink.

If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shift indicator light goes out.

LSD0147

Starting and driving

5-31

Nissan Frontier (2019 year). Instruction - part 21