1998 Nissan Frontier Owner's Manual - Page 107

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ● Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear. ● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and window washer fluid as frequently as possible, at least whenever you refuel. ● Check that all windows and lights are clean. ● Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation. ● Lock all doors. ● Position seat and adjust head restraints. ● Adjust inside and outside mirrors. ● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise. ● Check the operation of warning lights when key is turned to the ON (3) position. See ''Warning/indicator lights and chimes'' in the ''Instruments and controls'' section. DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so equipped) WARNING ● Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2 or 1. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident. ● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up. ● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident. CAUTION ● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should be used for this purpose. ● On slippery roads, do not downshift. This may cause a loss of control. The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by a transmission control module to produce maximum power and smooth operation. The recommended operating procedures for this transmission are shown on the following pages. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. Starting the vehicle ● After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal to ensure the vehicle is at a complete stop before attempting to shift the selector lever. ● Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and shift the selector lever into a driving gear. ● Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion. This automatic transmission is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. The shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed. If the battery charge is low, the shift lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC position. 5-6 Starting and driving