2002 Nissan Frontier Owner's Manual - Page 158

resulting in serious personal injury or property damage. 2H - (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. 4H - (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). 4L - (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). N - 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. SD0021 ● Accelerating quickly from a stop after shifting from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive may not allow engagement of the auto-locking freerunning hubs and may cause a clattering 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. ● If the auto-locking hubs make a clattering noise after shifting from fourwheel drive to two-wheel drive, stop and move the vehicle in reverse gear, in a straight line, about 7 to 10 feet (2 to 3 m). ● Under extremely cold conditions [below 5°F (-15°C)], 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. AUTO-LOCK FREERUNNING HUBS The auto-lock free-running hub is designed to allow for automatic four-wheel drive engagement when the shift lever is moved to the 4H or 4L position. If your vehicle is equipped with this system, follow these operational cautions: CAUTION ● The auto-locking hubs will make a clicking noise when engaging and disengaging. This is normal. Starting and driving 5-21