2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 174

● Accelerating quickly from a stop after shifting from two-wheel drive to fourwheel drive may not allow engagement of the auto-locking free-running hubs and may cause a clattering noise. If this occurs, release the accelerator pedal to reduce the engine speed or stop the vehicle. Continued use of the vehicle with this noise may damage the hub lock. ● If the auto-locking hubs make a clattering noise after shifting from four-wheel 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 autolocking hubs may make a clattering noise. To avoid this, drive first in fourwheel drive to warm up the vehicle and differential gear oil. Then, shift to twowheel drive. ● In 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. ● When 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 twowheel drive as described. For Automatic transmission models: When moving the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H, you must always move it quickly through the N position. If you are slow to shift, the engine idle speed will allow the transfer gears to speed up and gear clashing will occur. Do not move the transfer lever from 4H or 4L to 4L or 4H, from 2H to 4L and from 4L to 2H with the engine turned off. Otherwise, you may have difficulty in moving the transfer lever to the desired position. Do not leave the transfer lever in the N position with the engine running. Stopping with the transfer case in the N position may cause gear grinding when selecting another gear. Changing the transfer case gear quickly and smoothly will eliminate this. SD0021 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. Follow these operational cautions: CAUTION ● The auto-locking hubs will make a clicking noise when engaging and disengaging. This is normal. 5-20 Starting and driving