2009 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 347

The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the driving conditions. There are four types of drive modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO. The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H and 4LO. You must depress the switch to select 4LO, and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the shift selector in the (N) Neutral position when changing into or out of 4LO. CAUTION ● Never shift the 4WD shift switch between 4LO and 4H while driving. ● The 4H position provides greater traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause increased fuel consumption and higher oil temperatures, and could damage drivetrain components. Speeds over 62.5 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H is not recommended. ● The 4LO position provides maximum traction. Avoid raising vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum speed is approximately 31 MPH (50 km/h). ● When driving straight, shift the 4WD shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H position. Do not move the 4WD shift switch when making a turn or reversing. ● Do not shift the 4WD shift switch (between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving on steep downhill grades. Use the engine brake and low automatic transmission gears (D1 or D2) for engine braking. ● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch (between 2WD, AUTO 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 or AUTO position under these conditions. ● The 4WD transfer case may not be shifted between 4H and 4LO at low ambient temperatures and the transfer 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 between 4H and 4LO. When driving on rough roads, ● Set the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or 4LO. ● Drive carefully according to the road surface conditions. When the vehicle is stuck, ● Place stones or wooden blocks under the tires to free the vehicle. ● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO. WARNING When parking, apply the parking brake before stopping the engine and make sure that the 4WD shift indicator light is on and the ATP warning light goes off. Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpectedly move even if the automatic transmission is in the P position. Starting and driving 5-25