1996 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 121

TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES ¼ Keep your engine tuned up. ¼ Follow the recommended periodic maintenance schedule. ¼ Keep the tires inflated at the correct pressure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and waste fuel. ¼ Keep the front wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment will cause increased tire wear and lower fuel economy. ¼ Air conditioner operation lowers fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary. ¼ When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air conditioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag. ¼ Use "4H" or "4L" position only when necessary. 4-wheel drive operation lowers fuel economy. SD0020 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 (50 km/h). N - No wheels are driven. Always keep the transfer lever out of the "N" position. Shift the lever quickly and smoothly when moving across the "N" position with the vehicle stopped. 2H - (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels are driven. Use when driving under the same conditions as standard 2WD vehicle. 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). The "4H" position provides maximum power and traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it will cause loss of traction. Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not recommend. ¼ Do not drive on dry hard surface roads in 4-wheel drive. Driving on dry hard surfaces in "4H" or "4L" may cause unnecessary noise and tire wear. We recommend driving in the "2H" position under these conditions. 4-16