2008 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 193

WARNING Apply the parking brake if the selector lever is in any position while the engine is not running. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious personal injury or property damage. If the key is turned to the OFF or ACC position for any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral), or any D (Drive) position, the key cannot be turned to the LOCK position and be removed from the ignition switch. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position, then the key can be turned to LOCK. P (Park): R (Reverse): 2WD: CAUTION Use the R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped. Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to R (Reverse). N (Neutral): Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving. D (Drive): Use this position for all normal forward driving. 3 (Third gear): Use this position for driving up and down long slopes where engine braking would be advantageous. Do not downshift into the 3 position at speeds over the following and do not exceed the following speeds in the 3 position. 62 MPH (100 km/h) 4H: 62 MPH (100 km/h) 4LO: 31 MPH (50 km/h) 2 (Second gear): Use this position for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds over the following and do not exceed the following speeds in the 2 position. 2WD: 71 MPH (115 km/h) 4H: 62 MPH (100 km/h) 4LO: 31 MPH (50 km/h) 1 (Low gear): Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. CAUTION Use the P (Park) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped. Use the P (Park) selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal should be depressed to move the selector lever from N (Neutral) or any drive position to P (Park). Apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift the selector lever into the P (Park) position. Starting and driving 5-13