DIFFERENTIAL LOCK MODE
SWITCH (except for Mexico)
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
WARNING:
.
.
In 4WD AUTO and 4H mode, the rear
differential lock-up device does not oper-
ate when the differential lock mode
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
(The DIFF-LOCK indicator light will flash.)
.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem is designed to help the driver main-
tain stability but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
WARNING:
Use the rear differential lock (DIFF-LOCK)
only in an emergency when it is not
possible to free
a stuck vehicle even
using the 4L position.
WAF0276X
.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absor-
bers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bush-
ings and wheels are not NISSAN
recommended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
.
.
When the DIFF-LOCK is in operation, turn-
ing the vehicle becomes hard and, espe-
cially at high speeds, is dangerous.
While DIFF-LOCK is on, the Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illu-
minates. This indicates that anti-lock
function may not fully operate.
Do not operate the DIFF-LOCK when the
vehicle is turning or when one side wheel
is rotating. Otherwise the power train
system parts could be damaged.
Avoid quick starts while the DIFF-LOCK is
in operation. Otherwise the power train
system parts could be damaged.
The rear differential lock (DIFF-LOCK) is de-
signed to transmit engine power to the left and
right wheels equally.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
or one wheel is off the ground and the
differential lock is not on, engine power is
transmitted to one wheel causing it to spin,
so leaving insufficient traction on the other
wheel. The rear differential lock allows the left
and right wheels to rotate as a unit, enabling
your vehicle to free itself.
.
.
.
If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not NISSAN re-
commended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
To lock the rear differential gear, reduce the
vehicle speed below 7 km/h (4 MPH) and turn
the 4WD shift switch to the 4L position. Then
push the differential lock mode switch to the
“ON” position. The differential lock (DIFF-LOCK)
Observe the above precautions. Otherwise,
.
.
If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
loss of normal steering control may result.
indicator light “
” will blink in the meter and
then stay on when the differential gear is
completely locked.
When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
After using the rear differential lock (DIFF-
LOCK), or during normal driving, push the
differential lock mode switch to the “OFF”
position. The DIFF-LOCK indicator light will turn
off after the differential lock is released.
and the VDC warning light
may
illuminate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
.
The rear differential lock-up device oper-
.
When driving on an unstable surface such
as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
ates only when the engine is running.
5-22 Starting and driving
