4x4i system operation

4WD shift switch

The Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system is used to select the 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive), AUTO or LOCK mode depending on the driving conditions.

Turn the 4WD mode switch, located on the center console, to select AUTO, 2WD, or LOCK.

● AUTO – Turn the 4WD mode switch to the neutral (AUTO) position. The Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) AUTO indicator light in the meter illuminates.
● 2WD – Turn the 4WD mode switch clockwise to the 2WD position.
● LOCK – To engage the LOCK mode, turn the 4WD mode switch counterclockwise to the LOCK position. The switch will return to the AUTO position automatically and the Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) LOCK indicator light in the meter illuminates. To disengage the LOCK mode, turn the switch to the LOCK position again. The switch will return to the AUTO position automatically, and the 4WD LOCK indicator light turns off.

The LOCK mode will automatically be cancelled when the ignition switch is turned to the “OFF” position.

4WD shift tips

● If the 4WD mode switch is operated while making a turn, accelerating or decelerating, or if the ignition switch is turned off while in the AUTO or LOCK mode, you may feel a jolt. This is normal.
● The oil temperature of power train parts will increase if the vehicle is continuously operated under conditions where the difference between the front and rear wheels is large (wheel slip), such as when driving the vehicle on rough roads through sand or mud or when freeing a stuck vehicle. In these cases, the 4WD warning light blinks rapidly and the 4WD mode changes to the 2WD mode to protect the power train parts. If you stop driving with the engine idling and wait until the warning light stops blinking, the 4WD returns to the AUTO mode.
● Brake distance in the 4WD mode is the  same as 2WD.

CAUTION

● Depending on the driving condition, the 4WD mode may automatically change from 2WD to 4WD even when the 2WD mode is selected. If this occurs while driving, the 4WD mode indicator light will not illuminate.
● Do not start the engine with the 4WD mode switch in any mode in the following cases:

– when the vehicle is placed on a freeroller or jacking up the vehicle with the front tires raised and the rear tires on the ground.
– when towing the vehicle with the rear tires raised from the ground.

● Operate the 4WD mode switch only when driving straight. Do not operate the 4WD mode switch when making a turn or backing up.
● Do not operate the 4WD mode switch with the front wheel spinning.
● Engine idling speed is high while warming up the engine. Be especially careful when starting or driving on slippery surfaces with the 4WD mode switch set in the AUTO mode.

4WD warning light

The 4WD warning light located in the instrument panel illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. It turns off soon after the engine is started.

If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the warning light will either remain illuminated or blink.

High-temperature power train oil due to continuous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly (about twice per second). The driving mode may change to the 2WD mode. The AUTO mode may change to the LOCK mode before the warning light blinks. This is normal. If the warning light blinks rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a safe place immediately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you can continue driving.

A large difference between the diameters of front and rear wheels will make the warning light blink slowly (about once per 2 seconds). Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn. Change the 4WD mode switch to the 2WD mode and do not drive fast.

CAUTION

● If the warning light illuminates while driving, 4WD mode will be changed to 2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. Be especially careful when driving.
● Never drive on dry hard surface roads in the LOCK mode, as this will overload the power train and may cause a serious malfunction.
● The power train may be damaged if you continue driving with the 4WD warning light blinking rapidly.

4WD mode indicator lights

The 4WD mode indicator lights ( , ) are located in the instrument panel.

The 4WD mode indicator lights ( , ) illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. The indicator lights turn off within 1 second.

The 4WD mode indicator lights will display the mode selected by the 4WD mode switch while engine is running.

The 4WD LOCK indicator light illuminates simultaneously along with the 4WD AUTO indicator light when selecting the LOCK mode.

The 4WD AUTO indicator light illuminates when selecting the AUTO mode.

If the 4WD warning light illuminates, the 4WD mode indicator lights will turn off.