engine NISSAN FRONTIER 2003 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M-
.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as shown.
This label contains valuable vehicle information,
such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) ,
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) , month and
year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Num-
ber (VIN) , etc. Review it carefully.
KA24DE engine
WTI0056
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WTI0057WTI0058
Technical and consumer information9-11
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Payload Weight Capacity (KA24DE Engine)
2WD
King Cab
Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
XE XE
lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1312 595 1312 595
California 1312 595 1312 595
Canada 1312 595 1312 595
Payload Weight Capacity (VG33E Engine)
2WD4WD
K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1191 540 1036 470 1103 500 1147 520 970 440 1080 490
California 1191 540 1036 470 1103 500 1147 520 970 440 1080 490
Canada 1191 540 N/A N/A 1103 500 1147 520 N/A N/A 1080 490
Payload Weight Capacity (VG33ER Engine)
2WD4WD
K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B K/C C/C S/B C/C L/B
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1169 530 1014 460 1080 490 1080 490 915 415 1025 465
California 1169 530 1014 460 1080 490 1080 490 915 415 1025 465
Canada N/A N/A N/A N/A 1080 490 N/A N/A N/A N/A 1025 465
Technical and consumer information9-17
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MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels separately to deter-
mine axle loads. Individual axle loads should not
exceed either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR) . The total of the axle loads should not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) .
These ratings are given on the vehicle certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are exceeded, move or
remove items to bring all weights below the rat-
ings.Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide in-
cludes information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion.The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus
its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs. (454
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system MUST
be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/ Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greaterthan these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury re-
sulting from improper towing procedures
are not covered by NISSAN warranties. A
NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)
containing information on trailer towing
ability and the special equipment required
may be obtained from a NISSAN dealer.
TOWING A TRAILER
9-18Technical and consumer information
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Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move the
transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-
sion to a lower gear and reduce speed toreduce chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating. However, for long steep grades,
do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature when the air conditioner system
is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat
can be additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the HOT
position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will be
closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle
wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles. Pass-
ing while towing a trailer requires considerably
more distance than normal passing. Remem-
ber, the length of the trailer must also pass the
other vehicle before you can safely change
lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking effi-
ciency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For US
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”’ when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
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2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h) ,
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 mph (85 - 97 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.DYNAMOMETER TESTING FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M)
TEST (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some states/areas,
your vehicle may be tested for emissions on a
dynamometer. The transfer control lever (if so
equipped) MUST be in the 2H position for I/M
testing on a two wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
cIf the transfer control lever is not in the
2H position during the dynamometer
I/M testing, the vehicle could come off
the dynamometer and cause serious
personal injury and/or body damage to
the vehicle.
cSerious damage will occur to the 4WD
system if the transfer control lever is
not in the 2H position.
Technical and consumer information9-25
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10 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light..........1-15
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-6
Air bag warning light...........1-17, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-15
Anchor point locations.............1-40
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-27
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-10
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-15
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Auto-lock free-running hubs..........5-22
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-29
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-7
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-27
Brake booster................8-28
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-34
Brake pedal.................8-27
Brake system................5-26
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-28
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-28
Break-in schedule................5-20Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-34
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-29
Cargo lamp switch...............2-23
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD player (See audio system).........4-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-13
Child restraint with top tether
strap.......................1-40
Child restraints..........1-22, 1-29, 1-38
Precautions on child restraints.......1-29
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-13, 4-18
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-30
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-15
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-28
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
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Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-25
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-22
Cold weather driving............5-30
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Window washer fluid............8-17
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11Front fog light switch..............2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuel filler cap................3-11
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-29
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-5
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-26
Glove box lock.................2-26
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlights....................8-31
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
10-2
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Hood release...................3-8
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-22
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-23
Increasing fuel economy............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-13
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-30
J
Jump seat.....................1-5
Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) plate..................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-17
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
Children) System................1-38
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-34
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-34
Charge warning light............2-11
Front fog light switch............2-22
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlights..................8-31
Interior light.................2-30
Light bulbs..................8-31
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light..........1-15
Spotlights (See map light).........2-32
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4Door locks..................3-2
Glove box lock...............2-26
Power door locks...............3-3
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Luggage rack (see roof rack)..........3-9
Luggage
(See vehicle loading information).......9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-28
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-13
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-30
Map lights....................2-32
Meters and gauges................2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-13
Outside mirror control........3-14, 3-15
Outside mirrors...............3-14
Vanity mirror.................3-13
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement...................8-30
10-3
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O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..........3-14, 3-15
Outside mirrors.................3-14
Overdrive switch.........5-14, 5-15, 5-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-11
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Parking/parking on hills...........5-25
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light.................1-15
Power
Power door locks...............3-3
Power outlet.................2-24Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-26
Power windows...............2-28
Rear power windows............2-29
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-4
Precautions on child restraints.......1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-19
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting..................6-11
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-24
Rear power windows..............2-29
Rear sliding window..............2-30
Rear window defogger switch.........2-19
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country......................9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-24
Roof rack (see luggage rack)..........3-9S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-24
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-19
Seat belt extenders.............1-28
Seat belt maintenance...........1-28
Seat belts..................1-19
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-25
Three-point type with retractor.......1-23
Two-point type without retractor......1-26
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt)............1-26
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Separate seats...............8-41
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-28
Service manual order form...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission.......5-11, 5-12
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-25
Spark plug replacement............8-21
Speedometer...................2-3
10-4
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