steering NISSAN FRONTIER 1996 D22 / 1.G User Guide

WARNING
The transfer control lever must
be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position to
prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Never place it in the N position. Other-
wise, the vehicle could roll unexpect-
edly even if the manual transmission is
in gear.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.
CAUTION
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
cNever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.cDriving with vacuum assisted brakes:
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required
to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
cDriving with power assisted steering:
The power assisted steering is designed
to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the
engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at
low speeds.
cWet brakes:
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
DRIVING
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the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the
brakes function correctly.
cAvoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will overheat the
brakes, wear out the brake linings and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
cTo help reduce brake wear and to pre-
vent the brakes from overheating, before
going down a slope or long grade, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear.
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking actions or
sudden acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid.Normal Operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). (The speeds vary according to road
conditions.)
When driving in the 2-wheel drive mode, the
rear anti-lock brake system controls the rear
wheels so they will not lock when braking
abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the
vehicle due to locked rear wheels is mini-
mized. The system detects the rear wheel
rotation rate and electronically controls the
pressure applied to each rear brake. Slight
vibration on the brake pedal accompanied
by noise usually occurs while the ABS sys-
tem is operating. Such vibration and noise
encountered during abrupt braking is not a
problem, but indicates that the system is
functioning.
Even with the rear anti-lock brake sys-
tem, your front wheels can still lock. If
this happens, release the brake pedal
slightly and then reapply pressure.
Self-test feature
The rear anti-lock brake system consists of
an electronic sensor and two hydraulic so-lenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed
in forward or reverse. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a ``clunk'' noise
and/or feel a ``pulsation'' in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any
malfunction, it switches the rear anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the rear
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. The
ABS brake warning light will then come on.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
The rear anti-lock brake system
may only be effective when driving in the
2-wheel drive mode.
When driving in the 4-wheel drive mode, the
rear anti-lock brake system may not be
effective in many cases because the front
axle is connected with the rear axle through
REAR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (R-ABS)
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clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
Engine block heater/Engine heater
(if so equipped)
An engine block heater/engine heater to
assist extreme cold temperature starting is
available through your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
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hot and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water.If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine
WARNING
cBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
running fan or belts.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from your NIS-
SAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vahicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after is
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, a dolly
must be used.
cWhen towing with the front wheels
TOW TRUCK TOWING
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on the ground:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the LOCK
position. This will result in damage
to the steering lock mechanism.
cWhen towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking
brake and move the gearshift lever
to the Neutral position (N position).
cOn automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to Neutral (N
position), turn the ignition key to the
ACC position. After moving the shift
lever to neutral (N position), be sure
to turn the ignition key to the OFF
position.
cFor 4-wheel drive model:
Set the free-running hubs to the free
position (See ``
Auto-lock free-
running hubsº or ``Manual-lock
free-running hubsº as appropriate inthe ``Starting and driving'' section).
Move the transfer case shift lever into
the 2H position and the transmission
shift lever into the Neutral (N) position.
cAttach safety chains for all towing.2-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
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CAUTION
If you have to tow your vehicle with four
wheels on ground or with front wheels
raised (with rear wheels on ground),
observe the following restricted towing
speeds and distances:
Automatic transmission model:
cSpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 40 miles (65 km)
Manual transmission model:
cSpeed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before-
hand to prevent damage to the transmis-
sion.
CAUTION
Never tow your vehicle from the rear
(i.e., backward) with four wheels on the
ground as this may cause serious and
expensive damage to the transmission.4-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NISSAN recommends that a dolly be used
as illustrated when towing your vehicle.
CAUTION
If you have to tow your vehicle with four
wheels on ground or with front or rear
wheels raised, observe the following
restricted towing speeds and
distances:
cSpeed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propeller
shafts beforehand to prevent damage to the
transmission.
CAUTION
cNever tow your vehicle from the rear
(i.e., backward) with four wheels on
the ground as this may cause seri-
ous and expensive damage to the
transmission.
cBe sure to place the transfer case
shift lever into the 2H position and
the transmission shift lever into the
Neutral (N) position.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structual members of the
vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
on the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
ACE0705
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7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations ................ 7-3
Engine cooling system ....................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-6
Automatic transmission fluid .............................. 7-9
Power steering fluid .......................................... 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ........................................ 7-12
Battery .............................................................. 7-13
Drive belts ........................................................ 7-14
Spark plug replacement ................................... 7-14
Air cleaner housing filter .................................. 7-15
Wiper blades .................................................... 7-16
Parking brake check ......................................... 7-17
Brake pedal ...................................................... 7-18
Brake booster ................................................... 7-19
Clutch pedal ..................................................... 7-19
Fuses ................................................................ 7-20
Light bulbs ........................................................ 7-20
Bulb replacement ............................................. 7-22
Wheels and tires .............................................. 7-24
Clutch housing ..................................... 7-29
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Check the power steering fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using
the COLD range on the dipstick at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cThe recommended fluid is type
DEXRON
TMII or equivalent.Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
If the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NIS-
SAN dealer.
ADI0700ADI0712ADI0716
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
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make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles
and 3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD ve-
hicles.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary latch keeps the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
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tion. Be certain to keep floormats away from
the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is asmell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it. (See the carbon
monoxide warning in the ``Starting and driv-
ing'' section.)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
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