steering NISSAN FRONTIER 1996 D22 / 1.G Owner's Manual

To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and
economical driving, NISSAN provides two
different maintenance schedules that may
be used, depending upon the conditions in
which you usually drive. These schedules
contain both distance and time intervals, up
to 60,000 miles (96,000 km)/48 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals shown
in the schedule.
After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48
months, continue periodic maintenance
at the same mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
cRepeated short trips of less than 5
miles (8 km).
cRepeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
cOperating in hot weather in stop-
and-go ``rush hour'' traffic.cExtensive idling and/or low speed
driving for long distances, such as
police, taxi or door-to-door delivery
use.
cDriving in dusty conditions.
cDriving on rough, muddy, or salt
spread roads.
cTowing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in
Schedule 1 apply to your driving habits.
Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and discs
¶Brake lining and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
¶Clutch housing (Check for water entry.
Refer to ``
Clutch housing'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.)
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
8-5
ZX

SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsIIIIIIII
Manual & automatic transmission, transfer
& differential gear oil (exc. LSD)See NOTE (1)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil See NOTE (1)IRIR
Steering gear (box) & linkage, axle & suspension partsIIIIIIII
Drive shaft boots & propeller shaft (
) IIIIIIII
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspension ball jointsIIIIIIII
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2)II
Front wheel bearing grease & free-running
hub grease (
)See NOTE (2)IRIR
Exhaust systemIIIIIIII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (3)
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000
miles (48,000 km) or 24 months except for LSD Change LSD gear oil every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating frequently in water, replace grease every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months.
(3) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
8-7
ZX

SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsIIII
Manual & automatic transmission, transfer & differential gear
oil (exc. LSD)IIII
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil I R I R
Steering gear (box) & linkage, axle & suspension parts I I
Drive shaft boots (
) IIII
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspension ball jointsI
Front wheel bearing grease (4x2) I I
Front wheel bearing grease & free-running hub grease (
)I R I R
Exhaust systemII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (1)
NOTE: (1) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
8-9
ZX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system mainte-
nance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if found dam-
aged or in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause more rapid clogging
of the element. Consequently, the element
may have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-tremely high, the filter may become clogged
more rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel lines (hoses, piping, connections,
etc.)Check the fuel hoses, piping and con-
nections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe
driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and
parking brake cables for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, deteriora-
tion, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer & differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear (box) & linkage, axle &
suspension parts & drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball jointsCheck the ball joints for
8-10
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil4x2 4-1/4 pt 8-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1
4x4 8-1/2 pt 7 pt 4.0
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final drive4x2 M/T
Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3cWithout LSD: API GL-5*1
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt. 2-5/8 pt. 1.5cWith LSD: Only LSD gear oil. API GL-5 and SAE 80W-
90*2 approved for NISSAN LSD*3
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Rear 5-7/8 pt. 4-7/8 pt. 2.8
Transfer fluid Ð Ð Ð Type DEXRON
TM
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON IIE
TM, DEXRON IIITM, or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.65 - 1.87 (0.75 - 0.85) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexronž III/Merconž or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž or Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
9-3
ZX

cOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. This guide
includes 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. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lb
(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 greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN war-
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
9-16
ZX

Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid 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 automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift lever into the P position. If you
move the shift lever to the P 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 ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine 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 ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
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 (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate forthis, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember 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 fifth 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 re-
duced braking efficiency.
9-20
ZX

Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-15
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 4-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-25
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy, fuel ............................................ 4-13
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-8
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-6
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-4
Fluid (Checking)
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-13
Front seats
Bench.................................................... 2-10
Separate ................................................. 2-8
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-13
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 7-20G
Gas station information............................ 10-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box lock ............................................. 2-4
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-12
Head restraints ............................................ 2-9
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-10
Headlights .................................................. 7-20
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-4
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-15
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
10-2
ZX

Power
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power window ...................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 4-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-25
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Protecting against corrosion ........................ 6-4
Push starting ................................................ 5-9
Q
Quick reference ....................................... 10-11
R
Radio
AM-FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player ..................................... 3-11
AM-FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player (100 W) ....................... 3-16
Cassette tape operation .............. 3-13, 3-19
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-21
Rear anti-lock brake system (R-ABS) ....... 4-26
Rear sliding window................................... 1-16
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-12
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-25S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-25
Screw type jack ........................................... 5-6
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 2-8
Bench seat............................................ 2-10
Jump seat ............................................. 2-11
Separate seats ....................................... 2-8
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-21
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-21
Seat belts.............................................. 2-17
2-point type without retractor................ 2-20
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-18
Service manual order form ........................ 9-26
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 4-7
Manual transmission............................... 4-9
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-14
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-15
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-26
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-17
Sunshade ................................................... 1-18
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................. 2-12
Switch
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-12
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-10
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 1-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Tailgate latch ............................................... 2-5
Three-way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tie down hook ............................................. 2-7
Tilting bench seat ...................................... 2-10
Tilting front separate seat ............................ 2-9
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-26
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Tire chains ............................................ 7-25
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 4-23
Tire placard........................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-24
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-26
Types of tires ........................................ 7-24
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-21
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 9-10
10-4
ZX