check engine NISSAN FRONTIER 1996 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and
distributes them in 170 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery,
fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960, and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply Nissan and Nis-
san dealers with materials and services ranging
from operation of port facilities and transportation
services to the supply of lubricants, parts and
accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator light
High beam indicator light``CRUISE'' indicator light
Seat belt reminder light and chimeOverdrive off indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightDoor open warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light
Low fuel warning lightorRear anti-lock brake
warning light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
The light comes on when the parking brake
is applied.
Low brake fluid warning
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If
the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking prake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch fluid''
in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, check
the warning system.
WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.cPressing the brake pedal when the
engine stops and/or has a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beams are selected.
Seat belt reminder light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds five times and the light illuminates.
Supplemental air bag warn-
ing light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag light illu-
minates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, thesupplemental air bag needs servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds
and then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint System (Supplemental air
bag system) may not function properly. For
additional details on the Supplemental Re-
straint System (Supplemental air bag sys-
tem), see the ``Pre-driving checks and ad-
justments'' section.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
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the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is con-venient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
CRUISE indicator light (If so
equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
If the light flickers while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate something wrong with
the cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
orRear anti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong with
the rear anti-lock brake system. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
rear anti-lock function ceases but the ordi-
nary brakes continue to operate normally.
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, if the
front wheels lock, the rear wheels also lock. If
this happens, the rear anti-lock brake system
may stop functioning but the ordinary brakes
operate normally. The warning light then
comes on. The above condition is not a mal-
function and the rear anti-lock brake system
recovers if the engine is started again. The
warning light then goes off. For further de-
scription of the rear anti-lock brake system,
refer to ``Rear anti-lock brake system'' in the
``Starting and driving'' section.
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Overdrive off indicator light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds when the driver side
door is opened if the key is left in the ignition
switch. Take the ignition key when you
leave the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position. Turn the
light switch off when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator light comes onsteady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The Malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator light blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
cdo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
cavoid hard acceleration or decelera-
tion.
cavoid steep uphill grades.
cif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need tohave your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
cContinued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, re-
duced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control sys-
tem, which may affect your warranty
coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink.
Examples are as follows:
cvehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
cfuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer and
have the vehicle inspected. Avoid any un-
necessary diagnosis during the service by
informing the dealer of the conditions listed
above that may have cccurred.
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2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to
OFF or if the key is removed from the
switch.The shift lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ACC position.
The shift lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
WARNING
cTo lock the steering wheel, remove
the key. To unlock the steering
wheel, insert the key and turn it gen-
tly while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
cNever remove the key while driving.
If the key is removed, the steering
wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle
and could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel. When removing the key
from the key cylinder, push the key release
button at this position and turn the key to
LOCK.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
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b) Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light
goes out.
c)
Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
CONT and CRUISE lights go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the CRUISE light goes out if:
cYou depress the brake pedal while push-
ing the ACCEL set switch.
cThe vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.
cYou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift lever to
the N position (automatic transmission).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the ACCEL set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the ACCEL
set switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
COAST/SET switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed decreases by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RESUME switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
cThe cruise indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RESUME/ACCEL,
COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch. To
properly set the cruise control system,
perform the preceding steps in the order
indicated.
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The CRUISEindicator in the instrument cluster then
blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the cruise indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
Avoid using the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cit is not possible to keep the vehicle at a
set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
con winding or hilly roads.
con slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cin very windy areas.CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into neutral without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is on. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
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the transfer gear. The rear wheels lock if the
front wheels lock. If this happens, the rear
anti-lock brake system may cease function-
ing but the ordinary brakes will continue to
operate normally. The ABS brake warning
light will then come on.
The above condition is not a malfunction
and the rear anti-lock brake system recov-
ers when the engine is started again. The
ABS brake warning light then goes off.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
It is not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
WARNING
The rear anti-lock brake system is a
sophisticated device. But it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control under
some conditions, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with rear wheel ABS.Stopping distances may also be long-
eron rough, gravel, or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
``Tire placard'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine cooling system'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refill
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
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before operating the vehicle. For details,
see ``Changing Engine Coolant'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use on all four
wheels of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEA-
SON tires. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local lawsbefore installing tire chains. When install-
ing tire chains, make sure they are of
proper size for the tires on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer's suggestions.Use only
SAE Class ``S'' chains.Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain
tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must
be secured or removed to prevent the
possibility of whipping action damage to
the fenders or undercarriage. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected. Never install tire chains on a
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow, or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or ``grip'' under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution and accelerate gently. If accel-
erated too fast, the drive wheels will
spin and will lose even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
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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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