recommended oil NISSAN FRONTIER 1996 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

cIf the surface does not polish easily, use
a ``road tar'' remover and wax again.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Only apply black wax or black shoe polish to
the black urethane or polypropylene
bumper.
Removing spots
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the surface of the paint to avoid per-
manent damage or staining. Special clean-
ing products are available at your NISSAN
dealer or any automotive accessories store.
Underbody
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it
is necessary to clean the underbody regu-
larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from
building up and causing corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the win-
ter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if neces-
sary, re-treated.
Cleaning glass
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor-
mal for glass to be coated with a film after
the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass
cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this
film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use any sharp-edged tools
or abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could dam-
age the electrical conductors, radio an-
tenna elements or rear window defog-
ger elements.
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used.
Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed.
Chrome parts
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a
non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
Cleaning interior
Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the
vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft
cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then
wipe clean with a dry soft cloth. Before
using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer's recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that stain or
bleach the seat material.
CAUTION
cNever use benzine, thinner or any
similar material.
cThe leather seats should be regu-
larly coated with a leather wax like
saddle soap. Never use car wax.
cNever use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
6-3
ZX

L marks. If the oil level is below the L
mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
CAUTION
cOil level should be checked regu-
larly. Operating with insufficient
amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
cIt is normal to add some oil between
oil maintenance intervals or during
the break-in period, depending on
the severity of operating conditions.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' in this section.
DI1301
7-7
ZX

WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
cBe careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
CAUTION
Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for refill
capacity.
8. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug
and oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
DI1168M
7-8
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
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (3) [R] [R]
Pulsated secondary air filter See NOTE (2)
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
8-6
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
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low
or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
8-8
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
4x2 With oil filter 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II *2
API Certification Mark *2 Without oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5
4x4 With oil filter 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.1
Without oil filter 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
4x2 8-5/8 qt 7-1/8 qt 8.1
Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
4x4 9-1/2 qt 7-7/8 qt 9.0
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2
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

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CERTI-
FICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine at the same
time.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity be
selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. The chart ``Recom-
mended SAE viscosity number'' shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the ex-
pected ambient temperatures. Choosing an
oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
ATI0507
9-6
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to en-
gines caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 vis-
cosity oil may be used if the ambient
temperature is above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
ATI0509
9-7
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