engine NISSAN FRONTIER 1997 D22 / 1.G User Guide

The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratch-
eting clicks are heard.
If the fuel filler cap is not tightened properly,
the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may
come on.
WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. You could be burned or se-
riously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.
cFuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap one-half turn and wait for
any ``hissing'' sound to stop to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out and
causing possible personal injury.
Then remove the cap.
cUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper op-
eration of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect
cap can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury.
CAUTION
If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower
the tailgate. The support stays hold the
tailgate open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the
latches are securely locked.
SIC0064AIC0189
FUEL FILLER CAP TAILGATE LATCH
2-5
ZX

cAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
In general, child restraints are designed to
be installed with a lap belt or the lap portion
of a 3-point type seat belt. Child restraints
specially designed for infants and small
children are offered by several manufactur-
ers. When selecting any child restraint,
keep the following points in mind:
1) Choose only a restraint with a label cer-
tifying that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Cana-
dian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
2) Check the child restraint in your vehicle
to be sure it is compatible with the vehi-
cle's seat and seat belt system. Choose
a child restraint that meets the guidelines
of the Society of Automotive Engineers
recommended practice J1819 for child
restraint installation.
3) If the child restraint is compatible with
your vehicle, place your child in the child
restraint and check the various adjust-
ments to be sure the child restraint is
compatible with your child. Always follow
all of the recommended procedures.All U.S. states and provinces of Canada
require that infants and small children be
restrained in an approved child restraint
at all times while the vehicle is being
operated.
WARNING
cDo not install a child restraint in the
jump seats (King Cab model). These
seats are not suitable for child re-
straint installation.
cImproper use of a child restraint can
result in increased injuries for both
the infant or child and other occu-
pants in the vehicle.
cFollow all of the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions for in-
stallation and use. When purchasing
a child restraint, be sure to select
one which will fit your child and
vehicle as it may not be possible to
properly install some types of child
restraints in your vehicle.
cIf the child restraint is not anchored
properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden
stop greatly increases.cAdjustable seatbacks should be po-
sitioned to fit the child restraint, but
as upright as possible.
c
After attaching the child restraint,
test it before you place the child in it.
Tilt it from side to side. Try to tug it
forward and check to see if the belt
holds the restraint in place. If the
restraint is not secure, tighten the
belt as necessary, or put the restraint
in another seat and test it again.
cFor a front facing child restraint,
check to make sure the shoulder belt
does not go in front of the child's
face or neck. If it does, put the shoul-
der belt behind the child restraint.
cWhen your child restraint is not in
use, keep it secured with a seat belt
to prevent it from being thrown
around in case of a sudden stop or
accident.
CAUTION
Remember that a child restraint left in a
closed vehicle can become very hot.
Check the seating surface and buckles
before placing your child in the child
restraint.
2-25
ZX

WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
cDo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause theinterior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
cPositioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be
done while driving, so that full atten-
tion may be given to the driving
operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control lever
This lever turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air control lever
This lever allows you to select the air flow
outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
Ð Air flows from defrost outlets and
foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from defrost out-
lets.
Temperature control lever
This lever allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
Air intake lever
position
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlet.
Use this position for normal heater or air
conditioner operation.
AHA0707
HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
3-3
ZX

position
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Move the air intake lever to the
posi-
tion:
cwhen driving on a dusty road.
cto prevent traffic fumes from entering the
passenger compartment.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air
conditioner.
Air conditioner switch
(if so equipped)
This button is provided only for vehicles with
an air conditioner.
Start the engine, push the switch and move
the fan control lever to the desired speed.
The indicator light comes on when the air
conditioner is on.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode directs hot air to the foot outlets.
A small amount of air is also directed to the
defrost outlets.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-sition for normal heating.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode defrosts/defogs the windows.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
cIf it is difficult to defog the windshield,
turn the air conditioner switch on (if so
equipped).
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center ventilators and warmer air from
the foot outlets.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
3-4
ZX

Heating and defrosting
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blade
and air inlet in front of the windshield. This
improves heater and defroster operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control lever
to the desired (1 to 4) position, and push in
the air conditioner switch to activate the air
conditioner. When the air conditioner is on,
cooling and dehumidifying functions are
added to the heater operation.The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode cools and dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, move the air intake lever
to the
position. Be sure to return
the air intake lever to theposition
for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode heats and dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defrosting
This mode defrosts/defogs the windows and
dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Operating tips
cKeep windows and sunroof closed while
operating the air conditioner.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
3-5
ZX

To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
ACC or ON. If you listen to the radio when
the engine is not running, turn the key to the
ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
AHA0709
AUDIO SYSTEM
3-10
ZX

Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine cellular phone,
your NISSAN features a non-directional mi-
crophone in the steering column cover, so it
is not necessary to look at or speak directly
into the microphone when calling.
To do so could detract from the driving
operation and cause an accident.
See the manual for car phone operation
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone.
In addition, the same model has the phone
antenna built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the MFI
(Multiport Fuel Injection) system and other
electronic parts.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as
possible from the Engine Control
Module (ECM).
cAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
fuel injection wiring harness. Do not
route the antenna wire next to any
harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the
manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
3-21
ZX

4Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................4-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................4-2
Three-way catalyst .................................................4-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions .....4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................4-4
Ignition switch .........................................................4-4
Manual transmission ..............................................4-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................4-5
Before starting the engine ......................................4-6
Driving with automatic transmission (if so
equipped) ...............................................................4-6
Driving with manual transmission ..........................4-9
Starting the engine ...............................................4-10
Parking brake operation .......................................4-11Cruise control .......................................................4-12
Break-in schedule ................................................4-14
Increasing fuel economy ......................................4-14
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................4-15
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................4-16
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................4-19
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely .........................4-21
Tires of 4-wheel drive...........................................4-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................4-23
Power steering system .........................................4-24
Brake system........................................................4-25
Rear anti-lock brake system (R-ABS) ..................4-25
Cold weather driving ............................................4-27
ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a dan-
gerous gas, and can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
c
If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Do not occupy these areas
while the engine is running even if the
vehicle is parked. (Some recreational
vehicle appliances such as stoves,
refrigerators, heaters, etc. may also
generate carbon monoxide.)
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the converter,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
ZX

driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clear-
ance than passenger cars in order to make
them capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. Higher ground
clearance provides a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
Utility vehicles are not designed for corner-
ing at the same speeds as conventional2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Avoiding Collision and Rollover
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss
of control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to roll over, particularly if the
loss of control causes the vehicle to
slide sideways.Be attentive at all times,
and avoid driving when tired. Never drive
when under the influence of alcohol ordrugs (including prescription or over-the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness). Always wear your seat belt as out-
lined in the ``Seat belts'' section of this
manual, and instruct your passengers to do
the same.
4-3
ZX