warning NISSAN FRONTIER 1999 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat 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 an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
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 MIN and MAX 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 the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine 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 at operating
temperature.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are noloose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
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 from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
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.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) þ
maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) þ
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle.
Determining Vehicle Load Capacity
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a luggage rack, bike
carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment
does not increase load carrying capacity of
your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curb weight of your ve-
hicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers),reweigh your vehicle to determine if ei-
ther GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is
exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
IThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer-
tification Label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
ILoads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or
heavy objects should be placed toward
the front of the trunk box to help prevent
sliding or shifting.
SECURING THE LOAD
For your convenience, tie down hooks are
placed at each corner of the truck box.
These may be used to help secure cargo
loaded into the truck box.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
ATI1020
10-16Technical and consumer information
ZX

WARNING
Improper loading may be dangerous. If
a load is too far back, it can affect
handling characteristics. If a load is too
far forward, the front axle may be over-
loaded.
When the truck is used to carry a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of the truck
consists of the camper manufacturer's
weight figure, plus:
Ithe weight of installed additional camper
equipment not included in the camper
manufacturer's weight figure,
Ithe weight of camper cargo,
Iand the weight of occupants in the
camper.
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's cargo weight rating and the camper's
center of gravity should fall within the truck'srecommended center of gravity location
zone when installed.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
adversely affect vehicle handling, brak-
ing and performance and may lead to
accidents.
ATI0705
10-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

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 available
from an authorized 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.
IWhen 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-ranties. Information on trailer towing
and required towing equipment should
be obtained from dealers who special-
ize in providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 9 to 11
percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following Towing Load/Specification Chart.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange cargo to allow for proper tongue
load.
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
Technical and consumer information10-21
ZX

Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer (Canada
only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid per-
sonal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks are available at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
ITo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,remove the hitch when not in use.
Remove receiver when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
ICheck regularly to make sure that all
trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (af-
fixed to the inside of the glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
IBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either con-
dition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX

ITo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Maintenance''
section earlier in this manual.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However, rela-
tive tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
10-26Technical and consumer information
ZX

WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emission Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty Information and Maintenance Log
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN. If
you did not receive a Warranty Information
and Maintenance Log Booklet, or it be-
comes lost, you may obtain a replacement
by writing to:
INissan Motor Corporation USA
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C.
area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (US only)
Technical and consumer information10-27
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the ve-
hicle.
If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a not ready condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, drive the
vehicle through the following pattern to set
the vehicle to the ready condition. If you
cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, an authorized NISSAN dealer can
conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (85 to 97 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps one through eight at least
one more time.
If step one through seven interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step seven is completed.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-28Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-14
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-12
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-17
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-10
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-7
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-13
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-36
Antenna
Power.................................................... 4-23
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-29
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-29
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-18
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player, compact
disc player and sub-woofer .................. 4-16Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-20
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-23
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-10
B
Battery........................................................ 8-16
Battery Replacement (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-29
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-29
Brake booster ....................................... 8-25
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-29
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-24
Brake system ........................................ 5-28
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators .................. 2-11, 8-25
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-18Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-29
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . 10-15
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-11
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-23
Check engine indicator light (See malfunction
indicator light)............................................. 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-35
Child restraints ........................................... 1-28
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray . 2-18
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-30
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
ZX

Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................. 5-16
Cup holder ................................................. 2-20
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-15
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
Cold weather driving............................. 5-30
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-12
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 5-24
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-22
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-18
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-27
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-6
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-18
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-15
Headlights .................................................. 8-28
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
11-2
ZX