maintenance NISSAN FRONTIER 1999 D22 / 1.G Owner's Guide

prevent load shift while driving.
IBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
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.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
I
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways 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
parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine 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).
IIf 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.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle'sfirst 500 miles (805 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
ICrosswinds 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 imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
IBe 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.
Technical and consumer information
10-25
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

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

Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Heater operation .......................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-22
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-14
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-21
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-5
Jump seat .................................................... 1-8
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Emission control information label...... 10-14
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-17
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-17
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-29
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-15
Headlights ............................................. 8-28
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-21
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-28
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-14
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-21
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door lock...................................... 3-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ............................................... 10-15
M
MaintenanceGeneral maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-27
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light .......................... 2-11
Manual windows ........................................ 2-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 5-22
Map light .................................................... 2-21
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-14
Vanity mirror.......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
11-3
ZX

Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-14
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-11
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-27
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-14
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 4-23
Power door lock...................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Power windows..................................... 2-22
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-19
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player, compact
disc player and sub-woofer .................. 4-16
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-23
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-28
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............. 2-10
Rear sliding window................................... 2-23
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-8
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor................ 1-25
3-point type with retractor..................... 1-22
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-19
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-27
Seat belts.............................................. 1-19Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-8
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Bench seat.............................................. 1-6
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-29
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Manual transmission............................. 5-13
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-19
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-21
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-17
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-13
Stop light .................................................... 8-29
Sun shade.................................................. 2-25
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-24
Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental
air bag system) ............................................ 1-9
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-23
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-15
11-4
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91)
For further details such as gasohol or diesel
fuel grade, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in
the ``Technical and consumer information''
section.
Recommended engine oil:
IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving II
or API grade SJ Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-II
See²Engine oil and filter recommendatio-
n²in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard affixed to the inside of
the glove box lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ``BREAK-IN SCHEDULE''found in the ``Starting and Driving'' section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.(page)
IIn case of emergency ...................... 6-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start, overheat-
ing, towing)
IHow to start the engine ................... 5-1
IHow to read the meters and
gauges ............................................. 2-1
IMaintenance schedule ..................... 9-1
IDo-it-yourself operations.................. 8-1
ITechnical and consumer
information ..................................... 10-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX