brake fluid NISSAN FRONTIER 2000 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning lightorAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)
Passenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light (except crew cab
models)
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light (model)
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)Door open warning light (if so
equipped)
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened thelight will not come on.
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.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake 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'' section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
I
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be danger-
ous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Seat belt warning 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
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental restraint system needs ser-
vicing and your vehicle must be taken to an
authorized authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Door open warning light (if
so equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is in the ON position.
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'' section of this manual.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
IWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H
or 4L position and the parking brake
is applied.
IFailure to engage the transfer con-trol lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which could cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control lever is not secured in
any drive position while the automatic trans-
mission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, the transmission will disengage
and the vehicle may move unexpectedly.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H,
4H, or 4L position when the warning light
comes on.
IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer control lever is in 2H, 4H, or 4L
and the parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
IFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in thevehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in
serious personal injury or property dam-
age.
WARNING
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer control shift lever is in
the N (Neutral) position.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
Instruments and controls
2-11
ZX

START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck 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.
ICheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See²Warning/Indicator lights and
chimes²in the²Instruments and con-
trols²section.WARNING
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
INever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
IWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

Using the system (2 wheel Rear
ABS)
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
With the rear anti-lock brake system, the
front wheels can still lock. If this happens,
release the brake pedal slightly and then
reapply pressure.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces even with the anti-lock
brake system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel, or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance 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.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of
this manual.
For additional information, refer to²Wheels
and Tires²in the²Do-it-yourself²section of
this manual.
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 in 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'' section of this manual.
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''
section of this manual.
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
5-30Starting and driving
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9
Changing engine oil .............................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ......................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........8-13
Power steering fluid..............................................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ...........................................8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................8-15
Battery ..................................................................8-16
Jump starting ........................................................8-17
Drive belts ............................................................8-18Spark plug replacement .......................................8-19
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-21
Wiper blades ........................................................8-22
Parking brake check.............................................8-23
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-23
Brake booster .......................................................8-24
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-25
Fuses ....................................................................8-26
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-27
Light bulbs ............................................................8-29
Headlights ............................................................8-29
Bulb replacement .................................................8-30
Front fog light bulb replacement (if so
equipped) .............................................................8-32
Wheels and tires...................................................8-33
Four-wheel drive models ......................................8-36
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to P (Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
INever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
INever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts, and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and bat-
tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should
beserviced by an authorized NISSANdealer because the fuellines are un-
der high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
IAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed engine oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can damage
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
IWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING ATF
IThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).
IThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstickafter the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the se-
lector lever through each gear range,
ending in P (Park).3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging
pipe as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is on the low side of either
range, add fluid through the charging
pipe.
ADI1067ADI1068
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
Do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash the surface with
water.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
IDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solu-
tion. This may result in damage to
the paint.
IDo not fill the window washer reser-
voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
ADI0716ADI1034
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

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 no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately havethe 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