ignition NISSAN FRONTIER 2001 D22 / 1.G Service Manual

Shifting (VG33E or VG33ER en-
gines)
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R
(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other
positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
P (Park)
Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine. Al-
ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete
stop. For maximum safety, depress the
brake pedal, then push in the selector lever
button and move the lever to the P (Park)position. Apply the parking brake. When
parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the lever into the P (Park)
position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the selector lever still cannot be moved out
of P (Park), follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal and move
the selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position. For
maximum safety, check to ensure the area
behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake
pedal depressed, push in the selector lever
button and move the selector lever to the R
(Reverse) position.
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
ASD1024
Starting and driving5-11
ZX

D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds
above 68 MPH (110 km/h). Do not exceed
68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds
above 34 MPH (55 km/h). Do not exceed 34
MPH (55 km/h) in the 1 position.Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low, the selector
lever may not be moved from the P position
even with the brake pedal depressed and
the selector lever button pushed.
To move the selector lever, push the shift
lock release and selector lever button. The
selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release, complete the
following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position
and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot, and push down.
5. Push the selector lever button and move
the selector lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.
6. Start the engine.
If the selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park), take your vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealership as soon as possible.
ASD1021
5-12Starting and driving
ZX

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill
grade, place the shift lever in the 1st
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster,
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-25
ZX

ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the
front wheels raised, always use tow-
ing dollies under the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device.
Never secure the steering wheel
by turning the ignition key to the
LOCK position. This may damage
the steering lock mechanism.cIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the
ground:
cAlways release the parking
brake.
cMove the transmission shift le-
ver to the N (Neutral) position.
cObserve the following re-
stricted towing speeds and dis-
tances for manual transmis-
sion models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles
(805 km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before
towing to prevent damage to the transmis-
sion.
Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the
vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
ACE0705
6-12In case of emergency
ZX

CAUTION
c
Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
cTo disengage auto-lock free-
running hubs see the ªStarting
and drivingº section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift le-
ver to the 2H position.
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steer-
ing wheel in a straight ahead
position with a rope or similar
device. Never secure the steer-
ing wheel by turning the igni-
tion key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steeringlock mechanism.
cIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the
ground:
cTo disengage auto-lock free-
running hubs see the ªStarting
and drivingº section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift le-
ver to the 2H position.
cMove the transmission shift le-
ver to the N (Neutral) position.
cAlways release the parking
brake.
cObserve the following re-
stricted towing speeds and dis-
tances for manual transmis-
sion models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles
(805 km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propellershafts before towing to prevent damage to
the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
In case of emergency
6-13
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
cPark 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 selector
lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts, and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
cNever 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.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and bat-
tery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSANdealer because the fuellines are un-
der high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal 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
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
ADI1074
WDI0068
ADI1073
DRIVE BELTS
Do-it-yourself8-19
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
(except supercharger)
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven-
tional type spark plugs because they last
much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
commended or equivalent ones.
ADI1075
ADI1076
SPARK PLUGS
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
If the electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
ADI1128
FUSES
Do-it-yourself8-27
ZX

If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvents or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 (except supercharger) or 91
(supercharger) AKI (Anti-Knock Index).
However, for non-supercharged vehicles
only, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) suchas: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer correct the condition. Failure
to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which NISSAN is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This isno cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
Technical and consumer information
10-5
ZX