technical and consumer information NISSAN FRONTIER 2001 D22 / 1.G Owners Manual

Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Do-it-yourself
Maintenance
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
TAILGATE
Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower
the tailgate. The support cables hold the
tailgate open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the
latches are securely locked.To open the tailgate to the lowest position,
lift the tailgate to a 45 degree angle, then
release the support cables.
Do not drive the vehicle with the tailgate
down, unless equipped with Nissan's
Bed Extender (accessory) in the de-
ployed position.
For proper truck box loading see9Loading
tips9under the9Vehicle loading information9
heading in the9Technical and consumer
information9section of this manual.
WPD0043APD1038
TRUCK BOX
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
ZX

If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. The
ABS brake warning light will then come on.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer for repair.
WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces, but remember that the
stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces 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 distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the respon-
sibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
cWhen 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 to9Wheels
and Tires9in the9Do-it-yourself9section 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
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-27
ZX

5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil is hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
cCheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)7. Refill engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for drain
and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.ADI1064
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

cImproper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Replacing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheel/tire size'' in the ``Technical and con-
sumer information'' section of this manual.
WARNING
c
The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.cIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause pre-mature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteris-
tics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking effi-
ciency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to(Wheel/tire size(in the
(Technical and consumer informa-
tion(section of this manual for wheel
off-set dimensions.
cDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have unknown
structural damage and could fail
without warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer
case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balanc-
ing the front wheels on the vehicle could
lead to transmission damage.
Do-it-yourself
8-39
ZX

10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .........10-6
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............................10-8
Specifications .......................................................10-9
Engine .............................................................10-9
Wheels and tires............................................10-10
Dimensions and weights ...............................10-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ..................................................10-12
Vehicle identification ..........................................10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...............................................................10-12
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ...........................................10-12
Engine serial number ....................................10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........................10-13
Emission control information label ................10-14
Tire placard....................................................10-14Air conditioner specification label ..................10-14
Installing front license plate................................10-15
Vehicle loading information ................................10-15
Terms.............................................................10-15
Determining vehicle load capacity.................10-16
Securing the load ..........................................10-16
Loading tips ...................................................10-17
Truck-camper loading information......................10-17
Payload weight ratings ..................................10-19
Measurement of weights ...............................10-22
Towing a trailer...................................................10-22
Maximum load limits ......................................10-22
Towing load/specification chart .....................10-24
Towing safety ................................................10-25
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-27
Emission control system warranty .....................10-28
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................10-28
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .....................................................10-29
In the event of a collision ..............................10-31
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel
KA24DE (4 cylinder) 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60.2
Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI (RON 91)*1
VG33E (6 cylinder) 19-3/8 gal 16-1/8 gal 73.4
VG33ER (6 cylinder
with supercharger)19-3/8 gal 16-1/8 gal 73.4Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91
AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE
With oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5cAPI Certification Mark *2
Without oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&II
or API grade SJ, Energy Conserving *2
VG33E/VG33ER With oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II*2
Without oil filter 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
KA24DE M/T 7-3/4 qt 6-3/8 qt 7.3
A/T 7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.150% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equiva-
lent
VG33E/VG33ER
A/T & M/T11-5/8 qt 9-5/8 qt 10.95 50% Demineralized or distilled water
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil KA24DE 4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0 API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
VG33E/
VG33ER4x2 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
4x4 10-3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Final drive gear oil KA24DE 2-3/4 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.3 API GL-5*1
VG33E/
VG33ER4x4 Front 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
Rear 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluidKA24DE 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4. *4
VG33E/VG33ER 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according
to the instructions in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid. *4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent *7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Lubricant PAG Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
*7: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
Technical and consumer information10-3
ZX

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
(except Supercharger)
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
(Supercharger)
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not
available, unleaded regular gasoline with
an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Re-
search octane number 91) can be used,
but only under the following precau-
tions:
cHave the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up
with unleaded premium as soon as pos-
sible.
cAvoid full throttle driving and abrupt ac-
celeration.
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
the warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their
presence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle perfor-
mance problems and/or fuel system dam-
age.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and
have an octane rating no lower than
that recommended for unleaded
gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
c
If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate co-
solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
such methanol blends may cause fuel
system damage and/or vehicle perfor-
mance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure
that all methanol blends are suitable
for use in NISSAN vehicles.
10-4Technical and consumer information
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