steering NISSAN FRONTIER 2002 D22 / 1.G Owner's Guide

MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
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 avail-
able 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.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(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.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZX

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.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe 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.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways 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.
cWhen 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).
cIf 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.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen 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.
cCrosswinds 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.
Technical and consumer information
9-25
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light ...................... 1-13
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-10
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-16
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-8
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-15
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-36
Antenna...................................................... 4-31
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-26
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-11
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-24
Audio system
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-31
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-21Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-29
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-12
B
Battery........................................................ 8-18
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-26
Brake booster ....................................... 8-27
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-17, 9-3
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-35
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-26
Brake system ........................................ 5-25
Brake warning light ............................... 2-11
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-15, 8-27
Parking brake check ............................. 8-26
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ..................... 2-10Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-35
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-14
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-36
Child restraints ........................................... 1-27
Cigarette lighter and ashtray
(accessory) ................................................ 2-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-17
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-28
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-27
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-31
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level ............. 8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
ZX

Cruise control............................................. 5-17
Cup holders ............................................... 2-25
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-19
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-21
Cold weather driving............................. 5-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-19
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-27
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-11
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14Checking engine coolant level ............. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-11
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ......................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......... 2-12
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-22
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-17, 9-3
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-17
Engine coolant ...................................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-13Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-19
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-29
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-22
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-20
Headlights .................................................. 8-31
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Horn ........................................................... 2-22
10-2
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Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-30
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-26
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-24
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light ...................... 1-13
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Power windows..................................... 2-27
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-18
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-32FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-31
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-28
Rear sliding window................................... 2-29
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-19
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-12
Remote keyless entry system .................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-28
Roof rack (see luggage rack) ...................... 3-9
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-28
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-5
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-18
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-26
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-26
Seat belts.............................................. 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-21
Two-point type without retractor ........... 1-24
Seat belt warning light ............................... 2-13
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2Service manual order form ........................ 9-30
Shifting
Automatic transmission ........................ 5-10
Manual transmission............................. 5-15
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-21
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-33
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-16
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch .......... 4-31
Step rail...................................................... 3-11
Stop light .................................................... 8-35
Sun shade.................................................. 2-31
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-30
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-29
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-20
Overdrive switch.......................... 5-13, 5-14
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light ...................... 1-13
10-4
ZX

Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-18
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch ............................................. 3-15
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks ......................................... 3-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-12
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-42
Tire chains ............................................ 8-39
Tire placard........................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-38
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-40
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-42
Types of tires ........................................ 8-38
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-26
Wheels and tires................................... 8-38
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 9-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-11
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-23
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-21
Transfer case ............................................. 5-20
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-15
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 9-12
Truck - camper loading.............................. 9-17
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch) ...................................... 2-20
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-26
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number)...................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .. 9-12
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-15
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-16
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-22
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-15
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................. 2-10
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 9-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-38
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-18
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-29
Power windows..................................... 2-27
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-29
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-18
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-18
Wiper blades......................................... 8-25
10-5
ZX