check engine light NISSAN FRONTIER 2004 D22 / 1.G User Guide

cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the vehicle dynamic control system may
not operate properly and the vehicle
dynamic control off indicator light may
come on. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
cIf wheels or tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle dy-
namic control system may not operate
properly and the vehicle dynamic con-
trol off indicator light may come on.
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and 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, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size for
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-31
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level...................8-9
Changing engine coolant.......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-14
Power steering fluid...............................8-16
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-16
Brake fluid....................................8-17
Clutch fluid...................................8-17
Window washer fluid.............................8-18
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-18
Battery..........................................8-18
Jump starting.................................8-20
Drive belts.......................................8-20Spark plugs......................................8-21
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-21
Air cleaner.......................................8-23
In-cabin Microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-24
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-26
Cleaning.....................................8-26
Replacing....................................8-26
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-27
Checking parking brake........................8-27
Checking brake pedal..........................8-27
Brake booster.................................8-28
Fuses...........................................8-29
Passenger compartment.......................8-29
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-30
Lights...........................................8-31
Headlights....................................8-31
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-32
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-33
Wheels and tires.................................8-36
Tire pressure..................................8-36
Tire labeling...................................8-39
Types of tires..................................8-42
Tire chains....................................8-42
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-43
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Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.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 more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
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 have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” 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 imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
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, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances 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 thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove the splash shield.
cRemove the six push pins.
cRemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
8. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
11. Install the splash shield.
KA24DE engine
WDI0277
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0278
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied. The rear drum-type
brakes on two-wheel drive vehicles self-adjust
every time the parking brake is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on four-wheel drive vehicles
self-adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal,
it may be due to lack of adjustment of the rear
drum brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not return
to normal, see a NISSAN dealer and have
it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not
have audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum
brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible
by a NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) remains
the same from one pedal application to the
next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for about
30 seconds. The pedal height should not
change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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5. Press thebutton, then thebutton two or three times to check the key-
fob operation.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 5.
cAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
cThe keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
cThe operational range of the keyfob
extends to approximately 33 ft (10 m)
from the vehicle. This range may vary
with conditions.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the manufacturer for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
cDO NOT TOUCH THE BULB
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 65/55Bulb No. HB5/9007*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture and smoke may enter
the headlight body and affect the per-
formance of the headlight.cAiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31
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Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, 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 (super-
charger ) AKI (Anti-Knock Index) . However, you
may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number in
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyo-
ming, northeastern Nevada, southern Idaho,
western South Dakota, western Nebraska, 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.” (“Sparkknock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, 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 a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
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 symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light...............1-16
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-7
Air bag warning light...........1-18, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security system). .2-16
Anchor point locations.............1-42
Antenna.....................4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-28
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-10
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Auto-lock free-running hubs..........5-23
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-33
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Transmission selector lever lock release. .5-14
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light............2-11
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-8, 8-30
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-28
Brake booster................8-28
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-33
Brake pedal.................8-27
Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-28
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-28
Break-in schedule................5-21Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-33
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-29
Cargo light switch...............2-23
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-28
CD player (See audio system).........4-14
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-14
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-41
Child restraints..........1-23, 1-30, 1-39
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-42
Child safety rear door lock............3-4
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-13, 4-18
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-31
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-14
Console box...................2-28
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-28
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Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-27
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-23
Cold weather driving............5-31
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Dual 12 volt power outlets...........2-25
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-24Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-17Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-16
Window washer fluid............8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuel filler cap................3-11
Fuel filler lid.................3-11
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-11
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-29
G
Gascap.....................3-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-5
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-28
Glove box lock.................2-28
10-2
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H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-6
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlights....................8-31
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-23
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-24
Increasing fuel economy............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-13
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-34
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-39
J
Jump seat.....................1-6Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-18
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-39
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-18, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-33
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-33
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlights..................8-31
Interior light.................2-34Light bulbs..................8-31
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light...............1-16
Spotlights (See map light).........2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-35
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-2
Glove box lock...............2-28
Power door locks...............3-3
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-30
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-34
Map lights....................2-35
10-3
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