brakes NISSAN FRONTIER 2009 Owner´s Manual

WARNING
cNever rely solely on the hill start assist
system to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle
and possible serious injury or death.
cThe hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a standstill
on a hill. Depress the brake pedal when
the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle
to roll backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
cThe hill start assist may not prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill
under all load or road conditions. Al-
ways be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result
in a collision or serious personal injury.The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
cThe selector lever is shifted to a forward or
reverse gear.
cThe vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill
start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
selector is shifted to N or P or on a flat and level
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 or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so
equipped) .
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.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so
equipped)COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-37
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

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.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-14
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Clutch fluid...................................8-15
Window washer fluid.............................8-15
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-15
Battery..........................................8-16
Jump starting.................................8-17
Variable voltage control system.....................8-17
Drive belt........................................8-18Spark plugs......................................8-19
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-19
Air cleaner.......................................8-20
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-21
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-22
Cleaning.....................................8-22
Replacing....................................8-22
Brakes..........................................8-23
Fuses...........................................8-24
Engine compartment...........................8-25
Passenger compartment.......................8-26
Battery replacement..............................8-27
Keyfob.......................................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-30
Wheels and tires.................................8-33
Tire pressure..................................8-33
Tire labeling...................................8-37
Types of tires..................................8-39
Tire chains....................................8-40
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-41
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

6. Return the wiper to its original position and
release it until it has made contact with the
windshield. Do not Throw the wiper blade
away.
CAUTION
cAfter wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
cMake sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not
to let wax get into the washer nozzle
sA. This may
cause clogging or improper windshield washer
operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it
with a needle or small pin
sB.If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
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.
WDI0595
BRAKES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
King Cab 2WD (4 cyl) King Cab 2WD (6 cyl) King Cab 4WD (6 cyl) Crew Cab 2WD Crew Cab 4WD
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2,
*33,500 lb. (1,588 kg) 6,500 lb. (2,949 kg) 6,300 lb. (2,858 kg) 6,300 lb. (2,858 kg) 6,100 lb. (2,767 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 350 lb. (158 kg) 650 lb. (295 kg) 630 lb. (285 kg) 630 lb. (285 kg) 610 lb. (276 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating7,936 lb. (3,600 kg) 11,133 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,133 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,133 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,133 lb. (5,050 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 60 sq feet (5.52 sq meters)
*1:
cThe towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers,
cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
cAll towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above
3,000 lb (1,361 kg) .
*2: The maximum towing capacity when using the genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 3,500 lb. (1,588 kg) and 350 lb. (158 kg) tongue load.
*3: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
9-28Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

Bumper towing
The genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg) .
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
sA, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. Check with the
trailer and towing equipment manufacturers to
determine if they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
LTI0132
9-30Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. A flat 4–pin har-
ness is available from your dealer for vehicles
without a tow package. If your trailer is equipped
with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle.
Adapters are available at auto parts stores and
hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer harness
connector are pre-wired for a trailer brake con-
troller. See a NISSAN dealer for a trailer brake
adapter harness.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers witha loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see9Electric trailer brake controller9in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
9-32Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

6. Make sure theindicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
9-34Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section earlier
in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission (if so equipped)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
Technical and consumer information9-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-52
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-60
Air bag warning labels.............1-67
Air bag warning light...........1-67, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation.......4-5, 4-13
Air conditioner service...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner..........4-17
Air flow charts...............4-7, 4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-36
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33Audible reminders................2-22
Audio system..................4-18
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
AUX jack.....................4-34
B
Battery......................8-16
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-39
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-37
Booster seats..................1-46
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-15
Brake wear indicators........2-22, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-14
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-37
Cargo light switch...............2-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-35
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-29, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints..........1-14, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints............1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-22
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
05/27/08Ðdebbie
X