automatic transmission NISSAN FRONTIER 2010 Owner´s Manual

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...................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-15
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-15
Battery..........................................8-15
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)..............8-20
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-22
Cleaning.....................................8-22
Replacing....................................8-22
Brakes..........................................8-23
Fuses...........................................8-24
Engine compartment...........................8-24
Passenger compartment.......................8-25
Battery replacement..............................8-26
Keyfob (if so equipped)........................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-30
Wheels and tires.................................8-32
Tire pressure..................................8-32
Tire labeling...................................8-36
Types of tires..................................8-38
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39

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 shift selector 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.
Seats
Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they op-
erate smoothly and all latches lock securely in every
position. Check that the head restraints and head-
rests 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

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, 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 whenever
you work on your vehicle.cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed 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 neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under 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.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions 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 warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

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.When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
cUse Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. If
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not
available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
may also be used.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF or Matic J ATF will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic trans-
mission durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is at or below the MIN line, add Genu-
ine NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill
through the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
WDI0256
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21 1/8gal 17-5/8 gal 80 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change
QR25DE4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 Without oil filter
change4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
With oil filter change
VQ40DE5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 Without oil filter
change5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 2-1/2 gal 2-1/8 gal 9.4
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ40DE 2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2
Manual transmission gear oil5M/T 3 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.89 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi
75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
6 M/T 4X2 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 3.98 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi
75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
6 M/T 4X4 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.18
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *2
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*3
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *4 or equivalent
DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent *5
Transfer fluid 2-1/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 2.0 Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *6
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt 0.85 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API
GL-5 SAE 80W-90
Rear final drive oil (except 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles) 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6 Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 syn-
thetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *7
Rear final drive oil 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles only 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0 Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-140 or API GL-5 syn-
thetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140 *8
Windshield washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or
Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is notcovered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle limited warranty.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF may cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: See your NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
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 condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
c
Determine the overall height of the vehicle and
trailer so the required clearance is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator 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.
Technical and consumer information9-33

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 fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance 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

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-57
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-65
Air bag warning labels.............1-71
Air bag warning light...........1-72, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation.......4-6, 4-12
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.............1-30
Antenna.....................4-36
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33
Audible reminders...............2-22
Audio system..................4-17
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-30, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-30
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-35
Autolight switch.................2-27
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
Automatic door locks..............3-5
AUX jack....................4-34
B
Battery......................8-15
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..................1-52
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-15Brake 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..............2-29
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-14
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-36
Cargo light switch...............2-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-35
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-30, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-30
Child restraints.......1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-28
Precautions on child
restraints........1-26, 1-33, 1-42, 1-52
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-30
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-22
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-26
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-35

C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-37
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-27
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-39
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).......4-35
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-20
Cup holders...................2-42
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag. . . .1-69
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window defroster switch.......2-26
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-29
Door locks.....................3-3
Door open warning light.............2-15
Drive belt.....................8-18
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-37
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Driving with manual transmission......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel..................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-30
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-34
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-37
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-12
Block heater.................5-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-9
Changing engine oil.............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-38
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2F
First aid kit.....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-30
Flat tire.......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid..................8-14
Engine coolant.................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label...........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-65
Front seats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-22
Fuel gauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating...............9-5
Fuel recommendation.............9-4
Fuel-filler cap.................3-10
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-10
Fuel-filler lid.................3-10
Fuses.......................8-24
Fusible links...................8-25
10-2