engine oil NISSAN FRONTIER 2012 Owner´s Manual

CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.6. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage. 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
●
Use Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. 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 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.
QR25DE
WDI0503
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID (if so
equipped)
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation ...........................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations ..........9-6
Air conditioner system (if so equipped)
refrigerant and oil recommendations . .............9-7
Specifications .....................................9-8
Engine ........................................9-8
Wheels and tires ...............................9-9
Dimensions and weights ........................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-10
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Emission control information label ...............9-12
Tire and loading information label ................9-12
Air conditioner specification label
(if so equipped) ............................... 9-12
Installing front license plate ........................9-13
Installing front license plate with grommets .......9-13 Installing front license plate without
grommets
.................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information ........................9-13
Terms ........................................ 9-13
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-14
Securing the load .............................. 9-16
Utili-track™ channel system (if so equipped) ......9-17
Loading tips . . . ............................... 9-22
Truck-camper loading information ..................9-23
Crew Cab Models ............................. 9-23
King Cab models .............................. 9-23
Special Body vehicles .......................... 9-23
Location for center of gravity ....................9-23
Vehicle load weight capacity ....................9-24
Measurement of weights .......................9-24
Towing a trailer ................................... 9-24
Maximum load limits ........................... 9-25
T owing

load/specification ....................... 9-28
Towing safety ................................. 9-29
Flat towing .................................... 9-35
Uniform tire quality grading ........................9-36
Emission control system warranty ..................9-37
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-37

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 80See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *7 Drain and RefillWith 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
change
4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
With oil filter change VQ40DE5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1
Without oil filter
change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system With reservoir QR25DE 2-1/2 gal 2-1/8 gal 9.4 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
VQ40DE 2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2
Manual transmission gear oil 5M/T
3-1/8 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.9 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 4.0
6 M/T 4X4 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
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 fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *4 or equivalent
DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ———NLG IN o.2 (L it h iu m 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 ———Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent *5
Transfer fluid 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt 2.0Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *6
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt 0.85Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or
API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 *8
Rear final drive oil (except 6 speed M/T and O/R vehicles) 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *9
Rear final drive oil (6 speed M/T 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
synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140 *9
Windshield-washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*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 Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label” in this section.
*6: Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will 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” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
*8: For hot climates, Viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° (32°F)
*9: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals.”
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
9-6Technical and consumer information

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if so
equipped) REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type R or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
Technical and consumer information9-7

●Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO 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.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
● Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
● On 4-wheel drive vehicles, place the transfer
case in the 2H range. Failure to do so will
cause the powertrain to bind up. ●
After 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.
Automatic Transmission (if so
equipped)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Technical and consumer information9-35

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-17A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-34
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-64
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-71
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-78
Airbagwarninglight...........1-79,2-20
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
Airflowcharts...............4-7,4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-31
Antenna.....................4-36
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-33
Audible reminders ...............2-24
Audio system ..................4-17
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 ....................4-17
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-35
Autolight switch .................2-29
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUXjack ....................4-34
B
Battery ......................8-16
Chargewarninglight............2-16
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-18
Block heater Engine ....................5-39
Bluetooth hands-free phone system .....4-37
Boosterseats..................1-59
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-33
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-31
Brake system ................5-32
Brake warning light .............2-16 Brake wear indicators
........2-24,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-inschedule ...............5-22
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-31
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-15
Bulbreplacement................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargolightswitch ...............2-33
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-36
CDcareandcleaning .............4-35
CD changer (See audio system) ....4-29,4-33
CD player (See audio system) .........4-27
Check tire press .................2-5
Child restraints .......1-24,1-25,1-26,1-28
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-26,1-37,1-49,1-59
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-31
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-30
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-26
Clutch Cl

utchfluid.................8-15

Clutchinterlock(clutchstart)switch......2-37
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving ..............5-38
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-27
Compass display ................2-10
Console box ...................2-41
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel).......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 ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosionprotection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cupholders...................2-44
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag ....1-76
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-30
Defroster switch Rear window defroster switch .......2-27
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-31
Door locks .....................3-3
Door open warning light .............2-17
Drive belt .....................8-18
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-38
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Driving with manual transmission ......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ......................5-29
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch ..................2-36
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 ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
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
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-38
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-27 F
First aid kit .....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard

warning flasher switch) ......2-32
Flat tire .......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-15
Engine coolant .................8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-32
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-71
Front seats .....................1-3
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-22
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-11
Fuelgauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel recommendation .............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-5,3-11
Fuses.......................8-24
Fusiblelinks ...................8-25
10-2

G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver....................2-54
Gascap .....................3-11
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ..........2-8
Fuel gauge ...................2-7
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-6
Trip computer .................2-9
Trip odometer .................2-4
Voltmeter....................2-8
Generalmaintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-42
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth .....4-37
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-32
Headlightandturnsignalswitch........2-28
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-28
Headlights....................8-29
Heated seats ...................2-33
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
Heater operation ............4-4,4-11
Hill descent control switch ...........2-35
Hill descent control system ...........5-36
Hill start assist system ..............5-37
HomeLink UniversalTransceiver........2-54
Hood release ...................3-10 Horn .......................2-33
I
Ignition switch ..................5-10
Immobilizer system .........2-25,3-2,5-11
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
In-cabin microfilter ................8-20
Increasing fuel economy .............5-22
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-14
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-15
Inside mirror ...................3-15
Instrument brightness control ..........2-31
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-31
Interiorlight....................2-53
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-28
J
Jumpseat .....................1-7
Jump starting ...................6-10
K
Key.........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-27
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system) ........3-6 L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-12
Engine serial number ............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-78
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-28
License plate Installing the license plate ..........
9
-13
Light Airbagwarninglight.........1-79, 2-20
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-31
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-15
Bulbreplacement..............8-31
Charge warning light ............2-16
Fog light switch ...............2-32
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-28
Headlight control switch ..........2-28
Headlights..................8-29
Interiorlight..................2-53
Lightbulbs..................8-29
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-18
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-19
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-73
Security indicator light ............2-22
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-14
Lights Maplights ..................2-54
10-3