4WD NISSAN FRONTIER 2016 D23 / 3.G Owner's Manual

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6mph(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.●
ABLS system uses automatic braking to
transfer power from a slipping drive wheel to
the wheel on the same axle with more trac-
tion. The ABLS system applies braking to
the slipping wheel, which helps redirect
power to the other wheel.
● On 4WD models the ABLS system operates
in both 4H and 4LO modes. If 4WD mode is
engaged, the ABLS system operates for
both drive axles. On 2WD vehicles, the
ABLS system operates on the drive axle
only.
● The ABLS system is always ON. In some
conditions, the system may automatically
turn the ABLS system off. If the system is
automatically turned off, normal brake func-
tion will continue. ABLS will function even
when the VDC system is turned OFF.
● The ABLS does not operate if both wheels
on a drive axle are slipping.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-36Starting and driving

WARNING
●The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion or by careless driving or dangerous
driving practices. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces. Al-
ways drive carefully.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars,
bushings and wheels are not NISSAN
approved for your vehicle or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the slip indicator light
may illuminate.
● If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, the ABLS system may not
operate properly and the slip indicator
light may illuminate.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the ABLS
system may not operate properly and
the slip indicator light may illuminate. The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC System helps to per-
form the following functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in this section.
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations. When the VDC system operates, the
indi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following:
● The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip indicator
light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
indicator light” in the ”Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light will come on in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off
when these indicator lights are off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-37

For additional information about towing your ve-
hicle behind a Recreational Vehicle (RV) , refer to
“Flat towing for 4-Wheel drive vehicle” or “Flat
towing for rear wheel drive vehicle” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of this
manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle based
upon the type of drivetrain. Please refer to the
diagrams in this section to ensure that your ve-
hicle is properly towed.
Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the ve-
hicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models with any of the
wheels on the ground as this may cause
serious and expensive damage to the
transfer case and transmission.
LCE2141
In case of emergency6-15

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
King Cab 2WD (4 cyl) King Cab 2WD (6 cyl) King Cab 4WD (6 cyl) Crew Cab 2WDCrew Cab 4WD
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2,
*3 3,500 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 Rating 7,936 lb. (3,600 kg) 11,230 lb. (5,094 kg) 11,230 lb. (5,094 kg) 11,230 lb. (5,094 kg) 11,230 lb. (5,094 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 30sq feet (2.78 sq meters)
*1:
● The towing capacity is calculated using the SAE International SAE J2807 test method. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add
weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
● All 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.
9-30Technical and consumer information

Pre-towing tips
●Be 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
● Load 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.
● Check 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.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
●
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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When 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 lever 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) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. For additional information,
refer to “Automatic transmission park warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section and “Using four wheel drive (4WD)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
Technical and consumer information9-35

●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, refer to
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
in this manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR 4–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
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.
● Never flat tow your 4-wheel drive (4WD)
vehicle.
● DO NOT tow your 4-wheel drive (4WD)
vehicle with any wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the powertrain.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR REAR WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
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.
● Never tow your rear wheel drive vehicle
with the front tires on the ground. Doing
so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
● DO NOT tow your rear wheel drive ve-
hicle 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.
Technical and consumer information9-37

Additional information concerning motor
vehicle safety may be obtained from Trans-
port Canada’s Road Safety Information
Centre at 1-800-333-0371 or online at
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English speak-
ers) or www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere
(French speakers) .
To notify NISSAN of any safety concerns
please contact our Consumer Information
Centre toll free at 1-800-387-0122.
WARNING
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) should never be tested using a two
wheel dynamometer (such as the dyna-
mometers used by some states for emis-
sions testing) , or similar equipment. Make
sure you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle. If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink
after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer to set the “ready condition” or to
prepare the vehicle for testing.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-40Technical and consumer information

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-15A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-36
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-70
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-77
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-85
Airbagwarninglight...........1-85,2-20
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-85, 2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-25
Air conditioner service ...........4-35
Air conditioner specification label .....9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-8
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-8
Heater and air conditioner
controls............4-16,4-22,4-33
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-35
Airflowcharts..............4-19,4-26
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-32
Antenna .....................4-70
Antifreeze ....................5-42 Anti-lock brake warning light
..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-35
Apps .......................4-70
Audible reminders ...............2-24
Audio system ..................4-35
AMradioreception.............4-36
Bluetooth®audio..........4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-45, 4-50, 4-56
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-43
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-47,4-51
FMradioreception.............4-35
iPod® Player .............4-61,4-63
iPod® player operation .......4-61,4-63
Radio ....................4-35
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-69
USB interface ............4-57,4-59
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port..................4-57,4-59
Autolight switch .................2-30
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-50
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUXjack.................4-46,4-57 B
Back button ....................4-7
Battery ..................5-42, 8-17
Charge warning light ............2-17
Battery replacement ..............8-28
Keyfob................8-28,8-29
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-43
Bluetooth® audio ............4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system..............4-75,4-90,4-101
Boosterseats..................1-65
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-35
Brake fluid ..................8-15
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-32
Brake system ................5-34
Brakewarninglight.............2-16
Brakewearindicators........2-24,8-24
Parking brake operation ..........5-20
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-24
Brake fluid ....................8-15
Brakes ......................8-24
Brake system ..................5-34
Break-inschedule ...............5-23
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-32

Tire chains..................8-41
Tirepressure.................8-34
Tire rotation..................8-41
Tires of 4-wheel drive ............8-44
Types of tires .................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-38
Wheels and tires ...........8-34,9-10
Wheel/tire size ................9-10
Tirepressure...................8-34 Low tire pressure warning light .......2-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....5-3
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-31
Towing 2-wheel drive models ............6-16
4-wheel drive models ............6-15
Flattowing..................9-37
Towing load/specification ..........9-30
Towtrucktowing...............6-14
Trailer towing .................9-26
Towing a trailer ..................9-26
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .......2-54,2-55,2-56,2-57
Transmission Driving with automatic transmission ....5-14
Driving with manual transmission ......5-18
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country) ......................9-12
Trip computer ...................2-9
Trip odometer ...................2-4
Troubleshooting guide
(NISSAN voice recognition system) .....4-113
Truckbox .................3-17,3-17
Truck - camper loading .............9-24
Turn signal switch ................2-32 U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-38
USB interface ...............4-57,4-59
Audio file operation ..........4-58,4-60
V
Vanity mirror ...................3-14
Variable voltage control system .........8-19
Vehicle dimensions and weights ........9-11
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-37
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ....5-37
Vehicle identification ...............9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .......9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ....9-12
Vehicle immobilizer system ........2-25,5-12
Vehicle loading information ...........9-15
Vehicle recovery .................6-16
Vehicle security system .............2-24
Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System) , engine start ....2-25,5-12
Ventilators ....................4-16
Visors.......................3-14
Voice Prompt Interrupt ......4-79,4-93,4-103
Voice recognition system ...........4-109
Voltmeter......................2-8
W
Warning 4WD warning light ..............2-15
Airbagwarninglight.........1-85,2-20 Anti-lock brake warning light
........2-15
Battery charge warning light ........2-17
Brake warning light .............
2
-16
Door open warning light ...........2-17
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-5,3-11
Low fuel warning light ............2-18
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-18
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-19
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-79
Seat belt warning light ........1-18,2-19
Supplemental air bag warning
light ..................1-85,2-20
Vehicle security system ...........2-24
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ............2-14,2-15,2-20
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-85
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..............2-14,2-15,2-20 Audiblereminders.......2-14,2-15,2-20
Indicatorlights.........2-14,2-15,2-20
Warning lights .........2-14,2-15,2-20
Warning lights ...........2-14,2-15,2-20
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ....9-11
Wheels and tires .............8-34,9-10
Wheel/tire size ..................9-10
When traveling or registering in another
country ......................9-12
Windows .....................2-48
Locking passengers’ windows .......2-50
Manual windows ...............2-50
Power windows ...............2-48
Rear power windows ............2-50
Rear sliding window .............2-51
10-7