automatic transmission NISSAN FRONTIER 2016 D23 / 3.G Owners Manual

4WD warning light (model)Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield-washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)Hill descent control system ON indicator light
(if so equipped)
Automatic transmission check warning light
(if so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Automatic transmission oil temperature warning
light (if so equipped)Supplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive OFF indicator light (if so equipped)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)4WD shift indicator light (model)Security indicator light (if so equipped)
orBrake warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Charge warning lightCruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Transfer 4LO position indicator light
(model)
Door open warning lightCruise set switch indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightElectronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system ON indicator light (if so equipped)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
Low fuel warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-14Instruments and controls

CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake,
fasten the seat belts and place the ignition switch
in the ON position without starting the engine.
The following lights (if so equipped) will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights (if so equipped) come on
briefly and then go off:
or,,,,
,,,,
If any light fails to come on or operate in a way
other than described, it may indicate a burned-
out bulb and/or a system malfunction. Have the
system checked. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Some indicators and warnings are also displayed
in the vehicle information display located to the
right of the speedometer. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Meters and gauges” in this section.
WARNING LIGHTS
4WD warning light (
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after
the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. For additional information, refer to “4WD
warning light” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
CAUTION
●If the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
● Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD. – in the 4LO position for automatic
transmission models, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for manual trans- mission models, stop the vehicle and
shift the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD,
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates and
then turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
Instruments and controls2-15

If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally but without anti-lock assistance. For
additional information, refer to “Brake system” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Automatic transmission checkwarning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the automatic transmission system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked. It
is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Automatic transmission oiltemperature warning light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion oil temperature is too high. If the light comes
on while driving, reduce the vehicle speed as
soon as safely possible until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/T
oil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD, 4H
or 4LO could result in the vehicle mov-
ing unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
● Shift the 4WD switch into the 2WD, 4H
or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the shift lever is in
the P position and the ATP warning light
is ON. (Before shifting the 4WD switch
into the 4LO position, move the shift
lever into the N position once, shift the
shift lever into P again and make sure
the ATP warning light is OFF.) This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, the
transmission will disengage and the drive wheels
will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional information, re-
fer to “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
2-16Instruments and controls

Supplemental air bag warninglight
When the ignition switch is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing:
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
these services.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioners may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Supplemental re-
straint system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts
and supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag systems,
and/or pretensioner systems will not op-
erate in an accident. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
4WD shift indicator light (
model)
The light should turn off within 1 second after
placing the ignition switch in the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to the
other.
Automatic transmissionposition indicator light (if so
equipped)
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Cruise main switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Cruise con-
trol” in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Cruise set switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
2-20Instruments and controls

Operation
The MIL will come on in one of 2 ways:● MIL on steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected. Check the
fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning message is displayed in the odom-
eter. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
light should turn
off after a few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
● MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emission
control system. To reduce or avoid emission
control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
For additional information, refer to “Driving the
vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Security indicator light (if soequipped)
This light blinks when the ignition switch is in the
OFF, LOCK or ACC position. This function indi-
cates the security systems equipped on the ve-
hicle are operational. For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on have the system checked. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Transfer 4LO position indicator
light (
model)
This light comes on when the 4WD shift switch is
set in the 4LO position with the ignition switch in
the ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
2-22Instruments and controls

Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator
light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch
to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shifting
from one drive mode to the other.
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking and
remain illuminated or turn off before shifting the
transmission into gear. If the shift lever is shifted
from the N (Neutral) position to any other gear
when the 4LO indicator light is blinking, the ve-
hicle may move unexpectedly.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, follow the
instructions below:● For automatic transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the brake pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
● For manual transmission models, stop the
vehicle and shift the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position with the clutch pedal de-
pressed, then depress and turn the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO or 4H.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N position with the
brake pedal (A/T models) or clutch pedal (M/T
models) depressed.Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to
OFF, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model) , or when the VDC system is not
functioning properly. This indicates the VDC sys-
tem is not operating.
Push the VDC off switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when you turn the
ignition key to the ON position. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is opera-
tional. If the light stays on or comes on along with
the SLIP (
) indicator light while you are
driving, have the VDC system checked. It is rec-
ommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service. If the battery is removed or discharged, the VDC
system is disabled and the VDC indicator light
will not turn off after 2 seconds when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. To reset the
system, you must perform the reset procedure.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off after performing the
reset procedure, have the traction control system
checked. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you might
feel slight vibration or hear the system working
when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this
is normal.
The VDC system will be disabled and the VDC
light will illuminate when the electronic locking
rear differential (E-lock) system switch (if so
equipped) is turned on and the E-lock system is
engaged. If the E-lock system disengages or the
switch is turned off, the VDC system will be
enabled and the VDC light will turn off.
Instruments and controls2-23

REAR DOORS (if so equipped)
1. Open the driver’s or passenger’s door.2. From the outside, pull the door handle
A
toward you.
3. Open the door to the desired position.AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS (if so
equipped)
●
All doors lock automatically when the vehicle
speed reaches 15 MPH (24 km/h).
● For automatic transmission models: All
doors unlock automatically when the trans-
mission is placed in the P (Park) position.
● For manual transmission models: All doors
unlock automatically when the key is re-
moved from the ignition.
LPD0278LPD0312WPD0313
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-5

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-8
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Ignition switch .................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-12
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-14
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-18
Parking brake .................................... 5-20Cruise control (if so equipped) . .
...................5-21
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-21
Cruise control operations .......................5-22
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-23
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-23
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-24
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-25
Transfer case shifting procedures . . .............5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-31
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-33
Power steering ................................... 5-34
Brake system .................................... 5-34
Brake precautions ............................. 5-34
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-35
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-36
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-37
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-39
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-40
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-40
Rear sonar system (RSS) (if so equipped) ...........5-41
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-42

●Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
● Be sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. For
additional information, refer to “Wet
brakes” in this section.
● Avoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
● Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Periodic maintenance”
in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.WARNING
●Never remove the ignition key or place
the ignition switch in the LOCK position
while driving. The steering wheel will
lock (for models with a steering lock
mechanism) . This may cause the driver
to lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be placed in the LOCK position
and the key removed until the shift lever is moved
to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the shift lever is not returned to P (Park) posi-
tion, the ignition switch cannot be moved to the
LOCK position.
WSD0041
IGNITION SWITCH
5-10Starting and driving

1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
switch is placed in the OFF position or
if the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by placing the ignition
switch in the START position. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure. ●
If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by plac-
ing the ignition in the START position.
Release the key when the engine starts. If
the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10 sec-
onds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged. 4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as: 1. Installation or extended use of electronic accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances. In these cases, the
battery may need to be charged to maintain
battery health.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13