check engine light NISSAN FRONTIER 2020 Owner´s Manual

Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status lightwill be lit and the passenger front air
bag will be off depending on how the front
passenger seat is being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front
passenger air bag and status light” in the
“Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemen-
tal restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the head-
light high beams are on and goes out when
the low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes
on when the passing signal is activated.
Hill descent control system
ON indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on briefly and
then turns off.
The light comes on when the hill descent
control system is activated. If the hill descent control switch is on and
the indicator light blinks, the system is not
engaged.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the hill descent switch is on, the sys-
tem may not be functioning properly. Have
the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
For additional information, refer to “Hill de-
scent control switch” in this section and “Hill
descent control system” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3
gal (11.4 L) of fuel in the fuel tank.
Af ter a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emis-
sion control system malfunction exists. If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance
test. For additional information, refer to
“Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
• MIL on steady — An emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
Check the fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL
CAP warning appears in the trip com-
puter. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or miss-
ing, tighten or install the cap and con-
tinue to drive the vehicle. The
light
should turn off af ter a few driving trips. If
the
light does not turn off af ter a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected. It
is recommended that 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 emis-
sion control system. To reduce or avoid
emission control system damage:– Do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
2-22Instruments and controls

– Avoid hard acceleration or decelera-tion.
– 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 rec-
ommended that 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
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Security indicator light
(if so equipped)
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position. This func-
tion indicates the security systems
equipped on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security
systems” in this section.
SET indicator light
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 properly. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC sys-
tem 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 af ter
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 af ter ap-
proximately 2 seconds if the system is op-
erational. If the light does not come on
have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Transfer 4LO position
indicator light
(
model)
This light comes on when the 4WD shif t
switch is set in the 4LO position with the
ignition switch in the ON position.
The transfer case may be damaged if you
shif t the switch while driving.
Make sure the transfer 4LO position indica-
tor light turns on when you shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to 4LO.
The indicator light may blink while shif t-
ing from one drive mode to the other.
The 4LO indicator light must stop blinking
and remain illuminated or turn off before
shif ting the transmission into gear. If the
shif t lever is shif ted from the N (Neutral)
position to any other gear when the 4LO
indicator light is blinking, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly.
When you shif t between 4H and 4LO, follow
the instructions below:
• Stop the vehicle and move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed, then depress and turn
the 4WD shif t switch to 4LO or 4H.
Instruments and controls2-23

You cannot move the transfer 4WD shif t
switch between 4H and 4LO unless you
stop the vehicle and move the shif t lever to
the N (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed.
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
NOTE:
In case of turn signal light bulb malfunc-
tion, the turn signal will flash at a higher
frequency 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
VDC OFF switch is pushed to the OFF posi-
tion, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model), or when the VDC system is
not functioning properly. This indicates the
VDC system 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 driving” section of this
manual.
The VDC light also comes on when the
push-button ignition switch is in the ON
position. The light will turn off af ter about 2
seconds if the system is operational. If the
light stays on or comes on along with the
indicator light while you are driving,
have the VDC system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the
VDC system is disabled and the VDC indi-
cator light will not turn off af ter 2 seconds
when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. To reset the system, you must
perform the reset procedure. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off af ter performing
the reset procedure, have the traction con-
trol system checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem 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 elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-lock) sys-
tem 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.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a disc brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion, whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF
position, a chime sounds when the driver's
door is opened if the headlights or parking
lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
2-24Instruments and controls

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Verif y the location of all Intelligent Keys that are programmed for the vehicle. If another Intelligent Key is in range or inside the vehicle, the
vehicle system may respond differently than expected.
SymptomPossible CauseRemedy
When pushing the ignition switch to
stop the engine The Shif t P (Park) warning light appears
on the display and the inside warning
chime sounds continuously. The shif t lever is not in the P (Park) po-
sition.
Move the shif t lever to the P (Park) po-
sition.
When opening the driver's door to get
out of the vehicle The door open warning light appears
on the display and the inside warning
chime sounds continuously. The ignition switch is in the AUTO ACC
position.
Place the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition or close the driver’s door.
When closing the door af ter getting
out of the vehicle The NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning
light appears on the display, the out-
side chime sounds three times and the
inside warning chime sounds for ap-
proximately three seconds.
The Intelligent Key is not detected in-
side of the vehicle.
Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.
The Shif t P (Park) warning light appears
on the display and the inside and out-
side chimes sound continuously. The ignition switch is in the ACC or OFF
position and the shif t lever is not in the
P (Park) position.
Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When closing the door with the inside
lock knob turned to LOCK The outside chime sounds for approxi-
mately three seconds and all the doors
unlock.
The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle. Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the ignition switch to
start the engine The NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning
light appears on the display.
The battery charge is low.Replace the battery with a new one.
For additional information, refer to
“Battery replacement” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
The NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning
light appears on the display . The Intelligent Key is not detected in-
side of the vehicle.Carry the registered Intelligent Key
with you.
3-12Pre-driving checks and adjustments

1. Pull the hood lock release handleO1lo-
cated below the driver's side instrument
panel. The hood will spring up slightly.
2. Push the lever
O2at the front of the
hood to the side as illustrated with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the support rod into the slot on the underside of the hood
O3.
When closing the hood, return the hood rod
to its original position. Lower the hood ap-
proximately 12 in (30 cm) above the latch
and release it. This allows proper engage-
ment of the hood latch.
WARNING
• Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.
• If you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
• Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames or
sparks near the vehicle when
refueling.
LPD0302LPD2698
HOOD FUEL-FILLER DOOR
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13

•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 af ter 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 side-
ways, you could be injured.
• Whenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent mainte-
nance may be required. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Mainte-
nance under severe operating
conditions” in the “Maintenance and
schedules” section of this manual.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button igni-
tion switch while driving the vehicle ex-
cept in an emergency. (The engine will
stop when the ignition switch is pushed
three consecutive times in quick suc-
cession or the ignition switch is pushed
and held for more than 2 seconds.) If
the engine stops while the vehicle is
being driven, this could lead to a crash
and serious injury. When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal, the ignition
switch position will illuminate as follows:
Push center:
• Once to change to ACC.
• Two times to change to ON.
• Three times to return to OFF.
The ignition switch will automatically re-
turn to the LOCK position when any door is
either opened or closed with the switch in
the OFF position.
The shif t lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the ignition switch cannot be moved
from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for opera-
tion are displayed in the meter. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible reminders” in
the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
LSD3828
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
5-10Starting and driving

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
key (for example, when interference is
caused by another registered key, an auto-
mated toll road device or automatic pay-
ment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. • Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/ headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten the seat belt and ask all passen- gers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position. For additional information,
refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this
manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shif t lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral). P (Park) is recommended.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the shif t lever is in either P
(Park) or N (Neutral).
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while de-
pressing the brake pedal with the igni-
tion switch in any position.
• If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when re-
starting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the
floor) and while holding, crank the en-
gine. Release the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.
• If the engine is very hard to start be- cause it is flooded, depress the accel-
erator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Push the ignition switch to
the ON position to start cranking the
engine. Af ter 5 or 6 seconds, stop
cranking by pushing the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. Af ter
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-13

• Keep your engine tuned up.
• Follow the recommended scheduledmaintenance.
• Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres- sure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im- proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
• For vehicles equipped with
, use 4H
or 4L position only when necessary.
4-Wheel Drive operation lowers fuel
economy.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, refer to “En-
gine oil and oil filter recommendations” in
the “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
WARNING
• For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
• Do not attempt to test a 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emis-
sions testing), or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are
raised off the ground. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that
your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamom-
eter. Using the wrong test equipment
may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.CAUTION
• Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or
4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces in
4H or 4LO may cause unnecessary
noise, tire wear and increased fuel
consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on
when you are driving on dry hard sur-
face roads:
– In the 4H position, shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to 2–Wheel Drive
(2WD).
– In the 4LO position for automatic
transmission vehicles, stop the
vehicle and shif t the shif t lever to
the N (Neutral) position with the
brake pedal depressed and shif t
the 4WD shif t switch to 2WD.
• If the warning light is still on af ter the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYUSING 4–WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-23

*1: Before moving the shif t lever from N (Neutral), wait until the transfer 4LO position indicator light stays on steady. This indicates that the 4WD shif t procedure
is completed and the transfer gear is correctly set in the 4LO position. If the vehicle is shif ted into gear before the indicator is on steady, the transf er gear
may grind, not engage correctly or stay in the neutral position.
- If the 4WD warning light illuminates, perform the following procedure to return the transfer case to correct operating condition.
1. Turn off the engine by placing the ignition switch in the OFF position.
2. Start the engine.
- Check that the 4WD warning light turns off. If the 4WD warning light illuminates, have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dea ler
for this service.
3. Apply the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and move the shif t lever to N (Neutral) position.
4. With the brake pedal depressed, move the 4WD shif t switch to the desired mode.
- Be sure to wait until the transfer gear change completes before shif ting the shif t lever from the N (Neutral) position.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition switch must be in the ON position and the vehicle's engine must be running for a shif t to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shif t and 4LO position indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shif t will not take place and no indicator lights will be on o r flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shif t the 4WD shif t switch to 4LO. The
indicator light will also turn on when 4LO
is selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in this section.
When the 4LO position is selected, the VDC system is disabled and the VDC off indicator light illuminates, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
Starting and driving5-25

4WD shif t indicator light
The 4WD shif t indicator light is located in
the odometer display.
The light should turn off within 1 second
af ter placing the ignition switch in the ON
position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shif t
indicator light will illuminate the position
selected by the 4WD shif t switch.
•The 4WD shif t indicator light may blink
while shif ting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shif ting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shif t indicator light will
come on. • If the 4WD warning light comes on, the
4WD shif t indicator light goes out.
CAUTION
If the 4WD shif t indicator light indica-
tion changes to 2WD when the 4WD
shif t switch is shif ted to the 4H position
at low ambient temperatures, the 2WD
mode may be being engaged due to
malfunctioning drive system. If the in-
dicator does not return to normal and
the 4WD warning light comes on, have
the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
4WD warning light
Warning light Comes on or
blinks when:
Comes on There is a mal-
function in the 4–Wheel Drive system
Blinks slowly The difference
in wheel rota- tion is large
The 4WD warning light is located in the me-
ter.
The 4WD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
It turns off soon af ter the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD sys-
tem when the ignition switch is ON, the
warning light will either remain illuminated
or blink.
LSD0147
5-28Starting and driving