4WD NISSAN FRONTIER 2020 Owner´s Manual

If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shif t indicator light goes out.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per 1
second). Change the 4WD shif t switch into
2WD and do not drive fast.
CAUTION
• If the warning light comes on or
blinks slowly during operation, have
your vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
• Shif ting between 4H and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warn-
ing light turns on.
• When the warning light comes on,
the 2WD mode may be engaged even
if the 4WD shif t switch is in 4H. Be
especially careful when driving. If
corresponding parts are malfunc-
tioning, the 4WD mode will not be en-
gaged even if the 4WD shif t switch is
shif ted. •
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 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.
• The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking. The E-Lock system can provide additional
traction and should only be used when a
vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.
This system operates by electronically
“locking” the two rear drive wheels to-
gether, allowing them to turn at the same
speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when
using the 4LO position (4-Wheel Drive ve-
hicles).
When added traction is required, activate
the E-Lock system by pushing the switch
ON. For additional information, refer to
“Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual. Once the
system fully engages, the indicator light in
the instrument panel will remain on. When
the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or
move to engage the system, and the sys-
tem will only engage up to approximately 4
mph (7 km/h). Once the vehicle is free, the
system should be turned off and driving
resumed.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-29

Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates 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 applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion 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 op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving. • The ABLS system uses automatic brak-
ing to transfer power from a slipping drive
wheel to the wheel on the same axle with
more traction. The ABLS system applies
braking to the slipping wheel, which helps
redirect power to the other wheel.
• On 4–Wheel Drive models the ABLS sys- tem operates in both 4H and 4LO modes.
If 4WD mode is engaged, the ABLS sys-
tem operates for both drive axles. On
2–Wheel Drive vehicles, the ABLS system
operates on the drive axle only.
• The ABLS system is always on. In some conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system is turned off.
• The ABLS does not operate if both wheels on a drive axle are slipping.
WARNING
• The ABLS system helps provide in-
creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.
•
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely 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.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-34Starting and driving

The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheelslip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non-slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
• If the 4WD transfer case is shif ted into 4LO the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. For
additional information, refer to “Using
4–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 conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering 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 can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light 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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light will come on in the in-
strument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when these indicator
lights are off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
indicator light illumi-
nates to indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC OFF 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
indicator light flashes if this
occurs. All other VDC functions are off and
the
indicator light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-35

6. Af ter the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank with the engine running. Add
coolant to the engine coolant reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service. When towing your vehicle, all jurisdictional
and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing in-
structions are available from a NISSAN
dealer. Local service operators are gener-
ally familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends hav-
ing a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator
carefully read the following precautions:
WARNING
• Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
• Never get under your vehicle af ter it
has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
• When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. Use dollies or flatbed if any of
the listed systems are not working.
• Always attach safety chains before
towing.
For additional information, refer to “Flat
towing — 4WD with automatic transmis-
sion,” “Flat towing — 2WD with automatic
transmission” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-14In case of emergency

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle
based upon the type of drivetrain. For addi-
tional information, refer to the diagrams in
this section to ensure that your vehicle is
properly towed.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
with automatic transmission
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies
be used when towing your vehicle or place
the vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models equipped with
an automatic transmission with any of
the wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transfer case and transmission.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shif t to
other positions.
LCE2141
In case of emergency6-15

•When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY FULL
SIZE spare tire should be used on the
front wheels and the original tire
used on the rear wheels. Use tire
chains only on the drive wheels.
• Do not use the TEMPORARY FULL SIZE
spare tire on other vehicles.
• Do not use more than one TEMPO-
RARY FULL SIZE spare tire at the same
time.
• Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-
RARY FULL SIZE spare tire is installed.CAUTION
• Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO-
RARY FULL SIZE spare tire. Tire chains
will not fit properly and may cause
damage to the vehicle.
• Use of the TEMPORARY FULL SIZE
spare tire on a vehicle that has tires
larger than were originally equipped
can affect the 4WD System. This may
result in a circumference difference
between tires on front and rear axles
which can cause the 4WD system to
automatically place the vehicle in
2WD and flash the 4WD light. When
the TEMPORARY FULL SIZE spare tire
is replaced with a tire that matches
all other tires on the vehicle, and all
tires are properly inflated the 4WD
system will operate normally.
8-42Do-it-yourself

STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace, L = LubricateMAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
7. 5
(12) 6 15
(24) 12 22.5
(36) 18 30
(48) 24 37.5
(60) 30 45
(72) 36 52.5
(84) 42 60
(96) 48 67.5
(108) 54 75
(120) 60 82.5
(132) 66 90
(144) 72 97.5
(156) 78 105
(168) 84 112.5
(180) 90 120
(192) 96
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) R R R R
Automatic transmission fluid NOTE (2)(3) I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid RR RR
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors III I I I II
Drive belts NOTE (4) I* I* I* I* I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (5)(6)
Engine oil & oil filter  RRRRRRR RRRRRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines & fuel lines I* I* I* I*
Exhaust system II II
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
In-cabin microfilter R R R R R R R R
Intake & exhaust valve clearance NOTE (8)
Intelligent Key battery I R R R R
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots (4WD models) III I I I II
Propeller shaf t grease (4WD models) L L L L L L L L
Spark plugs NOTE (9) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear and linkage, axle & suspension parts II II
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (11) I I I I I I I I
9-8Maintenance and schedules

The maintenance intervals shown on the
preceding pages are for normal operating
conditions. If the vehicle is mainly operated
under severe driving conditions as shown
below, more frequent maintenance must
be performed on the following items as
shown in the table.SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles(8 km).
• Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic. • Extensive idling and/or low speed driving
for long distance, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Towing a trailer, using a camper or a car- top carrier.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance item Maintenance operation Maintenance interval
Brake fluid ReplaceEvery 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
Brake pads & rotors InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Engine oil and oil filter ReplaceEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Exhaust system InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots (4WD models) InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE
OPERATING CONDITIONS
9-10Maintenance and schedules

10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendations .......................... 10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .......................10-8
Specifications .................................. 10-9
Engine ...................................... 10-9
Wheels and tires ............................ 10-9
Dimensions and weights ...................10-10
When traveling or registering in another
country ........................................ 10-11
Vehicle identification ........................... 10-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ........................................ 10-11
Engine serial number .......................10-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-12
Emission control information label .........10-12
Tire and Loading Information label .........10-13
Air conditioner specification label ..........10-13
Installing front license plate ...................10-14
Installing front license plate with
grommets ................................. 10-14Vehicle loading information
...................10-14
Terms ...................................... 10-14
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-15
Securing the load .......................... 10-17
Utili-track® channel system
(if so equipped) ............................. 10-18
Loading tips ................................ 10-22
Truck-camper loading information ............10-23
Crew cab models .......................... 10-23
King Cab® models .......................... 10-23
Special Body vehicles ......................10-23
Location for center of gravity ...............10-23
Vehicle load weight capacity ...............10-24
Measurement of weights ...................10-24
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-25
Maximum load limits ....................... 10-25
Towing load/specification ..................10-28
T
owing safety .............................. 10-29
Flat towing – 4WD with automatic
transmission ............................... 10-36
Flat towing – 2WD with automatic
transmission ............................... 10-37
Uniform tire quality grading ...................10-37
Emission control system warranty ............10-38

King Cab® models
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2, *3 6,720 lbs. (3,048 kg)6,510 lbs. (2,953 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 672 lbs. (305 kg)651 lbs. (295 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 11,427 lbs. (5,183 kg)11,427 lbs. (5,183 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 30 sq feet (2.78 sq meters)
Crew Cab models
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2, *3 6,640 lbs. (3,012 kg)6,380 lbs. (2,894 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 664 lbs. (301 kg)638 lbs. (289 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 11,427 lbs. (5,183 kg)11,427 lbs. (5,183 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 30 sq 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 a dd weight
to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
• All towing above 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes.
• NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg).
*2: The maximum towing capacity when using the Genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg) and 350 lbs. (158 kg) tongue load.
*3: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
Technical and consumer information10-29