power steering NISSAN FRONTIER 2020 Owner´s Manual

1. Vents (P. 4-22)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn signal switch (P. 2-30)
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(P. 4-71)
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System
(P. 4-79, 4-96)
4. Driver supplemental air bag (P. 1-70) Horn (P. 2-34)
5. Meters and gauges (P. 2-4) Warning and indicator lights (P. 2-24)
6. Cruise control switches (P. 5-19)
7. Wiper and washer switch (P. 2-28)
8. Storage (P. 2-40)
9. Audio system (P. 4-36)
10. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-70)
11. Upper and lower glove box (P. 2-40)
12. Passenger air bag status light (P. 1-70)
13. USB connection port (P. 4-55) AUX input (P. 4-55)
14. Power outlets (P. 2-39)
15. Electronic locking rear differential
(E-Lock) system switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-37)
Heated seat switches (if so equipped)
(P. 2-35)
Rear sonar switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-38)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-36)
LIC4475
INSTRUMENT PANEL
0-6Illustrated table of contents

VQ38DD engine
1. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir(P. 8-12)
2. Fuse/Fusible link box (P. 8-20)
3. Fuse/Fusible link box (P. 8-20)
4. Fuse box (P. 8-20)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-6)
6. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-6)
7. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
8. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
9. Drive belt location (P. 8-15)
10. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-10)
11. Radiator cap (P. 8-4)
12. Battery (P. 8-13)
13. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-4)
*Engine cover removed for clarity.
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
LDI3520
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

1. Vents (P. 4-22)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn signal switch (P. 2-30)
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(P. 4-71)
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System
(P. 4-79, 4-96)
4. Driver supplemental air bag (P. 1-70) Horn (P. 2-34)
5. Meters and gauges (P. 2-4) Warning and indicator lights (P. 2-24)
6. Cruise control switches (P. 5-19)
7. Wiper and washer switch (P. 2-28)
8. Storage (P. 2-40)
9. Audio system (P. 4-36)
10. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-70)
11. Upper and lower glove box (P. 2-40)
12. Passenger air bag status light (P. 1-70)
13. USB connection port (P. 4-55) AUX input (P. 4-55)
14. Power outlets (P. 2-39)
15. Electronic locking rear differential
(E-Lock) system switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-37)
Heated seat switches (if so equipped)
(P. 2-35)
Rear sonar switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-38)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-36)
LIC4475
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls

NISSAN Intelligent Key®
warning light (if so
equipped)
Af ter the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2
seconds and then turns off. This light illumi-
nates or blinks as follows:
• The light blinks in yellow when the door isclosed with the Intelligent Key lef t outside
the vehicle and the ignition switch in the
ON position. Make sure that the Intelligent
Key is inside the vehicle.
• The light blinks in green when the Intelli- gent Key battery is running out of power.
Replace the battery with a new one. For
additional information, refer to “Battery”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
• The light illuminates in yellow when it warns of a malfunction with the electrical
steering lock system or the Intelligent Key
system.
If the warning light illuminates in yellow
while the engine is stopped, it may be im-
possible to free the steering lock or to start
the engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the vehicle.
However, in these cases, have the vehicle
checked and repaired as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
For additional information, refer to “NISSAN
Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks
and adjustments” section of this manual.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and remains illuminated until the
driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same
time, the chime sounds for about 6 sec-
onds unless the driver's seat belt is se-
curely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illumi-
nate if the front passenger's seat belt is not
fastened when the front passenger's seat
is occupied. For 7 seconds af ter the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position, the sys-
tem does not activate the warning light for
the front passenger.
For additional information, refer to “Seat
belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
Shif t P (Park) warning light
(if so equipped)
This light blinks red and the key reminder
chime sounds if the shif t lever is in any
position other than P (Park) and the ignition
switch is in the OFF position. Return the
shif t lever to P (Park) with the ignition
switch in the OFF position and the warning
light along with the chime will turn off. For
additional information, refer to “NISSAN In-
telligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks
and adjustments” section of this manual.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
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 pretensioner seat belt systems need
servicing:
• The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on af ter approximately 7 sec-
onds.
• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
2-20Instruments and controls

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys.............................................3-2NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys..........................................3-4
Doors ...........................................3-4
Locking with key .............................3-5
Locking with inside lock knob ................3-5
Locking with power door lock switch .........3-6
Rear doors (King Cab® models) ...............3-6
Automatic door locks ........................ 3-7
Child safety rear door lock
(if so equipped) ............................... 3-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ..........................3-8
How to use the remote keyless entry
function ......................................3-9
Warning signals .............................. 3-11
Troubleshooting guide ......................3-12Hood
........................................... 3-13
Fuel-filler door .................................. 3-13
Fuel-filler cap ................................ 3-13
Steering wheel ................................. 3-16
Tilt operation ................................ 3-16
Sun visors ...................................... 3-16
Vanity mirrors (if so equipped) ...............3-17
Mirrors ......................................... 3-17
Manual anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped) .............................. 3-17
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror ........3-18
Outside mirrors ............................. 3-19
Truck box ...................................... 3-20
Tailgate ..................................... 3-20
Bed extender (if so equipped) ...............3-24
Tie down hooks (if so equipped) .............3-25

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-roadrecovery ............................5-7
Rapid air pressure loss .......................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-8
Driving safety precautions ....................5-8
Push-button ignition switch ....................5-10
Operating range ............................. 5-11
Push-button ignition switch positions ........5-11
Emergency engine shut off ..................5-12
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery
discharge ................................... 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System .........5-13
Before starting the engine .....................5-13
Starting the engine ............................. 5-13
Driving the vehicle .............................. 5-14
Automatic transmission (A/T) ...............5-14
Parking brake .................................. 5-19
Cruise control .................................. 5-19
Precautions on cruise control ...............5-19Cruise control operations
...................5-20
Break-in schedule .............................. 5-21
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................5-21
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-23
Using 4–Wheel Drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) ................................. 5-23
Transfer case shif ting procedures ...........5-24
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system (if so equipped) ......................... 5-29
Parking/parking on hills ........................5-31
Power steering ................................. 5-32
Brake system .................................. 5-32
Brake precautions ........................... 5-32
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..............5-33
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system ........5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-35
Brake force distribution .....................5-36
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) ....5-37
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) .........5-38
Rear Sonar System (RSS) (if so equipped) .......5-39
Cold weather driving ........................... 5-40
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................5-40
Antifreeze ................................... 5-40
Battery...................................... 5-40
Draining of coolant water ...................5-40

The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to as-
sist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate. The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshif t to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
•
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshif ting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating could cause the wheels to
skid and result in an accident.
• If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-32Starting and driving

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