engine coolant NISSAN FRONTIER 2021 User Guide

VQ38DD engine
1. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/Fusible link box
3. Fuse/Fusible link box
4. Fuse box
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Drive belt location
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Radiator cap
12. Battery
13. Engine coolant reservoir
LDI3520
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide
year-round antifreeze and coolant protec-
tion. The antifreeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.CAUTION
• Never use any cooling system addi-
tives such as radiator sealer. Addi-
tives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling system.
• When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-
diluted to provide antifreeze protec-
tion to -34° F (-37° C). If additional
freeze protection is needed due to
weather where you operate your ve-
hicle, add Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concen-
trate following the directions on the
container. If an equivalent coolant
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum an-
tifreeze protection to -34° F (-37° C).
The use of other types of coolant so-
lutions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent may damage the en-
gine cooling system. •
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
(or equivalent coolant), including
Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the
use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the life expectancy of the
factory-fill coolant. For additional in-
formation, refer to the "Maintenance
and schedules" section of this
manual.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
OB, add coolant
to the MAX level
OA. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX
level
OA. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing
any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water will reduce the life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant. For ad-
ditional information, refer to the "Mainte-
nance and schedules" section of this
manual.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
For additional information on the location
of the engine coolant reservoir, refer to “En-
gine compartment check locations” in this
section.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
• Never remove the radiator or engine
coolant reservoir cap when the en-
gine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator.
• Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
LDI2831

brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to en-
sure they operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery (for maintenance free batter-
ies)*: This vehicle is equipped with a sealed
maintenance free battery. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not run-
ning (Phone chargers, 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.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the fluid
level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir. Engine coolant level*:
Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause
and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replacing
coolant, be sure to use only Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent with the proper mixture. (For ad-
ditional information on the proper mixture
for your area, refer to “Engine cooling system”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Propeller shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently. Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). When rotating tires,
check for damage and uneven wear. Re-
place if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil: Vi-
sually inspect for signs of leakage at speci-
fied intervals.
Off-road maintenance: Check the follow-
ing items frequently whenever you drive
off-road through deep sand, mud or water:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Brake linings and drums
• Brake lines and hoses
• Differential, transmission and transfer case oil
• Steering linkage
• Propeller shaf t(s) and front drive shaf ts
• Engine air filter
• Clutch housing drain (AWD only)
9-6Maintenance and schedules

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 following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Do-it-yourself ” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
Fuel 80 L 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal • For additional information, refer to “Fuel recommendation” in
this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
*1: For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Engine” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion of this manual. With oil filter
change 5 L 5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt • Genuine “NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SN” (or equivalent) is recom-
mended.
• If the above motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic
0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. Damage
caused by the use of motor oil (or engine oil) other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and oil
filter recommendation” in this section.
Without oil filter
change 4.7 L 5 qt 4-1/8 qt
Engine coolant
(with reservoir) 12 L 3-1/8 gal 2-5/8 gal• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Do-it-yourself ” section. • Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF or equivalent
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF (or
equivalent) ONLY in NISSAN automatic transmissions. Do not mix
with other fluids. Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine
NISSAN Matic P ATF may damage the automatic transmission.
Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under the NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Transfer fluid 1.5L 1-5/8 qt 1-3/8 qt • Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M or equivalent
• Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M (or equivalent)
may cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability,
and may damage the transfer. Damage caused by fluids other
than as recommended is not covered by the NISSAN’s New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
10-2Technical and consumer information

4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shif t 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 addi-
tional information, refer to “Automatic
transmission park warning light” in the
“Instruments and controls” section and
“Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shif t the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 7. Have someone retrieve and store the
blocks.
• While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shif t to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheat-
ing. Shif ting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.
• If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, refer to “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal circumstances.
• Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first 500 miles (805 km).
•
For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Have your vehicle serviced more of ten than at intervals specified. For additional
information, refer to “Maintenance
Schedules” in the “Maintenance and
schedules” section of this manual. • When making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
• Crosswinds and rough roads will ad- versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to
sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.
Technical and consumer information10-35

Parking brake operation.........5-19Self-adjusting brakes...........8-20Brake fluid....................8-11Brake system.................5-32Brakes......................8-20Break-in schedule...............5-21Brightness control
Instrument panel.............2-33Brightness/contrast button......4-9, 4-15Bulb check/instrument panel........2-15Bulb replacement...............8-28
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-12Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................ .10-2Car phone or CB radio............4-79Cargo
(See vehicle loading information).....10-14Cargo lamp switch..............2-34CD care and cleaning.............4-70CD player (See audio system).......4-54Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-32Child restraints.......1-25,1-26,1-28, 1-30Precautions on child
restraints.........1-39, 1-42, 1-54, 1-65Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-33Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Clock set/adjustment..........4-7,4-13
Clock setting
(models with Navigation System).....4-13Cold weather driving.............5-40Compact disc (CD) player..........4-54Compass....................2-11Compass and outside temperature
display......................2-10Compass display...............2-10Connect phone................4-72Console box..................2-45Control panel buttons.........4-5, 4-10Back button.................4-13Brightness/contrast button. . . .4-9, 4-15Enter button..............4-5, 4-10Setting button...............4-13With navigation system.......4-10,4-11Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).....4-71Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-34Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual)...................4-22CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Checking engine coolant level......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-7Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control.................5-19Cup holders................. .2-46Curtain side-impact and rollover
air bag..................... .1-82
D
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-32Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch
..............2-29Rear window defroster switch.....2-29Dimensions and weights..........10-10Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-33Display controls (see control panel
buttons)................. .4-5, 4-10Door locks................... .3-4Door open warning light...........2-17Drive belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-40Driving with automatic
transmission................5-14Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-2Driving the vehicle...............5-14
E
Economy - fuel.................5-23Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system.....................5-29Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................ .2-37Emergency engine shutoff.......5-12,6-3Emission control information label. . . .10-12Emission control system warranty. . . .10-38
11-2

EngineBefore starting the engine........5-13Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-5Checking engine oil level.........8-6Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-7Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-17Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number...........10-11Engine specifications...........10-9Engine Block Heater.............5-41Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-7Enter button...............4-5, 4-10Event Data recorders............10-40Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-2Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........8-23Eyeglass case.................2-45
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch). . . .6-2Flat tire.................. .6-3, 6-4Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Engine coolant................8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Power steering fluid............8-10Windshield-washer fluid.........8-12Fog light switch................2-33Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system). . .1-77Front power seat adjustment........1-5Front seats....................1-2Front-door pocket..............2-40Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Fuel economy................5-23Fuel gauge................. .2-8Fuel octane rating.............10-6Fuel recommendation..........10-4Fuel-filler cap................3-13Fuel-filler lid.................3-13Loose fuel cap warning..........2-6Fuel efficient driving tips...........5-21Fuel gauge................... .2-8Fuel-filler door.................3-13Fuses......................8-20Fusible links..................8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver............2-56, 2-58, 2-59Gas cap.....................3-13Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-7Fuel gauge................. .2-8Odometer.................. .2-5Speedometer................2-5Tachometer..................2-7Trip computer................2-9Trip odometer................2-5General maintenance.............9-2Glove box................... .2-44
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth®. .4-96Hazard warning flasher switch........6-2Head restraints.................1-10Headlight and turn signal switch.....2-30Headlight control switch...........2-30Headlights...................8-26Heated seat switches............2-35Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-34Heater operation..........4-25, 4-35Hill descent control switch.........2-36Hill descent control system.........5-37Hill start assist system............5-38HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver............2-56, 2-58, 2-59
11-3