drain NISSAN FRONTIER 2021 Owners Manual

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

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before in-
serting it into the key hole or use the re-
mote keyless entry key fob (if so equipped).
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, refer to “Battery” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four
wheels. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. For additional information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
• A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drif ts.
• Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield- washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or
chemical solvents to clean the seat
belts, since these materials may se-
verely weaken the seat belt webbing.MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
Most vehicle corrosion is caused by:
• The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
• Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic collisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can accelerate
corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle and should
be removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those ar-
eas where the temperatures stay above
freezing and where atmospheric pollution
exists and road salt is used.
Temperature
High temperatures accelerate the rate of
corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use accelerates the corrosion process.
Road salt also accelerates the disintegra-
tion of paint surfaces.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
• Wash and wax your vehicle of ten to keepthe vehicle clean.
• Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible.
• Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation.
• Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with
water as soon as possible.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care7-7

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check
the oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marksOB. This is the
normal operating oil level range. If the oil
level is below the L (Low) mark
OA,re-
move the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill
OC.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND OIL
FILTER
For additional information on engine oil
and oil filter change, refer to the instruc-
tions outlined in this section.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
LDI3521LDI0371
ENGINE OIL

Removal of under-engine
protectors (if so equipped)
1. Remove boltsOAand plate.
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drainplug and oil filter.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and com-
pletely drain the oil.
LDI3363
O3Oil filter
8-8Do-it-yourself

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

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