steering NISSAN FRONTIER 2023 Owners Manual

When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hy-
draulic line running to each trailer wheel.
Surge brakes are activated by the trailer
pushing against the hitch ball when the
tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge
brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system,
there is no hydraulic or electric connection
for brake operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). If electric trailer
brakes are used, see “Electric trailer brake
controller" (P. 10-37)..
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is avail-
able that is specifically designed to be used
when installing an af termarket brake
controller.
Install the af termarket electric trailer brake
controller according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
Pre-towing tips
• Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either
condition.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shif t while driving.
• Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low. • Load the trailer so approximately 60% of
the trailer load is in the front half and 40%
is in the back half. Also make sure the load
is balanced side to side.
• Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
• Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering sta-
bility and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
Technical and consumer information10-37

• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderatespeed.
• When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want
the trailer to go. Make small corrections
and back up slowly. If possible, have
someone guide you when you are back-
ing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shif t lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. Af ter the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load. 4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shif t the transmission into P (Park).
6. Make sure the 4WD shif t indicator light (if
so equipped) indicates the transfer case
is in 4H, 4LO, or 2WD and that the ATP
light is off. If the 4WD shif t indicator light
is flashing, or the ATP light is ON, make
sure the transmission is in P (Park) and
turn the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. For
additional information, see “Automatic
transmission park warning light” (P. 2-13)
and “Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” (P. 5-109).
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, see “If your vehicle
overheats” (P. 6-13).
• 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, see 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.
10-38Technical and consumer information

• 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.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced as described in this section.
• Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes. • Downshif t the transmission to a lower
gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.
• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• NISSAN recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer.
• Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
• Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out. When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer
to the “Do-it-yourself ” section in this
manual.
Tow mode (if so equipped)
Using tow mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Press the TOW MODE switch to acti-
vate tow mode. The indicator light on the
TOW MODE switch illuminates when tow
mode is selected. Press the TOW MODE
switch again to turn tow mode off. Tow
mode is automatically canceled when the
ignition switch is turned off.
Tow mode includes the following features:
• Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shif ts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up
a grade.
• Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — auto- matically downshif ts when driving down
a grade with a trailer or heavy load to help
control vehicle speed.
Technical and consumer information10-39

Check tire pressure..........2-34, 2-36Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-31Child restraints.......1-23,1-24,1-26,1-28Precautions on child
restraints.........1-38, 1-41, 1-54, 1-64Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-31Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Cold weather driving............5-134Console box..................2-72Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-39Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual)...................4-29CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-7Checking engine coolant level......8-7Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control..............5-50, 5-51Cup holders...................2-73Curtain side-impact and rollover air
bag....................... .1-86
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-48Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-48Dimensions and weights..........10-11Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-49
Door locks....................3-4Drive belt....................8-19Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-134Driving with automatic transmission.5-19Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Driving the vehicle...............5-18
E
Eco Drive Report................2-9Economy - fuel................5-109Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system.....................5-115Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch.................2-55Emergency call (SOS) button........2-58Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-13Emission control system warranty. . . .10-42Engine
Before starting the engine........5-17Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-7Changing engine oil............8-8Changing engine oil filter.........8-8Checking engine coolant level......8-7Checking engine oil level.........8-8Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-6Engine oil.................. .8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure gauge.........2-8Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-15Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-12Engine specifications...........10-9Engine Block Heater.............5-135Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8Event Data recorders............10-44Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-66Eyeglass case.................2-72
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire......................6-3Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Engine coolant................8-6Engine oil.................. .8-8Power steering fluid............8-14Windshield-washer fluid.........8-15Fog light switch................2-49
11-2

Forward Driving AidsSystem Temporarily
Unavailable
......2-38, 5-67, 5-88, 5-101Four-Wheel Drive...............5-109Front air bag system (See supplemental re-
straint system).................1-77Front power seat adjustment........1-4Front seats....................1-2Front-door pocket..............2-67FuelCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Fuel economy...............5-109Fuel gauge..................2-7Fuel octane rating.............10-6Fuel recommendation..........10-4Fuel-filler cap................3-21Fuel-filler lid.................3-21Loose fuel cap warning..........2-33Fuel efficient driving tips..........5-108Fuel gauge....................2-7Fuel-filler door.................3-21Fuses......................8-23Fusible links..................8-25
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver........2-80, 2-81, 2-83, 2-84Gas cap.....................3-21GaugeAutomatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge
.................... .2-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine oil pressure gauge.........2-8Fuel gauge..................2-7Odometer...................2-5Speedometer................2-5Tachometer.................2-6Trip odometer................2-5Voltmeter.................. .2-8General maintenance.............9-2Glove box....................2-71
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........6-2Head restraints.................1-9Headlight and turn signal switch.....2-43Headlight control switch...........2-43Headlights...................8-28Heated mirrors................3-26Heated seat switches............2-51Heated steering wheel switch.......2-52Heater
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) (if
so equipped)
................4-38Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-39Heater operation..........4-31, 4-41Heater and air conditioner (automatic).4-38Hill descent control switch.........2-54Hill descent control system........5-123Hill start assist system...........5-124HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver........2-80, 2-81, 2-83, 2-84
Hood release..................3-20Horn...................... .2-50
I
Idling Stop System..............5-129Ignition switch
Push-button ignition switch.......5-13Immobilizer system..........2-41, 5-16In-cabin microfilter..............8-20Increasing fuel economy..........5-109Indicator lights and audible reminders (See
warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)
...................2-13Inside automatic anti-glare mirror. . . .3-25Instrument brightness control.......2-49Instrument panel.............0-6, 2-2Instrument panel dimmer switch.....2-49Intelligent Around View® Monitor......4-11Intelligent Cruise Control..........5-52Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).....5-104Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
(I-FCW)..................... .5-92Intelligent Key system
Key operating range............3-9Key operation................3-10Mechanical key................3-3Remote keyless entry operation. . . .3-13Troubleshooting guide..........3-16Warning signals...............3-16Interior light..................2-78
11-3

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating). .10-6Odometer....................2-5Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine oil............8-8Changing engine oil filter.........8-8Checking engine oil level.........8-8Engine oil.................. .8-8Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Outside mirror defroster switch......2-43Outside mirrors................3-25Overhead sunglasses holder........2-72Overheat
If your vehicle overheats.........6-13Owner's manual order form........10-44Owner's manual/service manual order
information................. .10-44
P
Parking
Parking brake operation.........5-24Parking/parking on hills.........5-116Parking brake.................5-24PowerPower door locks..............3-6Power outlet.............2-60, 2-61Power steering fluid............8-14
Power steering system.........5-117Power windows...............2-74Rear power windows...........2-75Power inverter switch............2-56Power outlet...............2-60, 2-61Power steering................5-117Power steering fluid..............8-14PrecautionsMaintenance precautions.........8-2On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions................. .5-9Precautions on booster
seats...........1-38, 1-41, 1-54, 1-64Precautions on child
restraints.........1-38, 1-41, 1-54, 1-64Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-14Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-70Precautions when starting and
driving..................5-4, 5-11Push starting..................6-13
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-44Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................... .10-43Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). . . .2-20, 5-76Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-42Rear Door Alert.........2-34, 2-35, 2-59Rear power windows.............2-75Rear seat.................... .1-6
Rear sliding window.............2-76Rear Sonar System (RSS)..........5-124Rear sonar system OFF switch.......2-56Rearview mirror................3-25RearView Monitor................4-3Recommended Fluids............10-2Recorders
Event Data................ .10-44Refrigerant recommendation.......10-8Registering a vehicle in another
country.................... .10-12Remote Engine Start.............3-18Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .10-42
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock.........3-7Child seat belts. .1-26, 1-38, 1-41, 1-54, 1-64Reporting safety defects (US only). .10-42SeatJump seat.................. .1-6Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment......1-3Front power seat adjustment.......1-4Seat beltChild safety.................1-23Infants and small children........1-24Injured person................1-17Larger children...............1-25Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-14Pregnant women..............1-17Seat belt extenders............1-22
11-5

Seat belt maintenance..........1-23Seat belts................1-14,7-6Shoulder belt height adjustment. . . .1-22Three-point type with retractor.....1-18Seat belt extenders..............1-22Seat belt warning light.........1-17,2-15Seatback pockets...............2-68SeatsAdjustment..................1-2Front seats..................1-2Manual front seat adjustment......1-3Rear seat.................. .1-6Security indicator light............2-15Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start.........2-41, 5-16Security systems
Vehicle security system.........2-39Self-adjusting brakes.............8-22Service manual order form........10-44Servicing air conditioner...........4-43Shif tingAutomatic transmission.........5-20Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-22Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems)
................... .1-86Sonar
Rear system................5-124Spark plug replacement...........8-19Spark plugs...................8-19Specifications................ .10-9Speedometer................. .2-5Speedometer and odometer........2-4SRS warning label...............1-90
Stability control................5-121Standard maintenance............9-8Starting
Before starting the engine........5-17Jump starting............6-11,8-18Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Push starting................6-13Starting the engine (gasoline engine
only).......................5-17Steering
Power steering fluid............8-14Power steering system.........5-117Tilting steering wheel...........3-23Steering wheel.................3-23Stop light....................8-29Storage.................... .2-67Storage tray...................2-71Sun visors....................3-24Sunglasses case................2-72Sunglasses holder..............2-72Sunroof...................2-77,7-5Supplemental air bag warning labels. . .1-90Supplemental air bag warning
light....................1-90, 2-15Supplemental front impact air bag
system......................1-77Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.....1-90Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-70Supplemental restraint system (Supplemen-
tal air bag system)...............1-70Switch Autolight switch
..............2-44Automatic power window switch. . .2-76Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch...............2-55Fog light switch..............2-49Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-43Headlight control switch.........2-43Hill descent control switch........2-54Instrument brightness control.....2-49Power door lock switch..........3-6Power inverter switch...........2-56Rear sonar system OFF switch.....2-56Tow mode switch.............2-57Turn signal switch.............2-49
T
Tachometer..................
.2-6Tailgate.....................3-27Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start...............2-41, 5-16Three-way catalyst...............5-5Tie down hooks................3-31Tilting steering wheel.............3-23TireFlat tire................... .6-3Spare tire..........6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 8-44Tire and Loading Information label. .10-14Tire chains.................8-40Tire pressure................8-32
11-6