4WD NISSAN FRONTIER 2023 Owner's Manual

4WD shif t switch operations
• Shif t the 4WD shif t switch to either the2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
• If the 4WD shif t switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position while in the
4H or 4LO, you may feel a jolt. This is not
abnormal.
•
You may hear some noise as the system
shif ts or engages. This is not abnormal.
CAUTION
•
When driving straight, shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shif t switch
when making a turn or reversing.
•Do not shif t the 4WD shif t switch while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears (M1 or M2) for en-
gine braking.
• Do not operate the 4WD shif t switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
• Before placing the 4WD shif t switch
in the 4H position from 2WD, ensure
the vehicle speed is less than 62 mph
(100 km/h). Failure to do so can dam-
age the 4WD system.
• Never shif t the 4WD shif t switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
4WD shif t indicator
The 4WD shif t indicator is located in the
vehicle information display.
The indicator should turn off within one
second af ter placing the ignition switch in
the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shif t
indicator will illuminate the position se-
lected by the 4WD shif t switch.
• The 4WD shif t indicator may come on
while shif ting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shif ting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shif t indicator will stay
on.
LSD2463LSD2328
Starting and driving5-113

• If the 4WD vehicle information displaywarning message comes on, the 4WD
shif t indicator goes out.
CAUTION
If the 4WD shif t indicator indication
changes to 2WD when the 4WD shif t
switch is shif ted to the 4H position at
low ambient temperatures, the 2WD
mode may be being engaged due to
malfunctioning drive system. If the in-
dicator does not return to normal and
the 4WD vehicle information display
warning message comes on, have the
system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Warning message
Warning message Warning message comes on when:
Vehicle information
display
4WD Error: See Owner’s Manual There is a malfunction
in the 4–Wheel Drive system
FRT & RR tire size differ- ence: See Owner’s Manual The difference in wheel
rotation is large
The 4WD warning message is located in
the meter. The 4WD warning message
comes on when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. It turns off soon
af ter the engine is started. If any malfunc-
tion occurs in the 4WD system when the
ignition switch is ON, the warning message
will either remain illuminated or blink. If the
4WD warning message comes on, the 4WD
shif t indicator goes out. A large difference
between the diameters of front and rear
wheels will make the warning message
blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Shif t the 4WD shif t switch into 2WD and do
not drive fast.
CAUTION
• If the warning message comes on
during operation or rapidly af ter
stopping the vehicle for a while, 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
warning message turns on. •
When the warning message 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 message 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, stop the ve-
hicle, move the automatic trans-
mission shif t lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position with the brake pedal
depressed, and shif t the 4WD shif t
switch to 2WD.
5-114Starting and 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 oper-
ate properly and the slip indicator
light may illuminate.
ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM
5-120Starting 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, see “Using
4–Wheel Drive (4WD)” (P. 5-109).
• 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, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-20) and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-20).
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 this indicator light
is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
indicator light, RAB
warning light, and the AEB with Pedestrian
Detection system warning light illuminate
to indicate the VDC, RAB and AEB with Pe-
destrian Detection systems are 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.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-121

For additional information, see “Flat towing —
4WD with automatic transmission ” (P. 10-40)
or “Flat towing — 2WD with automatic trans-
mission” (P. 10-40).
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.
Do-it-yourself8-45

3.8L 6 CYLINDER (VQ38DD engine
model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving
conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
5,000 miles/(8,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels)
7,500 miles/(12,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.
9-8Maintenance and schedules

10,000 miles/(16,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace brake fluid
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels)
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (2) (3)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels) (4)
• Tire rotation Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.
(2) Request a NISSAN dealer to inspect the
fluid deterioration data using a CONSULT. If
the deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
(3) If using under severe conditions such as
towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier, or
driving on rough or muddy roads, change
(not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) or 24 months. NISSAN recom-
mends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P au-
tomatic transmission fluid. Using auto-
matic transmission fluid that is not
equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic P may
damage the transmission or impact trans-
mission durability. Damage caused by the
use of fluid other than as recommended is
not covered under the NISSAN New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
(4) The propeller shaf t should be re-
greased af ter being immersed in water.
Maintenance and schedules9-9

15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels)
20,000 miles/(32,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace transfer fluid
• Replace differential gear oil
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels)
22,500 miles/(36,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Intelligent Key battery
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
9-10Maintenance and schedules

25,000 miles/(40,000 km)/
30 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Exhaust system
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels)
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Automatic transmission fluid (2) (3)
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• EVAP vapor lines & fuel lines*
• Exhaust system
• Drive shaf t boots (4WD models)
• Propeller shaf t (4WD models)
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and suspension parts
• Differential gear oil
• Transfer fluid
Essential:
• Replace engine air filter (1)
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Lubricate propeller shaf t grease (4WDmodels) (4)
• Tire rotation Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable
vehicle operation. The owner need not per-
form such maintenance in order to main-
tain the emission warranty or manufac-
turer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be
required.
(2) Request a NISSAN dealer to inspect the
fluid deterioration data using a CONSULT. If
the deterioration data is more than 77000,
replace the AT fluid.
Maintenance and schedules9-11