engine coolant NISSAN FRONTIER 2023 Owner's Manual

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
necessary.
WARNING
• Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator
cool down. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator. For additional
information on precautions, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-13).
• The radiator and coolant reservoir
are equipped with a pressure type ra-
diator cap. To prevent engine dam-
age, use only a Genuine NISSAN ra-
diator cap.
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, see the "Maintenance and
schedules" section of this manual.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Do-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, see the "Maintenance
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, see “Engine
compartment check locations” (P. 8-4).
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
Do-it-yourself8-7

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line
OBor the
brake warning light comes on, add
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake
Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the
MAX line
OA. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add windshield-washer fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid” warning mes-
sage is displayed on the vehicle informa-
tion display.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lif t the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for the mix-
ture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield-Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
• Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer solu-
tion. This may result in damage to the
paint.
• Do not fill the windshield-washer
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the
windshield-washer reservoir.
• Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer's
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the windshield-washer
reservoir. Do not use the windshield-
washer reservoir to mix the washer
fluid concentrate and water.
LDI3526LDI3136
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15

Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
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
ensure 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
running (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*: Check engine drive
belts for wear, fraying or cracking and for
proper tension. Replace any damaged
drive belts.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved af termarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the af termar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, see “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belts*:Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
Engine coolant*: Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” (P. 8-6).
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, see
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and ca-
pacities” (P. 10-2).
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter)
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, de-
terioration and fluid leaks. Replace any dete-
riorated or damaged parts immediately.
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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

100,000 miles/(160,000 km)/
120 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)
105,000 miles/(168,000 km)/
84 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
• Engine drive belt*
• 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) (7)
• Replace spark plugs (6)
• Tire rotation
• Replace engine coolant* (4) (5)
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.
(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) First replacement interval is 105,000
miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. Af ter first
replacement, replace every 75,000 miles
(120,000 km) or 60 months.
9-22Maintenance and schedules

(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use
of non-distilled water may reduce the life
expectancy of the factory fill coolant.
(6) Replace spark plug when the plug gap
exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within
specified replacement mileage.
(7) The propeller shaf t should be re-
greased af ter being immersed in water.105,000 miles/(168,000 km)/
126 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)
110,000 miles/(176,000 km)/
132 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)
Maintenance and schedules9-23

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, see “Fuel recommendation” (P. 10-4).
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
*1: For additional infor-
mation, see “Engine oil”
(P. 8-8). With oil filter
change 5 L
5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt • Genuine “NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SP” (or equivalent) is recommended.
• If the above motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic 0W-20
GF-6 SP motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. Damage caused by the
use of motor oil (or engine oil) other than as recommended is not
covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. For additional
information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” (P. 10-7).
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 (ATF) Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions, see “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)” (P. 8-13). • Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF or equivalent
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF (or equiva-
lent) 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 recommended 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
• Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M may cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the trans-
fer. Damage caused by fluids other than as recommended is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
10-2Technical and consumer information

• 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

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