1996 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

Metal or chrome tape usage
The cassette player is automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal
or chrome cassette tape.
The indicator will come on when playing a
metal or chrome cassette tape.
Ejecting the cassette tape
Push the EJECT button. The tape automati-
cally comes out.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases,
away from direct sunlight, heat, mois-
ture and magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of a
deformed cassette may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.cDo not use a cassette that has a label
which is peeling and loose. If used,
the label could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly
around the hubs. Loose tape may
cause tape jamming and wavering
sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
gather a tape coating residue as the
tape passes over the head. This resi-
due accumulation can cause a weak
or wavering sound and should be re-
moved periodically with a head clean-
ing tape. If the residue is not removed
periodically, the player may need to
be disassembled for cleaning.The antenna cannot be shortened but can
be removed. Turn its base counterclockwise
to remove the antenna.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove the antenna before
washing the vehicle in an automatic car
wash, or the antenna may be damaged.
MANUAL ANTENNA
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When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the MFI
(Multiport Fuel Injection) system and other
electronic parts.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as
possible from the Engine Control
Module (ECM).
cAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
fuel injection wiring harness. Do not
route the antenna wire next to any
harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the
manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
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ZX

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ............... 4-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions . 4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ..................... 4-4
Ignition switch ..................................................... 4-4
Before starting the engine .................................. 4-5
Driving with automatic transmission ................... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ...................... 4-9
Starting the engine ........................................... 4-10
Parking brake operation ................................... 4-11
Cruise control ................................................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ............................................. 4-13
Increasing fuel economy ................................. 4-13
Transfer case shifting procedures for
4-wheel drive vehicles ...................................... 4-14
Auto-lock free-running hubs ............... 4-15
Manual-lock free-running hubs .......... 4-19
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ....... 4-22
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................ 4-23
Parking/parking on hills .................................... 4-24
Precautions when driving ................................. 4-25
Rear anti-lock brake system ............................ 4-26
Cold weather driving cautions .......................... 4-27
ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a dan-
gerous gas, and can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage for any
longer than is absolutely necessary.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cIf a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Do not occupy these areas
while the engine is running even if
the vehicle is parked. (Some recre-
ational vehicle appliances such as
stoves, refrigerator heaters, etc. may
also generate carbon monoxide.)
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust sys-
tem, underbody, or rear of the
vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the converter are burned
at high temperatures to help reduce pollut-
ants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. While the en-
gine is running, keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as they
may burn easily.
To help prevent damage
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
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reduce the three-way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the converter, causing it
to overheat. Do not keep driving if the
engine misfires, or if noticeable loss
of performance or other unusual op-
erating conditions are detected. Have
the vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clear-
ance than passenger cars in order to make
them capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. Specific designcharacteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. Higher ground
clearance provides a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
Utility vehicles are not designed for corner-
ing at the same speeds as conventional
2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Avoiding Collision and Rollover
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner may result in loss of control
or an accident. Be alert and drive defen-
sively at all times. Obey all traffic regula-
tions. Avoid excessive speed, high speed
cornering, or sudden steering maneuvers,
because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As
with any vehicle, a loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects, or cause the vehicle to roll over,
particularly if the loss of control causes
the vehicle to slide sideways.Be attentiveat all times, and avoid driving when tired.
Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as
outlined in the ``Seat Belts'' section of this
manual, and instruct your passengers to do
the same.
4-3
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WARNING
Alcohol in the blood stream reduces
coordination, delays reaction time and
impairs judgement. Driving after drink-
ing alcohol increases the likelihood of
being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in the accident alcohol can
increase the severity of injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The switch includes an anti-theft steering
lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF and press in the key release
button, then turn the key to LOCK.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ig-
nition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
lever is moved to the P position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift lever is in the P position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key:
1) Move the shift lever into the P position.
ASD0700ASD0023
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVINGIGNITION SWITCH
4-4
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2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to
OFF or if the key is removed from the
switch.The shift lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ACC position.
The shift lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
WARNING
cTo lock the steering wheel, remove
the key. To unlock the steering
wheel, insert the key and turn it gen-
tly while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
cNever remove the key while driving.
If the key is removed, the steering
wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle
and could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel. When removing the key
from the key cylinder, push the key release
button at this position and turn the key to
LOCK.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
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