1996 NISSAN FRONTIER check oil

WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
cBe careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
CAUTION
Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench. Do not use excessive
force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for refill
capacity.
8. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug
and oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
DI1168M
7-8
ZX

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.8. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as cooling fan and drive
belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
Temperature conditions for check-
ing
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
DI1170M
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-9
ZX

tion. Be certain to keep floormats away from
the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is asmell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it. (See the carbon
monoxide warning in the ``Starting and driv-
ing'' section.)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX

To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and
economical driving, NISSAN provides two
different maintenance schedules that may
be used, depending upon the conditions in
which you usually drive. These schedules
contain both distance and time intervals, up
to 60,000 miles (96,000 km)/48 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals shown
in the schedule.
After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48
months, continue periodic maintenance
at the same mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
cRepeated short trips of less than 5
miles (8 km).
cRepeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
cOperating in hot weather in stop-
and-go ``rush hour'' traffic.cExtensive idling and/or low speed
driving for long distances, such as
police, taxi or door-to-door delivery
use.
cDriving in dusty conditions.
cDriving on rough, muddy, or salt
spread roads.
cTowing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in
Schedule 1 apply to your driving habits.
Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and discs
¶Brake lining and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
¶Clutch housing (Check for water entry.
Refer to ``
Clutch housing'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.)
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
8-5
ZX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system mainte-
nance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if found dam-
aged or in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause more rapid clogging
of the element. Consequently, the element
may have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-tremely high, the filter may become clogged
more rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace the lines.
Fuel lines (hoses, piping, connections,
etc.)Check the fuel hoses, piping and con-
nections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe
driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and
parking brake cables for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, deteriora-
tion, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer & differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear (box) & linkage, axle &
suspension parts & drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball jointsCheck the ball joints for
8-10
ZX

Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-15
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 4-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-25
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy, fuel ............................................ 4-13
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-8
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-6
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-4
Fluid (Checking)
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-13
Front seats
Bench.................................................... 2-10
Separate ................................................. 2-8
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-13
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 7-20G
Gas station information............................ 10-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box lock ............................................. 2-4
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-12
Head restraints ............................................ 2-9
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-10
Headlights .................................................. 7-20
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-4
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-15
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
10-2
ZX

Increasing fuel economy............................ 4-13
Indicator lights and chimes
(See warning/indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-27
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 1-14
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 5-5
Screw type .............................................. 5-6
Jump seat .................................................. 2-11
Jump starting ............................................... 5-8
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Emission control information label........ 9-14
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-13
Vehicle identification number plate ...... 9-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-15
Light
Supplemental air bag warning light ...... 2-15
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-6Bulb replacement.................................. 7-22
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-10
Headlights ............................................. 7-20
Interior light and cargo light .................. 1-14
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-20
Map light ............................................... 1-14
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-6
Lock
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Free-running lock (see hubs)
Glove box lock ........................................ 2-4
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Luggage (see vehicle loading information). 9-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-21
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 4-19
Manual window .......................................... 1-15
Map light .................................................... 1-14
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-27
Outside mirror remote control ............. 2-26
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-26Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-27
O
Octane rating (see fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-6
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Opera window ............................................ 1-17
Outside mirror remote control .................. 2-26
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-26
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-26
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 5-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-24
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
10-3
ZX