1996 NISSAN FRONTIER engine

Lighting
Turn the switch to theposition.
The side marker, tail, license plate and
instrument lights come on.
Turn the switch to the
position.
Headlights come on and all the other lights
remain on.
To select the high beam, push the lever
forward. Pull it back to select the low beam.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT
SYSTEM (Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the ``OFF'' position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch to
theposition for full illumination when
driving at night. If the parking brake is
applied before the engine is started, the
daytime running lights do not illuminate. The
daytime running lights illuminate once the
parking brake is released. The daytime run-ning lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you turns on the
headlight high beam.
Turn signal
Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signal cancels automati-
cally.
Lane change signal
To indicate a lane change, move the lever
up or down to the point where the indicator
light begins to flash, but the lever does not
latch.
AIC0739
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
1-10
ZX

The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratch-
eting clicks are heard.
If the fuel filler cap is not tightened properly,
the MIL may come on.
WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames
or sparks near the vehicle when
refueling.
cFuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap one-half turn and wait for
any ``hissing'' sound to stop to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out and pos-
sible personal injury. Then remove
the cap.
cUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper op-
eration of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect
cap can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury.
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.
Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower
the tailgate. The support stays hold the gate
open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the
latches are securely locked.
SIC0064AIC0189
FUEL FILLER CAP TAILGATE LATCH
2-5
ZX

Air conditioner switch
(If so equipped)
This button is provided only for vehicles with
an air conditioner.
Start the engine and push the switch to turn
on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is on.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode directs hot air to the foot outlets.
A small amount of air is also directed to the
defrost outlets.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition for normal heating.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode defrosts/defogs the windows.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
cIf it is difficult to defog the windshield,turn the air conditioner switch on (if so
equipped).
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center ventilators and warmer air from
the foot outlets.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Heating and defrosting
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
speed.
3-4
ZX

4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blade
and air inlet in front of the windshield.
This improves heater and defroster op-
eration.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(If so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control lever
to the desired (1 to 4) position, and push in
the air conditioner switch to activate the air
conditioner. When the air conditioner is on,
cooling and dehumidifying functions are
added to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode cools and dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, move the air intake lever
to the
position. Be sure to return
the air intake lever to the
position
for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode heats and dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defrosting
This mode defrosts/defogs the windows and
dehumidifies.
1. Move the air intake lever to the
po-
sition.
2. Move the air control lever to the
position.
3. Move the fan control lever to the desired
position.
4. Push in the air conditioner switch. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Operating tips
cKeep windows and sunroof closed while
operating the air conditioner.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at least
3-5
ZX

To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
ACC or ON. If you listen to the radio with the
engine not running, turn the key to the ACC
position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
AHA0606
RADIO
3-10
ZX

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
3-21
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
ZX