1996 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and
could also affect the warranty
coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggest that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE andmethanol with or without advertising their
presence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle perfor-
mance problems and/or fuel system dam-
age.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanolblends may cause fuel system dam-
age and/or vehicle performance prob-
lems. At this time, sufficient data is
not available to ensure that all metha-
nol blends are suitable for use in NIS-
SAN vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvents or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
9-4
ZX

Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock''. (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have your dealer correct
the condition. Failure to correct the con-
dition is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption ordamage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
9-5
ZX

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CERTI-
FICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine at the same
time.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity be
selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. The chart ``Recom-
mended SAE viscosity number'' shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the ex-
pected ambient temperatures. Choosing an
oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
ATI0507
9-6
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to en-
gines caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 vis-
cosity oil may be used if the ambient
temperature is above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
ATI0509
9-7
ZX

c80W-90 is preferable for ambient tem-
peratures below 104ÉF (40ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in this NIS-
SAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the
lubricant, NISSAN A/C system lubricant
Type R or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant
will cause severe damage and you will
need to replace your vehicle's entire air
conditioning system.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth's atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recov-
ery and recycling of any refrigerant during
automotive air conditioning system service.
Your NISSAN dealer has the trained tech-
nicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
Contact your NISSAN dealer when servic-
ing your air conditioning system.
ATI0510
9-8
ZX

Model KA24E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 3.504 ý 3.780 (89.0 ý 96.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 145.78 (2,389)
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control
Label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (BTDC) degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plug ZFR4E-11 (Hot)
ZFR5E-11 (Standard)
ZFR6E-11 (Cold)
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 to 0.043 (1.0 to 1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
Alternator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm) 0.429 ý 36.81 (10.9 ý 935)
The spark ignition system of this ve-
hicle meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference - Causing
Equipment Regulations.
ENGINE
9-9
ZX

Grade Road wheel/offset in (mm) Tire Spare tire size
4x2 Regular cab: STD 14x5J/1.57 (40) Silver, painted steel P195/75R14 T135/70D16
XE 14x5J/1.57 (40) Silver, painted steel
14x5J/1.57 (40) Silver, w/full wheel cover
14x6JJ/1.18 (30) AlloyP195/75R14
P215/70R14T135/70D16
T135/70D16
King cab: XE 14x5J/1.57 (40) Silver, painted steel
14x5J/1.57 (40) Silver, w/full wheel cover
14x6JJ/1.18 (30) AlloyP195/75R14
P215/70R14T135/70D16
T135/70D16
SE 14x6JJ/1.18 (30) Alloy P215/70R14 T135/70D16
4x4 Regular cab: XE 15x6JJ/1.18 (25) Titanium finish
15x7JJ/0.98 (25) AlloyP235/75R15 P215/75R15
King cab: XE 15x6JJ/1.18 (25) Titanium finish
15x7JJ/0.98 (25) AlloyP235/75R15 P215/75R15
SE 15x7JJ/0.98 (25) Alloy P235/75R15 P215/75R15
WHEEL/TIRE SIZE
9-10
ZX

Unit: in (mm)
4x2 4x4
Regular Cab King Cab Regular Cab King Cab
Overall length*1 174.6 (4,435) 190.0 (4,825) 174.6 (4,435) 190.0 (4,825)
Overall width 65.0 (1,650) 65.0 (1,650) 66.5 (1,690) 66.5 (1,690)
Overall height 62.0 (1,575) 62.0 (1,575) 67.1 (1,705) 67.1 (1,705)
Front tread 54.9 (1,395) 54.9 (1,395) 58.5 (1,486) 58.5 (1,486)
Rear tread 54.5 (1,385) 54.5 (1,385) 57.9 (1,471) 57.9 (1,471)
Wheelbase 104.3 (2,650) 116.1 (2,950) 104.3 (2,650) 116.1 (2,950)
Gross vehicle weight rating
lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S. certification label'' on the driver side lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: On step bumper equipped models, the bumper adds 5.5 in (140 mm) to the overall length.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
9-11
ZX