1996 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift lever into the P position. If you
move the shift lever to the P position
before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate forthis, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
9-20
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When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A, B and C
Traction grades are A (the highest), B and
C. They represent a tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions, on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked with a C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight line
braking traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-21
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WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure problems.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For USA
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emissions Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your war-
ranty information booklet which comes with
your NISSAN. If you did not receive a
warranty booklet or it becomes lost, you
may obtain a replacement by writing to:
cNissan Motor Corporation USA
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
cNissan Canada Inc.
P.O. Box 1709
Station ``B''
Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4H6
VEHICLE LOADING
When loading your vehicle, the gross ve-
hicle weight must not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, cargo,
fuel and any other optional equipment.
Loads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or heavy
objects should be placed toward the front of
the truck box to help prevent sliding or
shifting. However, the front and rear gross
axle weights must not exceed the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. To find out the
actual loads on the front and rear axles, you
may need to weigh your vehicle at a weigh
station.
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTY
9-22
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For your convenience, tie down hooks are
placed at each corner of the truck box.
These may be used to help secure cargo
loaded into the truck box.
CAUTION
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWR's. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
cOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.This information is provided for you to prop-
erly install a slide-in camper and is based on
the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations. It is recommended
that, before installing the camper, you care-
fully read the following information and en-
sure that the camper meets the specifica-
tions.
This information may not apply to some
Canada model vehicles.
Special body vehicles
Some vehicles are equipped with commer-
cial or camper bodies. However, this Own-
er's Manual does not cover these options.
For further information, please refer to the
body manufacturer's instruction manual.STI0049
TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING
9-23
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Location for center of gravity
The illustration indicates the recommended
cargo center of gravity location zone.
Regular cab:
L1 = 37.4 in (950.0 mm), L2 = 42.4 in
(1,077.0 mm)
King cab:
L1 = 37.8 in (960.1 mm), L2 = 42.8 in
(1,087.1 mm)
CAUTION
Improper loading may be dangerous. If
a load is too far back, it can affect
handling characteristics. If a load is too
far forward, the front axle may be over-
loaded.
Cargo weight rating
Regular bed (STD) models
In vehicle Cargo
2 occupants: 700 lb (320 kg)
3 occupants: 550 lb (250 kg)
Regular bed (except STD) and King Cab
models
In vehicle Cargo
2 occupants: 1,100 lb (500 kg)
3 occupants: 950 lb (430 kg)
4 occupants: 800 lb (360 kg)
ATI0703ATI0705
9-24
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When the truck is used to carry a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of the truck
consists of the camper manufacturer's
weight figure, plus:
cthe weight of installed additional
camper equipment not included in the
camper manufacturer's weight figure
cthe weight of camper cargo
cthe weight of occupants in the camper
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's cargo weight rating and the camper's
center of gravity should fall within the truck's
recommended center of gravity location
zone when installed.
CAUTION
Overloading or improper loading can
adversely affect vehicle handling, brak-
ing and performance and may lead to
accidents.
Measurement of weights
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh the front and the rearwheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C.
area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
REPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (USA)
9-25
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A Genuine Nissan Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for
your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illus-
trations and step-by-step diagnostic and ad-
justment procedures, this manual is the same
one used by the factory trained technicians
working at your Nissan dealership. Also avail-
able are Genuine NISSAN Owner's Manuals.
For current pricing and availability of a Genu-
ine NISSAN Service Manual or Genuine NIS-
SAN Owner's Manual, contact:
In the USA:
See your NISSAN dealer or contact:
Dyment Distribution Services
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
In a hurry? Call 1-800-247-5321 and charge
your purchase to Visa/Master Card.
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please
contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the
phone number and location of a NISSAN
Dealer in your area call the Nissan Satisfaction
Center at 1-800-387-0122 and a bilingual NIS-
SAN representative will assist you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner's Manuals for older Nissan models.
9-26
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-15
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 3-9
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................... 9-8
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-6
AM-FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player........................................... 3-11
AM-FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player (100 W) ............................ 3-16
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-25
Antenna (manual) ...................................... 3-20
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 4-26
Audio system
AM-FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player ..................................... 3-11
AM/FM electronic tuning radio with
cassette player (100 W) ....................... 3-16
Cassette tape operation .............. 3-13, 3-19
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 4-15
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
B
Battery........................................................ 7-13
Brake
Brake fluid ..................................... 7-11, 9-3
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake pad wear indicators ............ 1-9, 7-18
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Rear anti-lock brake system (R-ABS) .. 4-26
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-13
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-22
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cargo (see vehicle loading information).... 9-15
Cassette tape operation ................... 3-13, 3-19
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-21
Center and side ventilators.......................... 3-2
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-22Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash
tray ............................................................. 1-13
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock/audio system.................................... 3-11
Clock/instrument cluster .............................. 1-5
Clutch fluid ................................................. 7-11
Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-19
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-27
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-11, 3-16
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Cruise control............................................. 4-11
Cup holder ................................................. 1-13
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 1-10
Digital clock (See clock/instrument cluster)
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-11
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Drive belts .................................................. 7-14
ZX