1996 NISSAN FRONTIER air condition

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

damage, looseness and grease leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, more fre-
quent inspection should be performed.
Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving conditions
(
only).
Front wheel bearing grease & free-
running hub greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule (4x2).
Check the wheel bearing and free running
hub for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule. In case of frequent driv-
ing in muddy water, the bearing grease and
free-running hub grease inspection should
be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.Supplemental air bag systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components
for proper attachment, damage, deformities,
cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-11
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil4x2 4-1/4 pt 8-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1
4x4 8-1/2 pt 7 pt 4.0
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final drive4x2 M/T
Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3cWithout LSD: API GL-5*1
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt. 2-5/8 pt. 1.5cWith LSD: Only LSD gear oil. API GL-5 and SAE 80W-
90*2 approved for NISSAN LSD*3
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Rear 5-7/8 pt. 4-7/8 pt. 2.8
Transfer fluid Ð Ð Ð Type DEXRON
TM
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON IIE
TM, DEXRON IIITM, or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.65 - 1.87 (0.75 - 0.85) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexronž III/Merconž or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž or Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
9-3
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

EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached as shown.
TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the inside of the glove
box.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABEL
The label is affixed to the firewall as shown.
CA0022STI0016TI1083
9-14
ZX

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
ZX

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

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