1996 NISSAN FRONTIER brake fluid

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator light
High beam indicator light``CRUISE'' indicator light
Seat belt reminder light and chimeOverdrive off indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightDoor open warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light
Low fuel warning lightorRear anti-lock brake
warning light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
1-6
ZX

orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
The light comes on when the parking brake
is applied.
Low brake fluid warning
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If
the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking prake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch fluid''
in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, check
the warning system.
WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.cPressing the brake pedal when the
engine stops and/or has a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beams are selected.
Seat belt reminder light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds five times and the light illuminates.
Supplemental air bag warn-
ing light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag light illu-
minates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, thesupplemental air bag needs servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds
and then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint System (Supplemental air
bag system) may not function properly. For
additional details on the Supplemental Re-
straint System (Supplemental air bag sys-
tem), see the ``Pre-driving checks and ad-
justments'' section.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
1-7
ZX

the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is con-venient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
CRUISE indicator light (If so
equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
If the light flickers while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate something wrong with
the cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
orRear anti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong with
the rear anti-lock brake system. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
rear anti-lock function ceases but the ordi-
nary brakes continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
The rear anti-lock brake system may only
be effective when driving in the 2-wheel
drive mode.
When driving in the 4-wheel drive mode, if the
front wheels lock, the rear wheels also lock. If
this happens, the rear anti-lock brake system
may stop functioning but the ordinary brakes
operate normally. The warning light then
comes on. The above condition is not a mal-
function and the rear anti-lock brake system
recovers if the engine is started again. The
warning light then goes off. For further de-
scription of the rear anti-lock brake system,
refer to ``Rear anti-lock brake system'' in the
``Starting and driving'' section.
1-8
ZX

2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to
OFF or if the key is removed from the
switch.The shift lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ACC position.
The shift lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
WARNING
cTo lock the steering wheel, remove
the key. To unlock the steering
wheel, insert the key and turn it gen-
tly while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
cNever remove the key while driving.
If the key is removed, the steering
wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle
and could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel. When removing the key
from the key cylinder, push the key release
button at this position and turn the key to
LOCK.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
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the transfer gear. The rear wheels lock if the
front wheels lock. If this happens, the rear
anti-lock brake system may cease function-
ing but the ordinary brakes will continue to
operate normally. The ABS brake warning
light will then come on.
The above condition is not a malfunction
and the rear anti-lock brake system recov-
ers when the engine is started again. The
ABS brake warning light then goes off.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
It is not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
WARNING
The rear anti-lock brake system is a
sophisticated device. But it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control under
some conditions, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with rear wheel ABS.Stopping distances may also be long-
eron rough, gravel, or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
``Tire placard'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine cooling system'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refill
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-27
ZX

To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
CAUTION
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children
cThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improper rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
c
Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protectors (e.g., goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
Always follow the instructions belowexactly. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the charging system and
cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (N) (on automatic trans-
mission models, move the lever to P).
Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (e.g., strut mounting bolt,
etc.Ðnot to the battery).
CE1043M
JUMP STARTING
5-8
ZX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations ................ 7-3
Engine cooling system ....................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-6
Automatic transmission fluid .............................. 7-9
Power steering fluid .......................................... 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ........................................ 7-12
Battery .............................................................. 7-13
Drive belts ........................................................ 7-14
Spark plug replacement ................................... 7-14
Air cleaner housing filter .................................. 7-15
Wiper blades .................................................... 7-16
Parking brake check ......................................... 7-17
Brake pedal ...................................................... 7-18
Brake booster ................................................... 7-19
Clutch pedal ..................................................... 7-19
Fuses ................................................................ 7-20
Light bulbs ........................................................ 7-20
Bulb replacement ............................................. 7-22
Wheels and tires .............................................. 7-24
Clutch housing ..................................... 7-29
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the shift lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts, and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition is
on.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
cFailure to follow these or other com-
mon sense guidelines may lead to
serious injury or vehicle damage.
cImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to localregulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid. Avoid contact with used motor
oil.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX