1996 NISSAN FRONTIER coolant temperature

1 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ............................................ 1-2
Speedometer and odometer .............................. 1-3
Tachometer (If so equipped) .............................. 1-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 1-4
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 1-4
Instrument cluster clock (If so equipped) ........... 1-5
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .................. 1-6
Headlight and turn signal switch ...................... 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............... 1-11
Instrument brightness control ........................... 1-12
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................... 1-12
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray ....... 1-13
Cup holder (If so equipped) ............................. 1-13
Interior light and cargo light ............................. 1-14
Map light (If so equipped) ................................ 1-14
Manual window ................................................. 1-15
Power window (If so equipped) ........................ 1-15
Rear sliding window (If so equipped) ............... 1-16
Opera window (If so equipped) ........................ 1-17
Sunroof (If so equipped) .................................. 1-17
ZX

The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving con-
ditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates over the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See the ``In case of emergency'' section
for immediate action required.
The gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE
fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
downhill.
The gauge needle is designed to hold its
position when the ignition key is turned
OFF.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E.
AIC0737AIC0738
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGEFUEL GAUGE
1-4
ZX

once a month, especially in winter. This
helps prevent damage to the system due
to lack of lubrication.
cIf the coolant temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the (hot) position, turn the air
conditioner off. Have your vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer. See ``If
your vehicle overheats'' in the ``In case of
emergency'' section for additional infor-
mation.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the switch and
lever positions forMAXIMUM and QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting.
The air intake lever should always be in
the
position for heating and de-
frosting.
AHA0700
3-6
ZX

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

hot and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water.If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine
WARNING
cBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
running fan or belts.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from your NIS-
SAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vahicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after is
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, a dolly
must be used.
cWhen towing with the front wheels
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
ZX

7. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
8. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under
no load. Watch the coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the
MAX level.10. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
11. Check the drain valve on the radiator
and drain plug on the engine block for
any sign of leakage.CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and
SDI0030DI1163MDI1164M
ENGINE OIL
7-6
ZX

SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (3) [R] [R]
Pulsated secondary air filter See NOTE (2)
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
8-6
ZX

SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low
or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
8-8
ZX