1996 NISSAN FRONTIER key battery

The interior light has a three-position switch
and operates regardless of ignition key
position.
cWhen the switch is in the OFF position,
the interior light does not illuminate, re-
gardless of door position.cWhen the switch is in the centerjor
DOOR position, the interior light illumi-
nates by opening the doors.
cWhen the switch is in the ON position,
the interior light illuminates whether any
door is opened or closed.
Cargo light operation
On King Cab models, the light can be used
as a cargo light by simply pulling the light
down. This light is convenient at night when
loading cargo.
For further information regarding personal
light bulb replacement, refer to ªBulb re-
placementº in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
NOTE:
Leaving the interior light switch in the
ON position for extended periods of time
will result in a discharged battery.
IC0278M
AIC0704
INTERIOR LIGHT AND
CARGO LIGHTMAP LIGHT
(If so equipped)
1-14
ZX

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
(if so equipped) is electronically controlled
by a microcomputer to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for your
automatic transmission. Follow these pro-
cedures for maximum vehicle performance
and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal and push the shift
lever button before shifting the selector
lever to the D, R, 2 or 1 position. Be sure
the vehicle is fully stopped before at-
tempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ON.
Normally, the shift lever 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.When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the shift lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot
brake, then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.WARNING
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cAvoid revving up the engine while
the vehicle is stopped. This could
cause unexpected vehicle move-
ment.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed.cNever shift to P or R while vehicle is
moving.
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an up-
hill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brake should be used for this
purpose.
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
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

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

Passenger compartment
If the electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse box
cover.5. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by your NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHTS
Sealed beam type
The headlight is a sealed beam type. The
lens, reflector and filament are of a unitized
construction.
Removing and replacing
1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Remove the clips attaching the radiator
grille, remove the front clearance lights,
then remove the grille by pulling it up-
ward.
ADI0723ADI0724
FUSES LIGHT BULBS
7-20
ZX