1996 NISSAN FRONTIER oil

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
ZX

Your NISSAN is equipped with one of two
4WD systems, auto-lock free-running hubs
or manual-lock free-running hubs.
The auto-lock free-running hub is designed
to allow for automatic 4-wheel drive en-
gagement when the shift lever is moved to
the 4H or 4L position. If your vehicle is
equipped with this system, follow these op-
erational cautions:
CAUTION
cThe auto-locking hubs will make a
clicking noise when engaging and
disengaging. This is normal.cSudden acceleration from a stop af-
ter shifting from 2-wheel drive to
4-wheel drive may not allow engage-
ment of the auto-locking free-
running hubs and may cause a clat-
tering noise. Continued use of the
vehicle with this noise may damage
the hub lock. In such a case, release
the accelerator pedal to reduce the
engine speed or stop the vehicle.
cIf the auto-locking hubs make a clat-
tering noise after shifting from
4-wheel drive to 2-wheel drive, stop
and move the vehicle about 7 to 10
feet (2 to 3 m) in reverse.
cUnder extremely cold conditions
[below 5ÉF (-15ÉC)], the front axle
shafts may rotate even with the
transfer lever in the 2H position. If
this occurs, the auto-locking hubs
may make a clattering noise. To
avoid this, drive first in 4-wheel drive
to warm up the vehicle and differen-
tial gear oil. Then, shift to 2-wheel
drive.
SD0021
AUTO-LOCK
FREE-RUNNING HUBS
4-15
ZX

cIf the surface does not polish easily, use
a ``road tar'' remover and wax again.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Only apply black wax or black shoe polish to
the black urethane or polypropylene
bumper.
Removing spots
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the surface of the paint to avoid per-
manent damage or staining. Special clean-
ing products are available at your NISSAN
dealer or any automotive accessories store.
Underbody
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it
is necessary to clean the underbody regu-
larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from
building up and causing corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the win-
ter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if neces-
sary, re-treated.
Cleaning glass
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor-
mal for glass to be coated with a film after
the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass
cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove this
film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use any sharp-edged tools
or abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could dam-
age the electrical conductors, radio an-
tenna elements or rear window defog-
ger elements.
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used.
Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed.
Chrome parts
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a
non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
Cleaning interior
Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the
vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft
cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then
wipe clean with a dry soft cloth. Before
using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer's recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that stain or
bleach the seat material.
CAUTION
cNever use benzine, thinner or any
similar material.
cThe leather seats should be regu-
larly coated with a leather wax like
saddle soap. Never use car wax.
cNever use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
6-3
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