1997 NISSAN FRONTIER check engine light

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil
filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
6. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as cool-
ing fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING ATF
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).
cThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
DI1170M
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
7-9
ZX

For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and af-
fect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.For USA
Check the window washer fluid level in the
reservoir tank and add fluid if necessary.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
Canada Only
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter sea-
son, add a windshield washer anti-freeze.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
ADI0717
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
7-12
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks
self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four-
wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, it may be
due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum
brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal, see your NISSAN dealer
and have it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakeschecked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by your NISSAN
dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by your NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER
7-19
ZX

make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles
and 3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD ve-
hicles.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary latch keeps the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
8-3
ZX

Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have your dealer correct
the condition. Failure to correct the con-
dition is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption ordamage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
9-5
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 2-15
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 3-9
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-6
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-29
Antenna (manual) ...................................... 3-20
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 4-25
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 1-13
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player
(100W) .................................................. 3-16
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 4-16
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6B
Battery........................................................ 7-13
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 7-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system, rear
(R-ABS) ................................................ 4-25
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake fluid ..................................... 7-11, 9-3
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-23
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake system ........................................ 4-25
Brake warning light ................................. 1-7
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-9, 7-19
Parking brake check ............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-23
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-15
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 3-11CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-21
Check engine indicator light (See malfunction
indicator light) .............................................. 1-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 2-28
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-24
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 1-13
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock ............................................................ 1-5
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-11
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 7-11
Clutch pedal.......................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving .................................. 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
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-4
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-13
ZX

D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 1-10
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-11
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Drive belts .................................................. 7-14
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-16
Cold weather driving............................. 4-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 4-21
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
Precautions when starting and
driving ..................................................... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-6Engine 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 pressure warning light ........... 1-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 1-12
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Brake fluid ..................................... 7-11, 9-3
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
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.................................................... 2-12Separate ................................................. 2-8
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 7-21
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box lock ............................................. 2-4
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-12
Head restraints .......................................... 2-11
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-10
Headlights .................................................. 7-21
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
10-2
ZX

Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Heater operation .......................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-4
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 4-16
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 4-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 1-6
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-31
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 1-14
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 5-5
Screw type .............................................. 5-6
Jump seat .................................................. 2-13
Jump starting ............................................... 5-8
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Emission control information label........ 9-14
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-17
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-17
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-23
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-23
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-10
Headlights ............................................. 7-21
Interior light and cargo light .................. 1-14
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-21
Spotlights .............................................. 1-14
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-6
Lock
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Glove box lock ........................................ 2-4
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ................................................. 9-15M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-24
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-9
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-20
Manual windows ........................................ 1-15
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 4-19
Map light (See spot light) .......................... 1-14
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-31
Outside mirror control ........................... 2-30
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-30
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-31
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-5
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
10-3
ZX