1997 NISSAN FRONTIER window

7Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-6
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-6
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-7
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-9
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................7-9
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............7-9
Power steering fluid..............................................7-11
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................7-11
Window washer fluid ............................................7-12
Battery ..................................................................7-13
Jump starting ........................................................7-13Drive belts ............................................................7-14
Spark plug replacement .......................................7-15
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-16
Wiper blades ........................................................7-17
Parking brake check.............................................7-18
Brake pedal ..........................................................7-18
Brake booster .......................................................7-19
Clutch pedal .........................................................7-20
Fuses ....................................................................7-21
Light bulbs ............................................................7-21
Headlights ............................................................7-21
Bulb replacement .................................................7-23
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-25
4-Wheel drive models ..........................................7-28
Clutch housing .....................................................7-30
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

prevent load shifts while driving.
cBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift lever into the P position. If you
move the shift lever to the P position
before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
9-22
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

Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-6
Engine oil ................................................ 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Opera window ............................................ 1-17
Outside mirror control ................................ 2-30
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-30
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-26
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 5-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-23
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power steering system ......................... 4-24
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 4-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-19Precautions when starting and
driving ..................................................... 4-2
Push starting ................................................ 5-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player
(100W) .................................................. 3-16
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-21
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-25
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............... 1-9
Rear sliding window................................... 1-16
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-12
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-24
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-24
Screw type jack ........................................... 5-6
Seat
Jump seat ............................................. 2-13
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor................ 2-23
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-21
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-19
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-24Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-24
Seat belts.............................................. 2-19
Seat belt warning light ................................. 1-7
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 2-8
Bench seat............................................ 2-12
Separate seats ....................................... 2-8
Service manual order form ........................ 9-26
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 4-7
Manual transmission............................... 4-9
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-15
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlights ................................................... 1-14
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-17
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-6
Jump starting .......................................... 5-8
Precautions when starting and
driving ..................................................... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power steering system ......................... 4-24
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-29
Stop light .................................................... 7-23
Sun shade.................................................. 1-18
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-17
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................. 2-14
10-4
ZX

Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-12
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-10
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Tailgate latch ............................................... 2-5
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tie down hooks ........................................... 2-7
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-29
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire .............................................. 7-29
Tire chains ............................................ 7-26
Tire placard........................................... 9-14
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-25
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-27
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 7-28
Types of tires ........................................ 7-25
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-23
Wheels and tires................................... 7-25
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 9-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 5-11
4-wheel drive models ........................... 5-12
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-20
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-18
Transfer case ............................................. 4-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) ...................................................... 9-12
Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Truck - camper loading.............................. 9-16
Turn signal switch (See highlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 1-10
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-23
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 2-31
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ........................................................... 9-12
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-13
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 2-17
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-17
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-6
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 9-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 7-25
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-12
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 1-15
Opera window....................................... 1-17
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Rear sliding window ............................. 1-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-11
Wiper blades......................................... 7-17
10-5
ZX