1997 NISSAN FRONTIER brake fluid

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator light
High beam indicator lightCruise indicator light
Seat belt reminder light and chimeOverdrive off indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightorMalfunction indicator
light
Charge warning lightorRear anti-lock brake
warning light
Low fuel warning lightSupplemental air bag 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,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 brake 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, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
c
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise have your vehicle towed.c
Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
cIf the level is below the minimum mark
on the brake fluid reservoir, do not
drive until the brake system has been
checked at a NISSAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
Seat belt warning 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
warning 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, the
supplemental 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.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the air
bag will not operate in an accident.
1-7
ZX

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
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 almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential problem
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 low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
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.
WARNING
cWhen parking, always make sure the
transfer lever is in the 4H or 4L
position and the parking brake is
applied.
cFailure to engage the transfer lever
in 4H or 4L could result in the vehicle
moving unexpectedly, which in turn
could result in serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by your NISSAN dealer.
1-8
ZX

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.The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a microcom-
puter to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures
for this transmission are shown on the fol-
lowing pages. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel
drive, see ``
Transfer case shifting pro-
cedures for 4-wheel drive vehicles'' later in
this section.
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 R, D, 2 or 1 position. Be sure
the vehicle is fully stopped before at-
tempting to shift the selector lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the shift lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
c
Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
This automatic transmission is designedso the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P to any drive position
while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if
the key is removed.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position.
WARNING
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. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
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.
cNever shift to P or R while the ve-
hicle is moving. This could cause an
accident.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
4-6
ZX

2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow, or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
c
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
Engine block heater/Engine heater
(if so equipped)
An engine block heater/engine heater to
assist extreme cold temperature starting is
available through your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
4-28
ZX

To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
cThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.c
Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (e.g., goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not
lean over the battery when jump
starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
Always follow the instructions below
exactly. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the charging system and
cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (N) (on automatic trans-
mission models, move the lever to P).Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (e.g., strut mounting bolt,
etc.Ðnot to the battery).
ACE0021
JUMP STARTING
5-8
ZX

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

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.
WARNING
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.
cIf you must work with the engine
running, 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
enclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) sys-
tem, 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.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
cAvoid contact with used motor oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil
and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
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