1997 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle has been delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the
latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle
maintenance schedules.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to him.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a safe
and complete trip for you and your passengers
²NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
²ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
²ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint
systems.
²ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of
vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
²ALWAYS review this owner's manual for important safety
information.NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating in-
structions for all systems, features and optional equipment that
might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destina-
tion in North America, including the continental United States,
Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find informa-
tion in this manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
For descriptions specified for 4-wheel drive models, a
mark
is placed at the beginning of the applicable sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for off-road use, failure to
operate 4-wheel drive models correctly may result in loss of
control or an accident. Be sure to read ``Driving your 4-wheel
drive safely'' in the ``Starting and driving'' section of this
manual.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and
distributes them in 170 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery,
fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960, and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply Nissan and Nis-
san dealers with materials and services ranging
from operation of port facilities and transportation
services to the supply of lubricants, parts and
accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
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ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................2-2
Door locks ..............................................................2-2
Power door lock (if so equipped) ...........................2-3
Hood release ..........................................................2-4
Glove box lock (if so equipped) .............................2-4
Fuel filler cap ..........................................................2-5
Tailgate latch ..........................................................2-5
Tie down hooks ......................................................2-7
Front separate seats ..............................................2-8
Seat adjustment .....................................................2-8
Head restraints .....................................................2-11
Tilting front separate seat ....................................2-11
Bench seat ...........................................................2-12
Seat adjustment ...................................................2-12
Tilting bench seat .................................................2-12
Jump seat .............................................................2-13
Supplemental restraint system (supplemental
air bag system).....................................................2-14
Supplemental air bag system...............................2-15
Warning labels......................................................2-17
Supplemental air bag warning light......................2-17Seat belts .............................................................2-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................2-19
Child safety...........................................................2-20
3-point type with retractor ....................................2-21
2-point type without retractor (center of bench
seat and jump seats)............................................2-23
Seat belt extenders ..............................................2-24
Seat belt maintenance .........................................2-24
Child restraints for infants and small children......2-24
Installation on front passenger seat (3-point
type with retractor) ...............................................2-26
Installation in center of bench seat (2-point
type without retractor) ..........................................2-27
Top strap child restraint .......................................2-28
Tilting steering wheel (if so equipped) .................2-29
Outside mirror remote control
(if so equipped) ....................................................2-30
Outside mirrors .....................................................2-30
Inside mirror .........................................................2-31
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)...............................2-31
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should be taken to your nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System (supplemental air bag
system) may not function properly. It must
be checked and repaired.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag will not operate in
an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag warning light remainsilluminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done only by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
system must be inspected 10 years after
the date of manufacture noted on the
certification label located on the driver
side front pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key must always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
should be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The supplemental air
bag module cannot be repaired.cThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
2-18
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SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the in-
stalled seat belts. The extender adds ap-
proximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or right
passenger seating position. See your
NISSAN dealer for assistance if the ex-
tender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN belt extenders, made
by the same company which made
the original equipment belts, should
be used with NISSAN belts.
cPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result
in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution rec-
ommended for cleaning upholstery orcarpets. Then brush, wipe with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
cPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such
as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible
wires and anchors, work properly. If
loose parts, deterioration, cuts or other
damage on the webbing is found, the
entire seat belt assembly should be re-
placed.
WARNING
cInfants and small children should
always be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
cChildren and infants should never be
carried on your lap. It is not possible
for even the strongest adult to resist
the forces of a severe accident. The
child could be crushed between the
adult and parts of the vehicle. Also,
do not put the same seat belt around
both your child and yourself.
APD0660
CHILD RESTRAINTS FOR
INFANTS AND SMALL
CHILDREN
2-24
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cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
cAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken
if you are barefoot.
cLower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty
side winds. Slower speeds ensure
better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires even with 4WD.
Accelerating quickly, steering or
braking may cause loss of control or
the vehicle to stick in the road.
cInstall the same size of winter tires
on all four (4) wheels (such as stud-
less tires) or install tire chains to the
rear wheels when driving on slippery
roads (e.g., after a snow) and drive
carefully using 4WD.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water as
specified in ``Wet brakes'' under theheading ``Brake system,'' later in this
section.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. For
details, refer to ``Maintenance for off-
road driving'' in the ``Maintenance
schedule'' section.CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer
case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
Snow tires
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
4-wheel drive model.
TIRES OF 4-WHEEL
DRIVE
4-22
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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
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