1997 NISSAN FRONTIER power steering

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
ZX

4Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................4-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................4-2
Three-way catalyst .................................................4-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions .....4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................4-4
Ignition switch .........................................................4-4
Manual transmission ..............................................4-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................4-5
Before starting the engine ......................................4-6
Driving with automatic transmission (if so
equipped) ...............................................................4-6
Driving with manual transmission ..........................4-9
Starting the engine ...............................................4-10
Parking brake operation .......................................4-11Cruise control .......................................................4-12
Break-in schedule ................................................4-14
Increasing fuel economy ......................................4-14
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................4-15
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................4-16
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................4-19
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely .........................4-21
Tires of 4-wheel drive...........................................4-22
Parking/parking on hills ........................................4-23
Power steering system .........................................4-24
Brake system........................................................4-25
Rear anti-lock brake system (R-ABS) ..................4-25
Cold weather driving ............................................4-27
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Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the P (Park)
position.
WARNING
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P position
(automatic) or in the appropriate gear
(manual). Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
Make sure the gear lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go and
cannot be moved without depressing
the button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.
WARNING
cNever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at low
speeds.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
4-24
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perature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 r/min)
until the temperature gauge indicator re-
turns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking, or the water pump belt is missing
or loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
cBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in, the
running fan or belts.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all state (provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from your NIS-
SAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, a dolly
must be used.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
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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
ZX

Check the power steering fluid level.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using
the COLD range on the dipstick at fluid
temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cThe recommended fluid is type
DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or
equivalent.Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
If the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NIS-
SAN dealer.
ADI0700ADI0712ADI0716
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
7-11
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tion. Be certain to keep floormats away from
the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is asmell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it. (See the carbon
monoxide warning in the ``Starting and driv-
ing'' section.)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
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Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1
4x4 10-3/8 pt 8-5/8 pt 4.9
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final drive4x2 M/T
Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3cWithout LSD: API GL-5*1
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt. 2-5/8 pt. 1.5cWith LSD: Only LSD gear oil. API GL-5 and SAE 80W-
90*2 approved for NISSAN LSD*3
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Rear 5-7/8 pt. 4-7/8 pt. 2.8
Transfer fluid Ð Ð Ð Type DEXRON
TM
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII, or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.65 - 1.87 (0.75 - 0.85) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMor DexronTMIIE/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
9-3
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