1998 NISSAN FRONTIER steering

EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-
tremely high, the filter may become cloggedmore rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
EVAP Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness, or dete-
rioration. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel lines (hoses, piping, connections,
etc.)Check the fuel hoses, piping and con-
nections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil and oil filter*Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines and cablesCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums and linings
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer and differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear (box) and linkage, axle and
suspension parts and drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.
9-10Maintenance
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
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
API GL-5*1 Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt. 2-5/8 pt. 1.5
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Rear 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Transfer fluid Ð Ð ÐNissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIII, 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) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) 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 an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
Technical and consumer information10-3
ZX

scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis avail-
able from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer
towing ability and the special equipment
required for proper towing.Maximum load limits
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lb
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN war-
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
Technical and consumer information10-19
ZX

prevent load shift 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 selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift lever to the
P (Park) 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
Technical and consumer information
10-23
ZX

D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-14
Dimensions and weights.......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-14
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-16
Cold weather driving............................. 5-26
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-8
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 5-21
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-19
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-14
Emission control information label........... 10-13
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-25
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Changing engine oil................................ 8-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-16
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-4
Separate ................................................. 1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-14
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-16
Head restraints ............................................ 1-3
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-14
Headlights .................................................. 8-23
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Heater operation .......................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
11-2
ZX

Overdrive switch .......................................... 5-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-9
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-27
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-23
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-12
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 4-21
Power door lock...................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Power steering system ......................... 5-24
Power windows..................................... 2-20
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-17
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-8R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-22
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-26
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............. 2-10
Rear sliding window................................... 2-21
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-25
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-25
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-6
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor................ 1-22
3-point type with retractor..................... 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-17
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-25
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-25
Seat belts.............................................. 1-17
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-8
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2Bench seat.............................................. 1-4
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-27
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Manual transmission............................... 5-9
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-15
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-19
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-15
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting .......................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-8
Starting the engine ............................... 5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Power steering system ......................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-12
Stop light .................................................... 8-24
Sun shade.................................................. 2-23
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-22
Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental
air bag system) ............................................ 1-7
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-16
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 5-8
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
11-4
ZX

switch and light ..................................... 1-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch ............................................. 3-10
Theft warning ............................................. 2-12
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks ......................................... 3-12
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-12
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-30
Tire chains ............................................ 8-27
Tire placard......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-26
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-28
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-29
Types of tires ........................................ 8-26
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-24
Wheels and tires................................... 8-26
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-11
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-11
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-10
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-21
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-19
Transfer case ............................................. 5-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-8
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) .................................................... 10-12
Truck - camper loading............................ 10-17
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-14
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-24
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number).................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information ..................... 10-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-16
Theft warning ........................................ 2-12Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-15
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-26
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................ 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-12
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-20
Power windows..................................... 2-20
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
Wiper blades......................................... 8-17
11-5
ZX