1998 NISSAN FRONTIER ECU

cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) þ
maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) þ
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
Determining Vehicle Load Capacity
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a luggage rack, bike
carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment
does not increase load carrying capacity of
your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curb weight of your ve-
hicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers),reweigh your vehicle to determine if ei-
ther GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is
exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
cLoads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or
heavy objects should be placed toward
the front of the trunk box to help prevent
sliding or shifting.
SECURING THE LOAD
For your convenience, tie down hooks are
placed at each corner of the truck box.
These may be used to help secure cargo
loaded into the truck box.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
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cDo not place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWR's. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.
This information is provided for you to prop-
erly install a slide-in camper and is based on
the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations. It is recommended
that, before installing the camper, you care-
fully read the following information and en-
sure that the camper meets the specifica-
tions.
This information may not apply to some
Canada model vehicles.
Special body vehicles
Some vehicles are equipped with commer-
cial or camper bodies. However, this Own-
er's Manual does not cover these options.
For further information, please refer to the
body manufacturer's instruction manual.
Location for center of gravity
The illustration indicates the recommended
cargo center of gravity location zone.
Regular cab:
L1 = 950.0 mm (37.4 in), L2 = 1,077.0 mm
(42.4 in)
King cab:
L1 = 960.1 mm (37.8 in), L2 = 1,087.1 mm
(42.8 in)
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TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING
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WARNING
Improper loading may be dangerous. If
a load is too far back, it can affect
handling characteristics. If a load is too
far forward, the front axle may be over-
loaded.
Cargo weight rating (U.S.A)
Regular bed (STD) models
In vehicle Cargo
2 occupants: 1,100 lb (499 kg)
3 occupants: 950 lb (431 kg)
Regular bed (except STD) and King Cab
models
In vehicle Cargo
2 occupants: 1,000 lb (454 kg)
3 occupants: 850 lb (386 kg)
4 occupants: 700 lb (318 kg)When the truck is used to carry a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of the truck
consists of the camper manufacturer's
weight figure, plus:
cthe weight of installed additional
camper equipment not included in the
camper manufacturer's weight figure,
cthe weight of camper cargo,
cand the weight of occupants in the
camper.
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's cargo weight rating and the camper's
center of gravity should fall within the truck's
recommended center of gravity location
zone when installed.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
adversely affect vehicle handling, brak-
ing and performance and may lead to
accidents.
Measurement of weights
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
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Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid per-
sonal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks are available at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch when not in use.
Remove receiver when not in use.After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cCheck regularly to make sure that all
trailer hitch mounting bolts are se-
curely fastened.Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (affixed
to the inside of the glove box lid).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
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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
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