1998 NISSAN FRONTIER lock

sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles
and 3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD ve-
hicles.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodCheck that all doors and
the hood operate properly. Also ensure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
Maintenance
9-3
ZX

tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat 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 an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
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 MIN and MAX 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 the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine 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 at operating
temperature.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are noloose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
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 from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
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.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

Unit: in (mm)
4x2 4x4
Regular Cab King Cab Regular Cab King Cab
Overall length*1 184.3 (4,681.2) 196.1 (4,980.9) 184.3 (4,681.2) 196.1 (4,980.9)
Overall width 66.5 (1,689.1) 66.5 (1,689.1) 71.9 (1,826.3) 71.9 (1,826.3)
Overall heightSTD 62.5 (1,588.0),
XE 62.8 (1,595.1)62.6 (1,590.0) 66.1 (1,678.9) 65.9 (1,673.9)
Front tread 54.9 (1,394.5) 54.9 (1,394.5) 60.0 (1,524.0) 60.0 (1,524.0)
Rear tread 54.7 (1,389.4) 54.7 (1,389.4) 59.3 (1,506.2) 59.3 (1,506.2)
Wheelbase 104.3 (2,649.2) 116.1 (2,948.9) 104.3 (2,649.2) 116.1 (2,948.9)
Gross vehicle weight rating
lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S. certification label'' on the driver side lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: On step bumper equipped models, the bumper adds 6.6 in (168 mm) to the overall length.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Technical and consumer information10-11
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

11 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-12
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-10
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-15
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-34
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 4-21
Power.................................................... 4-21
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-25
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-25
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-17
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-16
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-21
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
B
Battery........................................................ 8-13
Battery Replacement (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-25
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-25
Brake booster ....................................... 8-20
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-11
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-24
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-19
Brake system ........................................ 5-25
Brake warning light ................................. 2-7
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-10, 8-20
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-24C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . 10-15
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-10
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-22
Check engine indicator light (See malfunction
indicator light) ............................................ 2-10
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-33
Child restraints ........................................... 1-25
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray . 2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-11
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-26
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................. 5-12
Cup holder ................................................. 2-18
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

Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-16
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-14
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-16
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-19
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-5
Jump seat .................................................... 1-6
Jump starting ............................................... 6-7
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14Emission control information label...... 10-13
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-15
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-24
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-24
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Headlights ............................................. 8-23
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-19
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-23
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-12
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-7
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door lock...................................... 3-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ............................................... 10-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-25
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light .......................... 2-10
Manual antenna ......................................... 4-21
Manual windows ........................................ 2-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 5-19
Map light .................................................... 2-19
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-13
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-6
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
11-3
ZX