1998 NISSAN FRONTIER air filter

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-6
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-7
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-9
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................8-9
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............8-9
Power steering fluid..............................................8-11
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-11
Window washer fluid ............................................8-12
Battery ..................................................................8-13Jump starting ........................................................8-13
Drive belts ............................................................8-14
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-15
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-16
Wiper blades ........................................................8-17
Parking brake check.............................................8-19
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-19
Brake booster .......................................................8-20
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-21
Fuses ....................................................................8-22
Light bulbs ............................................................8-23
Headlights ............................................................8-23
Bulb replacement .................................................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-26
Four-wheel drive models ......................................8-29
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral). For an automatic trans-
mission, move the shift lever to P
(Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts, and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines
should be serviced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer because the fuel
lines are under high pressure even
when the engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
cAvoid contact with used motor oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil
and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

The filter element should not be cleaned
and reused as it is given a special treat-
ment. We recommend it be replaced ac-
cording to the maintenance intervals shown
in the ``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
When replacing the filter, wipe the inside of
the air cleaner housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
WARNING
cOperating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops flame ifthe engine backfires. If it isn't there
and the engine backfires, you could
be burned. Don't drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine
with the air cleaner off.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
ADI0720
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FILTER
8-16Do-it-yourself
ZX

To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and
economical driving, NISSAN provides two
periodic maintenance schedules that may
be used, depending upon the conditions in
which you usually drive. These schedules
contain both distance and time intervals, up
to 60,000 miles (96,000 km)/48 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals shown
in the schedule.
After 60,000 miles (96,000 km)/48
months, continue periodic maintenance
at the same mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE ONE
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule one
if your driving habits frequently include one
or more of the following driving conditions:
cRepeated short trips of less than 5
miles (8 km).
cRepeated short trips of less than 10
miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures below freezing.
cOperating the vehicle in hot weatherduring stop-and-go ``rush hour'' traf-
fic.
cExtensive idling and/or low speed
driving for long distances, such as
police, taxi or door-to-door delivery
use.
cDriving in dusty conditions.
cDriving on rough, muddy, or salt
spread roads.
cTowing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE TWO
Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule two
if none of the driving conditions shown in
Schedule one apply to your driving habits.
Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and rotors
¶Brake linings and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
Maintenance9-5
ZX

Schedule One
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filterSee NOTE
(2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
9-6Maintenance
ZX

Schedule Two
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive beltsI* I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter See NOTE (1) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (1)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (2)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
NOTE: (1) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low
or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(2) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
9-8Maintenance
ZX

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

10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......10-2
Fuel recommendation...........................................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..............10-6
Recommended SAE viscosity number.................10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................................10-8
Engine ..................................................................10-9
Wheel/tire size ....................................................10-10
Dimensions and weights ....................................10-11
Registering your vehicle in another country ......10-12
Vehicle identification ..........................................10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate...........10-12
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number) ..............................................................10-12
Engine serial number .........................................10-13
FMVSS certification label ...................................10-13Emission control information label .....................10-13
Tire placard ........................................................10-14
Air conditioner specification label.......................10-14
Installing license plate ........................................10-15
Vehicle loading information ................................10-15
Securing the load ...............................................10-16
Truck-camper loading.........................................10-17
Trailer towing ......................................................10-19
Towing load/specification chart ..........................10-21
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-24
Emission control system warranty .....................10-25
Reporting safety defects (USA) .........................10-25
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test ......................................................................10-26
ZX