1998 NISSAN FRONTIER check engine light

cNever install a rear-facing child re-
straint in the front seat, unless the
passenger supplemental air bag is
OFF. Be sure to turn the passenger
supplemental air bag ON/OFF switch
OFF. An inflating air bag could seri-
ously injure or kill your child. See
``Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch
and light'' earlier in this section.
cAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
cIn general, child restraints are de-
signed to be installed with a lap belt
or the lap portion of a three-point
type seat belt.
Child restraints for infants and small chil-
dren of various sizes are offered by several
manufacturers. When selecting any child
restraint, keep the following points in mind:
1) Choose only a restraint with a label cer-
tifying that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Cana-
dian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
2) Check the child restraint in your vehicle
to be sure it is compatible with the vehi-
cle's seat and seat belt system. Choose
a child restraint that meets the guidelinesof the Society of Automotive Engineers
recommended practice J1819 for child
restraint installation.
3) If the child restraint is compatible with
your vehicle, place your child in the child
restraint and check the various adjust-
ments to be sure the child restraint is
compatible with your child. Always follow
all of the recommended procedures.
All U.S. states and provinces of Canada
require that infants and small children be
restrained in an approved child restraint
at all times while the vehicle is being
operated.
WARNING
cDo not install a child restraint in the
jump seats (King Cab model). These
seats are not suitable for child re-
straint installation.
cDo not install a child restraint in the
center position of the front bench
seat. This position is not suitable for
child restraint installation.cImproper use of a child restraint can
result in increased injuries for both
the infant or child and other occu-
pants in the vehicle.
cFollow all of the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions for in-
stallation and use. When purchasing
a child restraint, be sure to select
one which will fit your child and
vehicle as it may not be possible to
properly install some types of child
restraints in your vehicle.
cIf the child restraint is not anchored
properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden
stop greatly increases.
cAdjustable seatbacks should be po-
sitioned to fit the child restraint, but
as upright as possible.
c
After attaching the child restraint,
test it before you place the child in it.
Tilt it from side to side. Try to tug it
forward and check to see if the belt
holds the restraint in place. If the
restraint is not secure, tighten the
belt as necessary.
1-26Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsCharge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
orBrake warning lightLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)Malfunction indicator light
High beam indicator lightLow washer fluid warning lightorAnti-lock brake warning
light
Seat belt reminder light and chime4-wheel drive indicator lightSupplemental air bag warning light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Passenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light.
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch fluid''
in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise have your vehicle towed.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the level is below the minimum
mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has
been checked at an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds five times and the light illuminates.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag light illu-
minates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to an authorized
authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds
and then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system) may
not function properly. For additional details on
the Supplemental restraint system (Supple-
mental air bag system), see the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the air
bag will not operate in an accident.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

Passenger supplemental air
bag OFF indicator light
The passenger supplemental air bag is
equipped with an ON/OFF switch. The
switch is located in the center of the instru-
ment panel, near the ashtray. When the
switch is turned to the ON position, the
passenger supplemental air bag is enabled
and could inflate in a frontal collision. When
the switch is turned to the OFF position, the
passenger supplemental air bag is disabled
and will not inflate in a frontal collision. The
passenger supplemental air bag OFF indi-
cator light on the instrument panel illumi-
nates when the passenger supplemental air
bag ON/OFF switch is turned to the OFF
position. The driver's side supplemental air
bag always remains enabled and is not
affected by the passenger supplemental air
bag ON/OFF switch. The key for the pas-
senger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch should not be left in the switch.
Remove the key after turning the switch in
the desired position. Do not leave a key in
the switch. See ªPassenger supplemental
air bag ON/OFF switch and lightº in Section
1 for details.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an authorized NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
cWhen parking, always make sure the
transfer lever is in the 4H or 4L
position and the parking brake is
applied.
cFailure to engage the transfer lever
in 4H or 4L could result in the vehicle
moving unexpectedly, which in turn
could result in serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential problemwith the anti-lock brake system. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases but the ordinary
brakes continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened and the key is left in the ignition
switch. Take the ignition key when you
leave the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless
the ignition key is in the ON position. Turn
the headlight switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The malfunction indicator light may also
come on steady or blink if the fuel filler cap
has not been closed tightly or if the fuel tank
is nearly empty. Check to make sure the
fuel cap is secure and that you have at least
three gallons of fuel in the fuel tank.
After driving for a while, the light should
remain off if no other potential emission
control system problem exists.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady þ An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator light blinking þ An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
cdo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
c
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
cavoid steep uphill grades.
cif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Some conditions may cause the malfunction
indicator light to come on steady or blink.
Examples are as follows:
cvehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
cfuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer and
have the vehicle inspected. Avoid any un-
necessary diagnosis during the service by
informing the dealer of the conditions listed
above that may have cccurred.
Instruments and controls
2-11
ZX

device must accept any interference re-
ceived including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
1. Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the instrument panel; the hood
then springs up slightly.2. Raise the lever at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the support rod into the slot in the
front edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood
to approximately 12 inches above the
latch and release it. This allows proper
engagement of the hood latch.
APD1036
HOOD RELEASE
3-8Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
c
Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
``Warning/indicator lights and chimes'' in
the ``Instruments and controls'' section.
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
cOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmission
control module to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal to ensure the vehicle
is at a complete stop before attempting to
shift the selector lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift the selector lever into a driving gear.
cRelease the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed.
If the battery charge is low, the shift lever
can be moved if the ignition switch is in
the ACC position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
5-6Starting and driving
ZX