1999 NISSAN FRONTIER coolant

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round,
genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant solu-
tion. The anti-freeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a genuine NISSAN
anti-freeze coolant or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized water or
distilled water. The use of other types
of coolant solutions may damage the
engine cooling system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toGenuine
Nissan
Anti-
freeze
coolant or
equivalentDeminer-
alized
water or
Distilled
water ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radiator.
See precautions in ``If your vehicle
overheats'' found in the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
IThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use only a genuine NIS-
SAN cap as it's replacement.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below the MIN level, add coolant to the
MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiatorwhen
the engine is cold.If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1026
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
IMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The service procedures can be
found in the appropriate NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual.
IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
ITo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Open the radiator drain valve. Open the
drain plugs on the engine block.
2.
Open the radiator cap to drain the coolant.
3. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
4. Close the radiator drain valve and drain
plug on the engine block securely.5. See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for cool-
ing system capacity. Fill the radiator
slowly with the proper mixture of coolant
and water. Fill the reservoir tank slowly
up to the MAX level.
8-6Do-it-yourself
ZX

8. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine two or three times
under no load. Watch the engine coolant
temperature gauge for signs of overheat-
ing.9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up the
MAX level.10. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
ADI1055ADI1056ADI1057
8-8Do-it-yourself
ZX

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.IKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
I
If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ)
battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charge.
WARNING
IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
IKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.1. Gently pry between the battery cap and
cover as illustrated to remove the cap.
Use a cloth to protect the battery case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
level indicator in each filler opening.Do
not overfill.
ADI0709
BATTERY
8-16Do-it-yourself
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

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 22.526.25 30 33.75 37.541.25 45 48.75 52.556.25 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
(KA24DE only)See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake and exhaust valve clearance (KA24DE only) See NOTE (4)
Timing belt (VG33E only) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
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.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* 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
(KA24DE only)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 (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake and exhaust valve clearance (KA24DE only) See NOTE (3)
Timing belt (VG33E only) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
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.
(3) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* 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, rotors, 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 and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. 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