1999 NISSAN FRONTIER fuel

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................3-2
Door locks ..............................................................3-2
Power door lock (if so equipped) ...........................3-3
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped).........3-4
Battery replacement ...............................................3-7
Hood release ..........................................................3-8
Glove box ...............................................................3-9
Fuel filler cap ..........................................................3-9Tailgate latch ........................................................3-10
Tie down hooks ....................................................3-12
Tilting steering wheel (if so equipped) .................3-13
Outside mirror remote control (if so equipped) ....3-13
Outside mirrors .....................................................3-14
Inside mirror .........................................................3-14
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)...............................3-15
ZX

Open the glove box by pulling the handle.
WARNING
Keep glove box lid closed while driving
to prevent injury in an accident or a
sudden stop.The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratch-
eting clicks are heard.
WARNING
IGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. You could be burned or se-
riously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.IFuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap one-half turn and wait for
any ``hissing'' sound to stop to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out and
causing possible personal injury.
Then remove the cap.
IDo not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly fire.
IUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper op-
eration of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect
cap can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
IIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.
APD0601APD1060
GLOVE BOX FUEL FILLER CAP
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
ZX

ITighten until the cap clicks. Failure
to tighten the fuel cap properly may
cause the
malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL) to illuminate. If this
occurs, securely close the fuel filler
cap. After driving for a while, the
light should remain off. If the light
remains on, have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see the
²Malfunction indicator light (MIL)²in
the²Instruments and Controls²sec-
tion.
Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower
the tailgate. The support cables hold the
tailgate open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the
latches are securely locked.
APD1061APD1070
TAILGATE LATCH
3-10Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

The antenna cannot be shortened, but it can
be removed. When you need to remove the
antenna, turn the antenna rod counterclock-
wise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna
clockwise. Tighten the antenna rod to speci-
fication using a suitable tool such as a
open-end wrench. The antenna rod tighten-
ing specification is 3.4 - 3.6 N×m(30-32
in-lb). Do not use pliers to tighten the an-
tenna as they can leave marks on the
antenna surface. The antenna rod can not
be hand tightened to the proper specifica-
tion.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna
rod during installation or the antenna
rod may break during vehicle opera-
tion.
Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine NISSAN cellular
phone, your NISSAN features a non-
directional
microphone in the steering column cover, so
it is not necessary to look at or speak
directly into the microphone when calling. To
do so could detract from the driving opera-
tion and cause an accident. See the manual
for car phone operation.
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna
built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the MFI
(Multiport Fuel Injection) system and other
electronic parts.CAUTION
IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule.
IAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
MFI harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.
AHA1053
ANTENNA CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-23
ZX

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..................................................5-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions......5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Manual transmission...............................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-5
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Driving with automatic transmission (if so
equipped) ...............................................................5-6
Driving with manual transmission.........................5-12
Starting the engine ...............................................5-14
Parking brake operation .......................................5-14Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-16
Break-in schedule ................................................5-18
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-18
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................5-19
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................5-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................5-22
Driving your four-wheel drive safely .....................5-24
Tires of four-wheel drive ......................................5-26
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-27
Power steering system .........................................5-28
Brake system........................................................5-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..............................5-29
Cold weather driving ............................................5-30
ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a dan-
gerous gas, and can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
IIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
IDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.IDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
I
If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Do not occupy these areas
while the engine is running even if the
vehicle is parked. (Some recreational
vehicle appliances such as stoves,
refrigerators, heaters, etc. may also
generate carbon monoxide.)
IThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the converter,
causing it to overheat.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX

Do not keep driving if the engine
misfires, or if noticeable loss of per-
formance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the
vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clear-
ance than passenger cars in order to make
them capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars. Higher ground
clearance is necessary for off-road opera-
tion, and it also provides a better view of the
road, allowing you to anticipate problems.Utility vehicles are not designed for corner-
ing at the same speeds as conventional
two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, loss of
control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to roll over, particularly if the
vehicle slides sideways.Be attentive at alltimes, and avoid driving when tired. Never
drive when under the influence of alcohol or
drugs (including prescription or over-the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness). Always wear your seat belt as out-
lined in the ``Seat belts'' section of this
manual, and instruct your passengers to do
the same.
Starting and driving
5-3
ZX

START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
ICheck 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.
ICheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See²Warning/Indicator lights and
chimes²in the²Instruments and con-
trols²section.WARNING
IDo 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.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
INever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
IWhen 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.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
5-6Starting and driving
ZX