1999 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960, and continuing with the production of somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design In-
ternational in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 150 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
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Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Do-it-yourself
Maintenance
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems
Front bucket seats..................................................1-2
Seat adjustment .....................................................1-2
Tilting front bucket seat (King cab models
only) ........................................................................1-3
Front 60/40 bench seats ........................................1-4
Seat adjustment .....................................................1-4
Tilting front 60/40 bench seat ................................1-5
Head restraints .......................................................1-6
Bench seat .............................................................1-6
Seat adjustment......................................................1-6
Tilting bench seat ...................................................1-7
Jump seats .............................................................1-8
Supplemental restraint system (supplemental
air bag system).......................................................1-9
Supplemental air bag system ...............................1-12
Passenger supplemental air bag on/off switch
and light. ...............................................................1-14
Warning labels......................................................1-17
Supplemental air bag warning light ......................1-17Seat belts .............................................................1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................1-19
Child safety...........................................................1-20
Pregnant women ..................................................1-21
Injured persons ....................................................1-21
Three-point type with retractor .............................1-22
Two-point type without retractor (center of
60/40 bench seat) ................................................1-24
Two-point type without retractor (jump seat
and center of bench seat) ....................................1-25
Seat belt extenders ..............................................1-27
Seat belt maintenance .........................................1-27
Child restraints ....................................................1-28
Front facing installation on front passenger
seat (three-point type with retractor) ....................1-29
Rear facing installation on front passenger
seat (three-point type with retractor) ....................1-32
Top strap child restraint .......................................1-35
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needs servicing and should be taken to your
nearest authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System (supplemental air bag
system) may not function properly. It must
be checked and repaired.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag modules are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag warning light remains
illuminated after inflation has occurred.Repair and replacement of the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done only by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
supplemental air bag system must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture noted on the certification
label located on the driver side rear door
jamb pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the person conducting the maintenance. The
ignition key must always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
IOnce the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
should be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The supplemental air
bag module cannot be repaired.IThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle.
IIf you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
1-18Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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Unfastening the belt
To unfasten the belt, press the button on the
buckle.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the in-
stalled seat belts. The extender adds ap-
proximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position. See an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
IOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
IPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result
in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
ITo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpet. Then wipe with a cloth and allow
the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
IIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
I
Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such
as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible
wires and anchors, work properly. If
loose parts, deterioration, cuts or other
damage on the webbing is found, the
entire seat belt assembly should be re-
placed.ARS1058
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-27
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IBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
IAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become very
hot. Particular care should be taken
if you are barefoot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With its
higher center of gravity, your
NISSAN is more affected by gusty
side winds. Slower speeds ensure
better vehicle control.
IDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires even with 4WD.
IAccelerating quickly, steering or
braking may cause loss of control.
IInstall the same size of winter tires
on all four (four) wheels (such as
studless tires) or install tire chains
to the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads (e.g., after a snow)
and drive carefully using 4WD.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water asspecified in ``Wet brakes'' under the
heading ``Brake system,'' later in this
section.
IAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and
it rolls forward, backward or side-
ways, you could be injured.
IWhenever you drive off-road
through sand, mud or water as deep
as the wheel hub, more frequent
maintenance may be required. For
details, refer to ``Maintenance for off-
road driving'' in the ``Maintenance''
section of this manual.
Checking water entry
If you have driven in deep water or mud,
check water entry in the clutch housing by
removing the blind plug at the bottom of the
transmission case. After checking, be sure
to reinstall the plug.
ADI0726
Starting and driving5-25
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8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9
Changing engine oil .............................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid (atf) .........................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking atf..............8-13
Power steering fluid..............................................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ...........................................8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................8-15
Battery ..................................................................8-16
Jump starting ........................................................8-17
Drive belts ............................................................8-18Spark plug replacement .......................................8-19
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-21
Wiper blades ........................................................8-23
Parking brake check.............................................8-24
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-24
Brake booster .......................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Light bulbs ............................................................8-28
Headlights ............................................................8-28
Bulb replacement .................................................8-29
Front fog light bulb replacement (if so
equipped) .............................................................8-31
Wheels and tires...................................................8-32
Four-wheel drive models ......................................8-35
Clutch housing .....................................................8-37
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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
IPark 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).
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts, and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever 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.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
IOn 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
IDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
IAvoid 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