2000 NISSAN FRONTIER engine overheat

Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such
as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer correct the condition. Failure
to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which NISSAN is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, whichmay cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
Technical and consumer information
10-5
ZX

tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either con-
dition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
IBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
I
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicleand trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.ITrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
Technical and consumer information
10-25
ZX

trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Maintenance''
section earlier in this manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However, rela-
tive tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
10-26Technical and consumer information
ZX

Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-23
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-27
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light .......................................... 1-15
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road drivingprecautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
FM-AM radio with compact disc
player ................................................... 4-15
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-21
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-28
Rear sliding window................................... 2-25
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
Roof rack ..................................................... 3-9
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-9
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor................ 1-26
3-point type with retractor..................... 1-24Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-29
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-30
Seat belts.............................................. 1-20
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Bench seat.............................................. 1-7
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-29
Shifting
Automatic transmission ................. 5-9, 5-11
Manual transmission............................. 5-15
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-19
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-23
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-18
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-16
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-15
Step rail (if so equipped) ........................... 3-11
Stop light .................................................... 8-30
Sun shade.................................................. 2-26
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
11-4
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91)
For further details such as gasohol or diesel
fuel grade, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in
the ``Technical and consumer information''
section.
CAUTION
Using fuel other that specified could
adversely effect the emissions control
system, and may also affect warranty
coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Recommended engine oil:
IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II
See²Engine oil and filter recommendatio-
n²in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard affixed to the inside of
the glove box lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ``BREAK-IN SCHEDULE''
found in the ``Starting and Driving'' section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.(page)
IIn case of emergency ...................... 6-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start, overheat-
ing, towing)
IHow to start the engine ................... 5-1
IHow to read the meters and
gauges ............................................. 2-1
IMaintenance schedule ..................... 9-1
IDo-it-yourself operations.................. 8-1
ITechnical and consumer
information ..................................... 10-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX