2000 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......10-2
Fuel recommendation...........................................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ..............10-6
Recommended SAE viscosity number.................10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................................10-8
Engine ..................................................................10-9
Wheel/tire size ....................................................10-10
Dimensions and weights .................................... 10-11
Registering your vehicle in another country.......10-12
Vehicle identification ..........................................10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate...........10-12
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number) ..............................................................10-12
Engine serial number .........................................10-13
FMVSS certification label ...................................10-13Emission control information label .....................10-14
Tire placard ........................................................10-14
Air conditioner specification label.......................10-14
Installing license plate ........................................10-15
Vehicle loading information ................................10-15
Securing the load ...............................................10-16
Truck-camper loading.........................................10-17
Trailer towing ......................................................10-21
Towing load/specification chart ..........................10-23
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-26
Emission control system warranty......................10-27
Reporting safety defects (USA) .........................10-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .....................................................10-28
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel
KA24DE (4 cylinder) 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60
Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI (RON 91)*1
VG33E (6 cylinder) 19-3/8 gal 16-1/8 gal 73
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE
4x2 With oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5
Without oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3IAPI Certification Mark *2
4X4 With oil filter 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&II
Without oil filter 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7 or API grade SJ, Energy Conserving *2
VG33E With oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3IILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II*2
Without oil filter 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
KA24DE M/T 4X2 9-5/8 qt 8 qt 9.15
4X4 9-3/4 qt 8-1/8 qt 9.25
A/T 9-1/2 qt 7-7/8 qt 8.95 50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
VG33E A/T & M/T 11-1/4 qt 9-3/8 qt 10.6 50% Demineralized or Distilled water
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oilKA24DE 4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
4x4 10-3/8 pt 8-5/8 pt 4.9
VG33E 4x2 5-1/8 pt 4-1/4 pt 2.4
4x4 10-3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final driveKA24DE 4x2 M/T
API GL-5*1 Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.3
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.3
Rear 2-3/4 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.3
VG33E 4x4 Front 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
Rear 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluidKA24DE 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4. *4
VG33E 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid. *4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent *7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
*7: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
Technical and consumer information10-3
ZX

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
IUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
the warranty coverage.
IUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising theirpresence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle perfor-
mance problems and/or fuel system dam-
age.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and
have an octane rating no lower than
that recommended for unleaded
gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
I
If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate co-
solvents and corrosion inhibitors,such methanol blends may cause fuel
system damage and/or vehicle perfor-
mance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure
that all methanol blends are suitable
for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially. Many
of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
10-4Technical and consumer information
ZX

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

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the
correct quality and viscosity to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance. NIS-
SAN recommends the use of a low friction
oil (energy conserving oil) in order to im-
prove fuel economy and conserve energy.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could
cause engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG, SH or SJ and Energy
ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK, use an API grade
SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPI
grade SJ, Energy Conserving oil. An oil with
a single designation SG or SH, or in combi-
nation with other categories (for example,
SG/CC or SG/CD) may also be used if one
with the API CERTIFICATION MARK cannotbe found. An ISLAC grade GF-I & GF-II oil
can also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity be
selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. The chart ``Recom-
mended SAE viscosity number'' shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the ex-
pected ambient temperatures. Choosing an
oil viscosity other than that recommended
ATI0507
10-6Technical and consumer information
ZX

could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil filter quality and/or vis-
cosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
ISAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be
used if the ambient temperature is
above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
ATI1028
Technical and consumer information10-7
ZX

I80W-90 for the differential and 75W-90
for the transfer case are preferable for
ambient temperatures below 104ÉF
(40ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in this NIS-
SAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the
lubricant, NISSAN A/C system lubricant
Type R or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or
lubricant will cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and will
require the replacement of all air con-
ditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth's atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recov-
ery and recycling of any refrigerant during
automotive air conditioner system service.
An authorized NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed
to recover and recycle your air conditioner
system refrigerant.
Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer whenservicing your air conditioner system.
ATI0510
10-8Technical and consumer information
ZX