2000 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

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

minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.For US:
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emission Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty Information and Maintenance Log
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN. If
you did not receive a Warranty Information
and Maintenance Log Booklet, or it be-
comes lost, you may obtain a replacement
by writing to:
INissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C.
area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (US only)
Technical and consumer information10-27
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the ve-
hicle.
If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a not ready condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, drive the
vehicle through the following pattern to set
the vehicle to the ready condition.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (85 to 97 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps one through eight at least
one more time.
If step one through seven interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step seven is completed. If you
cannot or do not want to perform the drivingpattern, an authorized NISSAN dealer can
conduct it for you.
Dynamometer testing for Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some
states/areas, your vehicle may be tested for
emissions on a dynamometer. The transfer
control lever (if so equipped) MUST be in
the 2H position for I/M testing on a two
wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
IIf the transfer control lever is not in
the 2H position during the dyna-
mometer I/M testing, the vehicle
could come off the dynamometer
and cause serious personal injury
and/or body damage to the vehicle.
ISerious damage will occur to the
4WD system if the transfer control
lever is not in the 2H position
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-28Technical and consumer information
ZX

Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................. 5-18
Cup holder ................................................. 2-21
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-22
Cold weather driving............................. 5-30
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-14
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-12
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-24
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-20
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-27
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......... 2-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-16
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-19
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14Window washer fluid ............................ 8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-7
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-20
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-26
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-16
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
11-2
ZX

Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-24
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-8
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-16
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-18
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-22
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-5
Jump seat .................................................... 1-9
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Emission control information label...... 10-14
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-18
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-18
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-8
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-22
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-23
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-8
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Luggage rack (See roof rack)...................... 3-9M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-29
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp ......................... 2-12
Manual windows ........................................ 2-23
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 5-24
Map light .................................................... 2-23
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-16
Vanity mirror.......................................... 3-17
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-27
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
11-3
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