2000 NISSAN FRONTIER brake

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning lightorAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)
Passenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light (except crew cab
models)
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light (model)
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)Door open warning light (if so
equipped)
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened thelight will not come on.
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch fluid''
in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
I
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be danger-
ous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds five times and the light illuminates.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental restraint system needs ser-
vicing and your vehicle must be taken to an
authorized 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
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Door open warning light (if
so equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is in the ON position.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
IWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H
or 4L position and the parking brake
is applied.
IFailure to engage the transfer con-trol lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which could cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control lever is not secured in
any drive position while the automatic trans-
mission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, the transmission will disengage
and the vehicle may move unexpectedly.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H,
4H, or 4L position when the warning light
comes on.
IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer control lever is in 2H, 4H, or 4L
and the parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
IFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in thevehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in
serious personal injury or property dam-
age.
WARNING
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer control shift lever is in
the N (Neutral) position.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
Instruments and controls
2-11
ZX

Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential problem
with the anti-lock brake system. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases but the ordinary
brakes continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission
only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened and the key is left in the ignition
switch. Take the ignition key when you leave
the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless
the ignition key is in the ON position. Turn
the headlight switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator lamp on steady þ
An emission control system malfunction
has been detected. Check the fuel filler
cap. If the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a few
driving trips. If thelamp does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
IMalfunction indicator light blinking þ An
engine misfire has been detected which
2-12Instruments and controls
ZX

Lighting
Turn the switch to theposition:
The front combination, rear combination,
license plate and instrument panel lights
come on.Turn the switch to the
position:
The headlights come on and all the other
lights remain on.
To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come
on and the
light illuminates. Pull it backto select the low beam.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT
SYSTEM (Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch
to the
position for full illumination
when driving at night. If the parking brake is
applied before the engine is started, the
daytime running lights do not illuminate. The
daytime running lights illuminate once the
parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn
on your headlights. Failure to do so
could cause an accident injuring your-
self and others.
AIC1116
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
2-16Instruments and controls
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
Driving safety precautions ......................................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-6
Manual transmission...............................................5-6
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-7
Before starting the engine ......................................5-8
Driving with automatic transmission (if so
equipped) ...............................................................5-8
Overdrive switch (KA24DE engine) .....................5-13
Overdrive switch (VG33E engine)........................5-14
Driving with manual transmission.........................5-14Starting the engine ...............................................5-16
Parking brake operation .......................................5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-18
Break-in schedule ................................................5-20
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................5-21
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................5-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................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

or with the clutch depressed
(manual transmission vehicles), us-
ing only the brake, as this could
cause loss of control.
IHeavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low gear to control your
speed.
IUnsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
ITo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low
as possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
IDo not grip the inside or spokes of
the steering wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
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 hot.
ILower your speed when encounter-
ing strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
IDo not drive beyond the perfor-
mance of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
IAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
IIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
speeds. Your NISSAN four wheeld-
rive vehicle has a higher center of
gravity than a two wheel drive veh-icle. The vehicle is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two wheel drive ve-
hicles. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly could result in loss of con-
trol and/or a roll over accident.
IAlways use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Install tire chains
on the rear wheels when driving on
slippery roads and drive carefully.
IBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water.
See²Brake system²later in this sec-
tion for²Wet brakes².
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. See
²Periodic maintenance²in the²Main-
tenance²section of this manual.
Starting and driving
5-5
ZX

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ig-
nition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the key:
1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.
The shift lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC position. This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged. The shift lever can
also be moved if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a²1²on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not
locked.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. In
order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position. To unlock the
steering wheel, insert the key and turn itgently while rotating the steering wheel
slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver tolose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running. The shifter can be moved if the
ignition switch is in ACC position.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.ASD1014
Starting and driving5-7
ZX