2000 NISSAN FRONTIER tailgate

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................3-2
Door locks ..............................................................3-2
Power door locks (if so equipped) .........................3-3
Child safety rear door lock ................................... 3-4
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped).........3-4
Battery replacement ...............................................3-7
Hood release ..........................................................3-8
Glove box ...............................................................3-9
Roof rack (if so equipped)......................................3-9
Step rail (if so equipped) ...................................... 3-11Fuel filler cap ........................................................ 3-11
Tailgate latch ........................................................3-13
Tie down hooks ....................................................3-14
Tilting steering wheel (if so equipped) .................3-15
Outside mirror remote control (if so equipped) ....3-15
Outside mirrors .....................................................3-16
Inside mirror .........................................................3-16
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)...............................3-17
ZX

Opening the tailgate
Pull the tailgate handle upward and lower
the tailgate. The support cables hold the
tailgate open.
When closing the tailgate, make sure the
latches are securely locked.To open the tailgate to the lowest position,
lift the tailgate to a 45 degree angle, then
release the support cables.
Do not drive the vehicle with the tailgate
down, unless equipped with Nissan's
Bed Extender (accessory) in the de-
ployed position.
For proper truck box loading see²Loading
tips²under the²Vehicle loading information²
heading in the²Technical and consumer
information²section of this manual.
WARNING
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
APD1070APD1038
TAILGATE LATCH
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13
ZX

Removing the tailgate
1. Release the tailgate support cables.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the tailgate out from the left side
hinge.
4. Remove the tailgate from the right side
hinge.
Installing the tailgate
1. Insert the tailgate into the right side
hinge.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle
and insert left side hinge.
3. Continue to hold tailgate at a 45 degree
angle and attach the tailgate support
cables.
4. Close the tailgate securely.
CAUTION
The tailgate is heavy. Be careful not to
drop it during removal.For your convenience, tie down hooks are
placed at each corner of the truck box.
These may be used to help secure cargo
loaded into the truck box.
IThe weight of the cargo load must be
evenly distributed over both the front and
rear axles.
IAll cargo should be securely fastened
with ropes or straps to prevent it from
shifting or sliding within the vehicle.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
IDo not place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
ATI1020
TIE DOWN HOOKS
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

Getting the spare tire and tools
1.For Standard cab models:
a. Move the bench seat back fully for-
ward.
b. Remove the jack, jack rod, and wheel
nut wrench from behind the driver's
side of the bench seat.For King cab models:
a. Move the driver's seat back fully forward.
b. Remove the jack and wheel nut wrench
from the tool case from behind the driv-
er's seat.
c. Remove the jack rod from behind the
driver's seat.For Crew cab models:
a. Tilt the rear bench seat forward
b. Remove the jack, jack rod, and tool case
from behind the rear bench seat.
2. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the
square hole of the wheel nut wrench to
form a handle.
3. Find the oval shaped opening under the
middle of the tailgate. Pass the T-shaped
end of the jack rod through the opening
and direct it towards the spare tire winch,
located directly above the spare tire.
ACE1010ACE1017ACE1039
In case of emergency6-3
ZX

Temperature
A temperature increase accelerates the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not
well ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disintegra-
tion of paint surfaces.
To protect your vehicle from corro-
sion:
Iwash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
Ialways check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as possible.
Ikeep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors and tailgate open to avoid water
accumulation.
Icheck the underbody and inside the
pick-up box. If any sand, dirt or salt is
accumulated, wash it off with water as
soon as possible.
CAUTION
INEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner
or broom.
INever allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic com-
ponents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan
and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be
cleaned periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, consult an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Appearance and care
7-5
ZX

sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links as necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and otherlights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. toensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Maintenance
9-3
ZX

Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental
air bag system) .......................................... 1-10
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-13
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch .............................................. 3-13
Theft warning ............................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks.......................................... 3-14
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-37
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-33
Tire rotation........................................... 8-35
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-36
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-27
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-23
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-21
Transfer case ............................................. 5-21
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-14
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) .................................................... 10-12
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Truck - camper loading ............................ 10-17
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-16
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-26
V
Vanity mirror............................................... 3-17
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number).................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Theft warning ........................................ 2-14
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-18
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-8
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-31
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................ 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-15
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-23
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
Wiper blades......................................... 8-22
11-5
ZX