2001 NISSAN FRONTIER cooling

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-6
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-7
Engine oil .............................................................8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting ...................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-20
Replacing spark plugs
(except supercharger) .....................................8-20Replacing spark plugs
(with supercharger)..........................................8-21
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-23
Cleaning ..........................................................8-23
Replacing .........................................................8-23
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-24
Checking parking brake...................................8-24
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-24
Brake booster ..................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Passenger compartment .................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights ....................................................................8-29
Headlights ........................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-32
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-36
Tire pressure ...................................................8-36
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round,
genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant solu-
tion. The anti-freeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze
coolant or equivalent and 50% demin-
eralized or distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage the engine cooling system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toGenuine
Nissan
Anti-
freeze
coolant
or
equiva-
lentDeminer-
alized or
distilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radia-
tor. See precautions in ``If your ve-
hicle overheats'' found in the ``In
case of emergency'' section of this
manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below the MIN level, add coolant to the
MAX level. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiatorwhen
the engine is cold.If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1026
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-6Do-it-yourself
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The service procedures can be
found in the appropriate NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual.
cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.cKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
ADI1053
Do-it-yourself8-7
ZX

4. Open the air release plug.
5. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
6. Install the radiator drain plug and cylinder
block drain plug(s).
7. See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ªTechnical and con-
sumer informationº section for cooling
system capacity. Fill the radiator slowly
with the proper mixture of coolant and
water. Fill the reservoir tank slowly up to
the MAX level.
8. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
ADI1057ADI1058LDI0063
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).
cThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstickafter the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be re-
checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the se-
lector lever through each gear range,
ending in P (Park).3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Re-insert the dipstick into the charging
pipe as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is on the low side of either
range, add fluid through the charging
pipe.
ADI1067ADI1068
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
8-14Do-it-yourself
ZX

Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and rotors
¶Brake linings and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-
tremely high, the filter may become cloggedmore rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
EVAP Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness, or dete-
rioration. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deterio-
ration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil and oil filter*Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
9-10Maintenance
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 60.2
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 73.4
VG33ER (6 cylinder
with supercharger)19-3/8 gal 16-1/8 gal 73.4Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91
AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE
With oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5cAPI Certification Mark *2
Without oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&II
or API grade SJ, Energy Conserving *2
VG33E/VG33ER With oil filter 3-1/2 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.3cILSAC 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 7-3/4 qt 6-3/8 qt 7.3
A/T 7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.150% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equiva-
lent
VG33E/VG33ER
A/T & M/T11-5/8 qt 9-5/8 qt 10.95 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

Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-17
Cup holders ............................................... 2-21
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-18
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Dimensions and weights.......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-19
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-21
Cold weather driving............................. 5-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-20
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-28
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2Changing engine coolant........................ 8-7
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-6
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
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) ...... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-6
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-6
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 ......................................................... 8-27
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 aiming adjustment ..................... 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-17
11-2
ZX