2001 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

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

Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines and cablesCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums and linings
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may have
to be inspected more frequently.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer and differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts and drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving conditions
(
only).
Front wheel bearing grease and free-
running hub greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule (4x2).
Check the wheel bearing and free-running
hub for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule. In case of frequent driv-
ing in muddy water, the bearing grease and
free-running hub grease inspection should
be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components
for proper attachment, damage, deformities,cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance
9-11
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MEMO
9-12Maintenance
ZX

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
Specifications .......................................................10-9
Engine .............................................................10-9
Wheels and tires............................................10-10
Dimensions and weights ...............................10-11
When traveling or 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
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........................10-13
Emission control information label ................10-14
Tire placard....................................................10-14Air conditioner specification label ..................10-14
Installing front license plate................................10-15
Vehicle loading information ................................10-15
Terms.............................................................10-15
Determining vehicle load capacity.................10-16
Securing the load ..........................................10-16
Loading tips ...................................................10-17
Truck-camper loading information......................10-17
Payload weight ratings ..................................10-19
Measurement of weights ...............................10-22
Towing a trailer...................................................10-22
Maximum load limits ......................................10-22
Towing load/specification chart .....................10-24
Towing safety ................................................10-25
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-27
Emission control system warranty .....................10-28
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................10-28
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .....................................................10-29
In the event of a collision ..............................10-31
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
cSAE 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

ENGINE
Model KA24DE VG33E/VG33ER
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60
É
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 3.504 ý 3.780 (89.0 ý 96.0) 3.602 x 3.268 (91.5 x 83.0)
Displacement cu in (cm3) 145.78 (2,389) 199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-2-3-4-5-6
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control Label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing degree (BTDC)
at idle speed degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugPFR5G-11 (Standard) *1
PFR6G-11 (Cold) *1(except Supercharger)
PFR5G-11 (Standard) *1
PFR6G-11 (Cold) *1
PFR4G-11 (Hot) *1(Supercharger)
PFR6G-11 (Standard) *1
PFR7G-11 (Cold) *1
PFR5G-11 (Hot) *1
Spark plug gap Nominal: in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing belt *2
Generator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm) 0.413 x 35.63 (10.5 x 905) 0.701 x 31.69 (17.8 x 805)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at an authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See9Periodic maintenance schedules9in the9Maintenance9section.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Ð Causing Equipment
Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information10-9
ZX

trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either con-
dition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
10-26Technical and consumer information
ZX