2002 NISSAN FRONTIER check transmission fluid

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning lightorAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator lightCRUISE main switch indicator lightPassenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light (except crew cab
models)
Seat belt warning light and chimeCruise SET switch 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 tempera-
ture warning light (model)
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)Door open warning light (if so
equipped)
Low fuel warning light
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 AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. 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.
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.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control shift lever is not secured
in any drive position while the automatic
transmission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, the vehicle may move unexpect-
edly.
Shift the transfer control shift lever into the
2H, 4H, or 4L position when the warning
light comes on.
cWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer control shift lever is in 2H, 4H, or
4L and the parking brake is set.
cIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
control shift lever is in the N (Neutral)
position.c
Failure to engage the transfer control shift
lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting in
serious personal injury or property dam-
age.
WARNING
cIf 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.
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''
Instruments and controls2-11
ZX

cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See9Warning/Indicator lights and au-
dible reminders9in the9Instruments and
controls9section.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is preferred.
The selector lever 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 re-
moved from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the selector lever is in one of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral), and
fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3.With your foot off the accelerator
pedal,turn the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.cIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, depress
the accelerator pedal fully and hold it
to help start the engine.
cIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Always allow the engine to idle for at
least 30 seconds after starting. Drive at a
moderate speed for a short distance first,
especially in cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINESTARTING THE ENGINE
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Exterior maintenance.........................................8-3
Interior maintenance ..........................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-7
Engine cooling system .........................................8-10
Checking engine coolant level ........................8-10
Changing engine coolant ................................8-11
Engine oil .............................................................8-11
Checking engine oil level ................................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................................8-13
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-14
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-15
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-15
Power steering fluid..............................................8-17
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-17
Window washer fluid ............................................8-18
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................8-18
Battery ..................................................................8-18Jump starting ...................................................8-20
Drive belts ............................................................8-20
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-21
Replacing spark plugs
(except supercharger) .....................................8-22
Replacing spark plugs
(with supercharger)..........................................8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................8-23
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-25
Cleaning ..........................................................8-25
Replacing .........................................................8-25
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-26
Checking parking brake...................................8-26
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-26
Brake booster ..................................................8-27
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-28
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-28
Fuses ....................................................................8-29
Passenger compartment .................................8-29
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-30
Lights ....................................................................8-31
Headlights ........................................................8-31
ZX

Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
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. to
ensure 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.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operatesproperly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the selector
lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZX

1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (A/T
model)
3. Air cleaner
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Radiator cap
10. Coolant reservoir
11. Battery
WDI0087
KA24DE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ZX

8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.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).
ADI1067
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZX