2002 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

Welcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle has been
delivered to you with confidence. It was
produced using the latest techniques and
strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you
understand the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many
miles of driving pleasure. Please read
through this manual before operating your
vehicle.
In the U.S., a separate Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet or in Canada, a Warranty
and Roadside Assistance Information
Booklet explains details about the war-
ranties covering your vehicle. The
ªNISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guideº explains details about maintain-
ing and servicing your vehicle. Addition-
ally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon
Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how
to resolve any concerns you may have
with your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your ve-
hicle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.READ FIRST - THEN DRIVE
SAFELY
Before driving your vehicle please read this
owner's manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements, assisting you in the safe op-
eration of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and complete trip for
you and your passengers
²NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
²ALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for con-
ditions.
²ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
²ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.²
ALWAYS review this owner's manual
for important safety information.
For descriptions specified for four-wheel
drive models, amark is placed at
the beginning of the applicable
sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
off-road use, failure to operate four-
wheel drive models correctly may result
in loss of control or an accident. Be sure
to read ``Driving safety precautions '' in
the ``Starting and driving'' section of this
manual.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for off-road use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly may re-
sult in loss of control or an accident.
Be sure to read ªOn-pavement and off-
road driving precautionsº, and ``Avoiding
collision and rollover'', and ªDriving
safety precautionsº, in the ªStarting and
drivingº section of this manual.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
Foreword
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Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN's commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling
design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San
Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Technical Center North America in Farmington
Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs
nearly 18,000 people throughout the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional
71,000 people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
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Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems
Seats ......................................................................1-2
Seat adjustment ................................................1-2
Tilting rear bench seat
(Crew Cab models only)....................................1-4
Jump seats (if so equipped)...................................1-5
Head restraint adjustment ......................................1-5
Supplemental restraint system ...............................1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...............................................................1-6
Passenger supplemental air bag on/off
switch and light (except Crew Cab
models) ............................................................1-13
Supplemental air bag warning labels ..............1-16
Supplemental air bag warning light .................1-16
Seat belts .............................................................1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage ......................1-18
Child safety ......................................................1-19Pregnant women .............................................1-21
Injured persons ................................................1-21
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .........1-21
Two-point type seat belt without
retractor (Jump seat in King Cab
models and center of rear seat in Crew
Cab models) ...........................................................
Seat belt extenders .........................................1-26
Seat belt maintenance ....................................1-26
Child restraints .....................................................1-27
Precautions on child restraints ........................1-27
Installation on rear bench seat center
position (Crew Cab models only) ....................1-29
Installation on rear bench seat outboard
positions (Crew Cab models only) ..................1-31
Top tether strap child restraint ........................1-36
Installation on front passenger seat ................1-37
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light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following system conditions
occur, the supplemental air bag and pre-
tensioner seat belt systems need servicing
and should be taken to an authorized
NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System (supplemental air bag or
pre-tensioner seat belt systems) may not
function properly. It must be checked and
repaired.WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag or pre-tensioner
seat belt systems will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag modules are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag warning light remains
illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done only by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
pre-tensioner seat belts and related parts
should be pointed out to the person conduct-
ing the maintenance.
The ignition key must always be in the
LOCK position when working under the
hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
c
Once the supplemental front air bag
has inflated, the air bag module will
not function and must be replaced.
Additionally, if any of the supplemen-
tal airbags inflate, the pre-tensioner
seat belts must also be replaced. The
air bag module and pre-tensioner
seat belt system should be replaced
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
air bag module and pre-tensioner
seat belt system cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle, or replaced if the supple-
mental air bag has inflated.
cIf you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat
belt system or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
and pre-tensioner seat belt system
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-17
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Unfastening the seat belt
To unfasten the belt, press the button on the
buckle.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the in-
stalled seat belts. The extender adds ap-
proximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position. See an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
cAdults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use
could result in serious personal in-
jury in the event of an accident.Never use seat belt extenders to in-
stall child restraints. If the child re-
straint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a
collision or sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpet. Then wipe with a cloth and allow
the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
c
Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such
as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible
wires and anchors, work properly. If
loose parts, deterioration, cuts or other
damage on the webbing is found, the
entire seat belt assembly should be re-
placed.
ARS1058
1-26Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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in the ``Maintenance and 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
c
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.
cPressing 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.
cIf 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.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system
is not functioning properly. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see an authorized NISSAN dealer im-
mediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
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.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
See ``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine
as soon as it is safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Low washer fluid warning
light
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
2-12Instruments and controls
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necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion of this manual.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON or
START, and remains illuminated until the
driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same
time, the chime sounds for about seven
seconds unless the driver seat belt is se-
curely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
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 air bag and pre-tensionerseat belt systems need servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to an authorized
authorized NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal air bag system and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belts may not function properly. For
additional details, see the ``Seats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systems'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag or pre-tensioner
seat belt system will not operate in an
accident.
Passenger supplemental air
bag OFF indicator light (ex-
cept Crew Cab models)
The passenger supplemental air bag is
equipped with an ON/OFF switch. The
switch is located in the center of the instru-
ment panel. When the switch is turned to
the ON position, the passenger supplemen-
tal air bag is enabled and could inflate in a
frontal collision. When the switch is turned
to the OFF position, the passenger supple-
mental air bag is disabled and will not inflate
in a frontal collision. The passenger supple-
mental air bag OFF indicator light on the
instrument panel illuminates when the pas-
senger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch is turned to the OFF position. The
driver's side supplemental air bag always
remains enabled and is not affected by the
passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch. The key for the passenger supple-
mental air bag ON/OFF switch should not
be left in the switch. Remove the key after
turning the switch in the desired position. Do
not leave a key in the switch. See ªPassen-
ger supplemental air bag ON/OFF switch
and lightº in the9Seats, restraints and
Instruments and controls
2-13
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