2002 NISSAN FRONTIER fuel

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
(except Supercharger)
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
(Supercharger)
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not
available, unleaded regular gasoline with
an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Re-
search octane number 91) can be used,
but only under the following precau-
tions:
cHave the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up
with unleaded premium as soon as pos-
sible.
cAvoid full throttle driving and abrupt ac-
celeration.
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
the warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their
presence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle perfor-
mance problems and/or fuel system dam-
age.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and
have an octane rating no lower than
that recommended for unleaded
gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
c
If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate co-
solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
such methanol blends may cause fuel
system damage and/or vehicle perfor-
mance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure
that all methanol blends are suitable
for use in NISSAN vehicles.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZX

If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvents or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 (except supercharger) or 91
(supercharger) AKI (Anti-Knock Index).
However, for non-supercharged vehicles
only, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in high
altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) suchas: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have an authorized
NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Fail-
ure to correct the condition is misuse of
the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not re-
sponsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This isno cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
Technical and consumer information
9-5
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.
NISSAN recommends the use of a low
friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve en-
ergy. 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
WTI0033
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZX

When planning to drive your NISSAN
vehicle in another country,you should
first find out if the fuel available is suitable
for your vehicle's engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
can be operated with unleaded gasoline.
Therefore, avoid driving your vehicle in ar-
eas where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of
your vehicle to another country, state,
province or district,it may be necessary to
modify the vehicle to meet local laws and
regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications
may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or dis-
trict and registered, its modifications,
transportation and registration are the
responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is
attached to the top of the instrument panel
on the driver's side. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used in
the vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)
CA0018ATI1009
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGIS-
TERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
9-12Technical and consumer information
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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.
Technical and consumer information
9-25
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light ...................... 1-13
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-10
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-16
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-8
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-15
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-36
Antenna...................................................... 4-31
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-26
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-11
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-24
Audio system
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-31
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-21Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-29
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-12
B
Battery........................................................ 8-18
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-26
Brake booster ....................................... 8-27
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-17, 9-3
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-35
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-26
Brake system ........................................ 5-25
Brake warning light ............................... 2-11
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-15, 8-27
Parking brake check ............................. 8-26
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ..................... 2-10Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-35
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-14
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-36
Child restraints ........................................... 1-27
Cigarette lighter and ashtray
(accessory) ................................................ 2-24
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-17
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-28
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-27
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-31
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level ............. 8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
ZX

Cruise control............................................. 5-17
Cup holders ............................................... 2-25
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-19
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-20
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........................................... 5-19
Emission control information label............. 9-14
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-27
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-11
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14Checking engine coolant level ............. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-11
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ......................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......... 2-12
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-22
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-17, 9-3
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-17
Engine coolant ...................................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-13Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-19
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-5
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-29
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-22
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-20
Headlights .................................................. 8-31
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Horn ........................................................... 2-22
10-2
ZX

Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-21
I
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .................................................. 2-10
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-13
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-20
J
Jump seat .................................................... 1-5
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Emission control information label........ 9-14
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-13Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-16
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-35
Bulb check/instrument panel ................ 2-10
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-35
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-20
Headlights ............................................. 8-31
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-31
Passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch and light ...................... 1-13
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-33
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................. 2-10
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Luggage rack (see roof rack) ...................... 3-9
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-3
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-5
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-3Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-26
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-14
Manual windows ........................................ 2-29
Map lights .................................................. 2-33
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-13
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-14
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-13
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system) .................................. 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-11
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-14
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Overdrive switch ............................... 5-13, 5-14
10-3
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