2003 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes at
each wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed at
each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure toprevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system (4-wheel ABS)
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate at
speeds below3-6MPH(5-10km/h) . (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When driving, the anti-lock brake system con-
trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-
ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve-
hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The
system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec-
tronically controls the pressure applied to each
brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS
system is operating. Such vibration and noise
encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob-
lem, but indicates that the system is functioningproperly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS brake
warning light on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
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WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also
be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov-
ered roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re-
sponsibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.
cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might
swerve or slip. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle stability while driving.
cWhen the vehicle dynamic control system is
operating, the slip indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.
cWhen only the traction control system portion
of the vehicle dynamic control system is oper-
ating, the slip indicator will also blink.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is under
slippery conditions. Be sure to drive carefully.
See “Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle dy-
namic control off indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section.
cIndicator light
If malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the in-
strument panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC system uses a Brake Limited Slip Dif-
ferential (LSD) system to improve vehicle trac-
tion. The brake LSD system works when one of
the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery sur-
face. The brake LSD system brakes the spinning
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
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wheel which distributes the driving power to the
other drive wheel. If the vehicle is operated with
the vehicle dynamic control system off, all VDC
and TCS functions will be turned off. The brake
LSD system and ABS will still operate with the
VDC system OFF. If the brake LSD system or the
ABS is activated, the slip indicator light will blink
and you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.WARNING
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
designed to help improve driving stabil-
ity but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
cIf suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs and bushings
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the vehicle dy-
namic control off indicator light may
come on.
cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the vehicle dynamic control system may
not operate properly or the vehicle dy-
namic control off indicator light may
come on. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
cIf the tires other than the recommended
ones are used, the vehicle dynamic con-
trol system may not operate properly or
the vehicle dynamic control off indica-
tor light may come on.cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-29
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ‘‘Engine
cooling system’’ in the ‘‘Maintenance and do-it-
yourself’’ section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size forthe tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class “S” chains.
Class “S” chains are used on vehicles with
restricted wheel well clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed
to meet the minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension
or body component required to accommo-
date the use of a winter traction device (tire
chains or cables) . The minimum clearances
are determined using the factory equipped
tire size. Other types may damage your ve-
hicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using
tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be dam-
aged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack
to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reservoir
tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
An engine block heater to assist in extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving5-31
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5-32Starting and driving
MEMO

6 In case of emergency
First aid kit (if so equipped).........................6-2
Flat tire...........................................6-2
Low tire pressure warning system
(if so equipped)................................6-2
Changing a flat tire.............................6-3
Jump starting.....................................6-9Push starting.....................................6-11
If your vehicle overheats...........................6-11
Towing your vehicle...............................6-12
Towing recommended by Nissan................6-13
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle).........6-14
Flat towing....................................6-15
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A first aid kit is located behind the driver seat. To
remove the first aid kit:
s1Squeeze the latch buttons.
s2Pull the two straps apart to unfasten.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) . If
the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or
extremely low tire pressure (lower than 10 psi, 70
kPa) , the low tire pressure warning system will
activate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure
warning light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h) . For more details, please refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section, and
“Low tire pressure warning system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section.
WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning light
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Serious vehicle
damage could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure shown on the
tire placard. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated and the low tire pressure
warning system will not function. Con-
tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
cDo not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
LCE0068
FIRST AID KIT (if so equipped) FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
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