2003 NISSAN FRONTIER brake

MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve-
hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion.
Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside
the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to
avoid floor panel corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated:
cin areas of high relative humidity.
cin areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing.
cwhere atmospheric pollution exists.cwhere road salt is used.
Temperature
High temperatures accelerate the rate of corro-
sion to those parts which are not well ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use acceler-
ates the corrosion process. Road salt also accel-
erates the disintegration of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION
cWash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.
cAlways check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
cKeep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
and tailgate open to avoid water accumulation.
cCheck the underbody and inside the pick-up
box. If any sand, dirt or salt is accumulated,
wash it off with water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
cNEVER remove dirt, sand or other de-
bris from the passenger compartment
by washing it out with a hose. Remove
dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
cNever allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this may
damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines,
brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and corro-
sion, which may be required in some areas, con-
sult a NISSAN dealer.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care7-5
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level...................8-9
Changing engine coolant.......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-14
Power steering fluid...............................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-16
Brake fluid....................................8-16
Clutch fluid...................................8-17
Window washer fluid.............................8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-17
Battery..........................................8-18
Jump starting.................................8-19
Drive belts.......................................8-20Spark plugs......................................8-21
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-21
Air cleaner.......................................8-23
In-cabin Microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-23
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-26
Cleaning.....................................8-26
Replacing....................................8-26
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-27
Checking parking brake........................8-27
Checking brake pedal..........................8-27
Brake booster.................................8-28
Fuses...........................................8-29
Passenger compartment.......................8-29
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-30
Lights...........................................8-31
Headlights....................................8-31
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-32
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-34
Wheels and tires.................................8-37
Tire pressure..................................8-37
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
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Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for any
loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet .
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricatehinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links as
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
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 steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, 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 positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully. Check
the brake booster function. Be certain to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the pedal 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) position
mechanismCheck that the lock release button
on the shift selector lever operates properly 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 (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
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 more than 10 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 between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
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, deformation, 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. Ve-
hicles 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 ofexhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances 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 thor-
oughly 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 imme-
diately.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For automatic transmission mod-
els, 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 har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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KA24DE engine
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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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VG33E engine
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(A/T model)
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
6. Air cleaner
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Battery
WDI0269
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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VG33ER engine
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
(A/T model)
4. Supercharger
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Battery
WDI0270
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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