2003 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing 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 driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will 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 a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
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 engine
immediatelyand call a 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 “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered 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 level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
This light warns of low tire pressure.
Flat tire warning
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 27 psi, 190 kPa) , the light
will illuminate and the chime will sound for about
10 seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pressure
warning system” in the “Starting and driving”
section and “Flat tire” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section.
WARNING
cIf the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Instruments and controls2-11
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

cIf the light comes on 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 result
in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all 4 wheels and adjust
the pressure to the COLD tire pressure
shown on the tire placard. If the light
still comes on while driving after adjust-
ing the tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If
you have a flat tire, replace 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.
CAUTION
cThe low tire pressure warning system is
not a substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.cIf the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 20 MPH (32 km/h) , the low
tire pressure warning system may not
operate correctly.
cBe sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Low washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
Passenger supplemental air
bag OFF indicator light (except
Crew Cab models)
The passenger supplemental air bag is equipped
with an ON/OFF switch. The switch is located in
the center of the instrument panel. When the
switch is turned to the ON position, the passen-
ger supplemental air bag is enabled and could
inflate in a frontal collision. When the switch is
turned to the OFF position, the passenger
supplemental air bag is disabled and will not
inflate in a frontal collision. The passenger
supplemental air bag OFF indicator light on the
instrument panel illuminates when the passenger
supplemental air bag ON/OFF switch is turned tothe OFF position. The driver’s side supplemental
air bag always remains enabled and is not af-
fected by the passenger supplemental air bag
ON/OFF switch. The key for the passenger
supplemental 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 “Passenger supplemental
air bag ON/OFF switch and light” in the “Seats,
restraints and supplemental air bag systems”
section for details.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 7 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section for pre-
cautions 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
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

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-tensioner seat belt
systems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
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 supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belts may not function properly.
For additional details see “Supplemental restraint
system” in the “Seats, restraints and supplemen-
tal air bag systems” section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag or pre-tensioner seat belt
systems will not operate in an accident.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
4–wheel drive indicator light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the transfer shift con-
trol lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
cWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H or
4L position and the parking brake is
applied.cFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, which
could cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come on
steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons of fuel
in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Instruments and controls2-13
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has been
detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If the fuel
filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or install
the cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
lamp should turn off after a few
driving trips. If thelamp does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
c
Malfunction indicator lamp blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may dam-
age the emission control system. To reduce or
avoid emission control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission mod-
els only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if the slip indicator blinks on. If
this happens, adjust your driving accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or go
off, have the traction control system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.The system operates in all transmission shift lever
positions, but the system can upshift the trans-
mission only as high as the indicated shift lever
position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the vehicle dynamic control system is
not operating.
Push the vehicle dynamic control off switch again
or restart the engine and the system will operate
normally. See “Vehicle dynamic control” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
2-14Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

while you are driving, have the vehicle dynamic
control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the vehicle dynamic control system is op-
erating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the
system working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are
disturbed.
Security indicator light
The security indicator light shows the status of
the vehicle security system.
The light operates whenever the ignition switch is
in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC position.
The vehicle security system has four phases. For
each phase the operation of the security indicator
light is different.
LIC0359LIC0093
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

How to arm the vehicle security sys-
tem
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close the hood and all doors. Lock all doors.
The doors can be locked with the key, power
door lock switch or with the keyfob.
Keyfob operation:
cPush the
button on the keyfob.
All doors lock. The hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once to indicate
all doors are locked.
cWhen the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep once.
Refer to “Silencing the horn beep fea-
ture” later in this section.
cIf a door is open and you push
the
button the doors lock but the
horn does not chirp and the hazard lights
do not flash.
cConfirm that the SECURITY indicator light
comes on. The SECURITY light stays on forabout 30 seconds and then begins to flash
once every 3 seconds. The system is now
armed. If, during this 30-second time period, a
door is unlocked by the key or the keyfob, or
the ignition key is turned to ACC or ON, the
system will not arm.
cIf the key is turned slowly when locking
the door, the system may not arm. Fur-
thermore, if the key is turned excessively
to the unlock position, the system may
be disarmed when the key is removed. If
the indicator light fails to glow for 30
seconds, unlock the door once and lock
it again.
cEven when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will arm
with all doors and the hood closed and
locked and the ignition key in the OFF
position. Turn the ignition key to the ACC
or ON to turn the security system off.
The vehicle security system is NOT armed if 1 of
the following occurs:
cA door is unlocked or the ignition key is turned
to the ACC or ON position during the 30 sec-
onds in which the SECURITY light stays on.
cThe SECURITY light blinks at a steady 1/2
second on - 1/2 second off rate (a door or the
hood is open and the key is not in the ACC or
LIC0053
2-16Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

ON position) . When the ignition key is turned
to the ACC or ON position, the SECURITY
light turns off.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds in-
termittently. In addition, the starter motor does
not operate.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after about
50 seconds. However, the alarm reactivates if
the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm
can be shut off by unlocking a door with the
key, or by pressing the
button on the
keyfob.
The alarm is activated by:
copening a door without using the key or keyfob
(even if the door is unlocked by releasing the
inside lock knob) .
copening the hood.
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking a door with the
key or by pressing thebutton on the keyfob.
The alarm does not stop if the ignition
switch is turned to ACC or ON.
Silencing the horn beep feature
If desired, the horn beep feature can be deacti-
vated using the keyfob.
To deactivate:Press and hold both the
andbuttons at the same timefor at least
2 seconds.
The hazard lights will quickly flash 3 times to
confirm that the horn beep feature has been
deactivated.
To activate:Press and hold both the
andbuttons at the same timefor at least
2 seconds once more.The hazard lights will quickly flash once and the
horn will sound once to confirm that the horn
beep feature has been reactivated.
Deactivating the horn feature does not silence
the horn if the alarm is triggered.
If the system does not operate as described
above, have it checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WIC0325
Instruments and controls2-17
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
01/14/03Ðarosenma
X

1. Low speed
2. High speed
3. Wash
SWITCH OPERATION
The ignition switch must be in the ON position for
the wipers or washer to be activated.
Push the lever down to operate the windshield
wipers. Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer.
cIntermittent (if so equipped) — intermittent
wiper operation.
1. Intermittent
2. Low speed
3. High speed
4. Wash
5. Intermittent control
6. Mist
cLow speed — continuous low speed opera-
tion.
cHigh speed — continuous high speed opera-
tion.
cWash — pull the lever toward you to operate
the washer function. Operating the washer
automatically cycles the wipers several times.cIntermittent control (if so equipped) — inter-
mittent wiper operation can be adjusted from
1-19 seconds by turning the time control
knob.
cMist (if so equipped) — push the lever up to
activate the mist feature.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
c
Type A
WIC0239
Type B
WIC0240
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
2-18Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
02/25/03Ðbetty
X