2003 NISSAN FRONTIER engine

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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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors; therefore, additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
found in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Anti-freeze
coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine Nissan Anti-Freeze
coolant (green) or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions or coolant colors, such as orange,
may damage the engine cooling system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WDI0271
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks. This is the normal operating
oil level range. If the oil level is below the L
(Low) mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.Do
not overfill.
KA24DE engine
WDI0272
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0273
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it coun-
terclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
KA24DE engine
WDI0175
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0274
KA24DE engine
WDI0275
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
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5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of properly.
cCheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use thesespecifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0276
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove the splash shield.
cRemove the six push pins.
cRemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.7. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
8. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
11. Install the splash shield.
KA24DE engine
WDI0277
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0278
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away from
any moving parts such as the cooling
fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poison-
ous and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach of
children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR
CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
– The engine should be warmed up to op-
erating temperature.
– The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
– The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to 122 - 176°F (50 - 80°C) .cThe fluid can be checked at fluid temperatures
of 86 - 122°F (30 - 50°C) using the COLD
range on the dipstick after the engine is
warmed up and before driving. However, the
fluid should be re-checked using the HOT
range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range, end-
ing in P (Park) .
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
KA24DE engine
WDI0279
VG33E/VG33ER engine
WDI0280
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Truck/Frontier(d22)
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Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
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.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solution
of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery ter-
minal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly
wash your hands. If the acid contacts
your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.cWhen working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
cBattery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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