2003 NISSAN FRONTIER fuel type

1. Tubular step rail
2. Front passenger step
3. Rear passenger step
The tubular step rail has a front and rear step for
assisting passengers getting into and out of the
vehicle.
FUEL FILLER CAP
The fuel filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to remove. To tighten, turn
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.WPD0173
WPD0165
TUBULAR STEP RAIL (if so equipped) FUEL FILLER LID
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-11
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cFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap a third turn, and wait for any “hiss-
ing” sound to stop to prevent fuel from
spraying out and possibly causing per-
sonal injury. Then remove the cap.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
cUse only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.cDo not fill a portable fuel container on a
truck bed liner, rubber truck bed mad,
or other insulating material. Static elec-
tricity can cause an explosion of flam-
mable liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle
or trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.cTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illumi-
nate. If the
lamp illuminates be-
cause 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 the
lamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.
3-12Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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OFF: For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the switch OFF
.
The indicator light in the instrument
panel comes on at this time. When
cruising at a low speed or climbing
a gentle slope, you may feel uncom-
fortable shift shocks as the trans-
mission repeatedly shifts between
3rd and overdrive. In this case, set
the overdrive switch in the
OFF
position.
When driving conditions change, reset the over-
drive switch in the ONposition to turn the
overdrive on. The indicator light goes out at this
time.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the overdrive switch
set in the OFF
position. This reduces fuel
economy.
Overdrive switch (KA24DE engine
type b)
Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive
switch is engaged. The transmission
is upshifted into overdrive as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has reached operating temperature.
OFF: For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is
necessary, push the overdrive
switch once. The O/D OFF indicator
light illuminates at this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts between 3rd
gear and overdrive repeatedly. In this case, press
the overdrive switch.
When driving conditions change, press the over-
drive switch to turn the Overdrive on. The O/D
OFF indicator light goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the O/D OFF light
illuminated. This reduces fuel economy.
WSD0070
Starting and driving5-15
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
US measure Imp measure Liter Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fuel
KA24DE (4cylinder) 15–7/8 gal 13–1/4 gal 60.2 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
VG33E (6 cylinder) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.4
VG33ER (6 cylinder with supercharger) 19–3/8 gal 16–1/8 gal 73.4 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil
Drain and Refill
KA24DE With oil filter 3–3/4 qt 3–1/8 qt 3.5 • API Certification Mark *2
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2
• ILSAC grade GF-1, GF-II & GF-III Without oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
VG33E/VG33ER With oil filter 3–1/2 qt 2–7/8 qt 3.3
Without oil filter 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0
Cooling system (with heater and reservoir tank)
KA24DE M/T 4X2 7–3/4 qt 6–3/8 qt 7.3
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VG33E/VG33ER A/T & M/T 11–5/8 qt 9–5/8 qt 10.95
Manual transmission gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 4–1/4 pt 3–1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 VG33E/VG33ER 4X2 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
4X4 10–3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Final drive gear oil
KA24DE 4X2 M/T 2–3/4 pt 2–1/4 pt 1.3
API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1 or 80W-90 LS*1for Limited Slip Differential (LSD) appli-
cations*2 VG33E/VG33ER 4X4 Front 3–3/4 pt 3–1/8 pt 1.75
Rear 5–7/8 pt 4–7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluid 2–3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 or NISSAN Matic ‘D’ (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.NISSAN Matic ‘D’ (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid.*3
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 – 1.54 (0.60 – 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*5
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN windshield washer concentrate cleaner & anti-freeze
*1: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Dexron™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership formore information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of
Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the cor-
rect quality and viscosity to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. NISSAN recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy con-
serving oil) in order to improve fuel economy and
conserve energy. 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 Petro-
leum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION MARK onthe 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 CERTI-
FICATION MARK, use an API grade SG/SH,
Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL,
Energy Conserving oil. An oil with a single desig-
nation SG or SH, or in combination with other
categories (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may
also be used if one with the API CERTIFICATION
MARK cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I,
GF-II & GF-III oil can also be used.NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must, however, meet the API quality and SAE
viscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance 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
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
WTI0033
Technical and consumer information9-5
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O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..........3-14, 3-15
Outside mirrors.................3-14
Overdrive switch.........5-14, 5-15, 5-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-11
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Parking/parking on hills...........5-25
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light.................1-15
Power
Power door locks...............3-3
Power outlet.................2-24Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-26
Power windows...............2-28
Rear power windows............2-29
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-4
Precautions on child restraints.......1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-19
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting..................6-11
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-24
Rear power windows..............2-29
Rear sliding window..............2-30
Rear window defogger switch.........2-19
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country......................9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-24
Roof rack (see luggage rack)..........3-9S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-24
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-19
Seat belt extenders.............1-28
Seat belt maintenance...........1-28
Seat belts..................1-19
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-25
Three-point type with retractor.......1-23
Two-point type without retractor......1-26
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt)............1-26
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Separate seats...............8-41
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-28
Service manual order form...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission.......5-11, 5-12
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-25
Spark plug replacement............8-21
Speedometer...................2-3
10-4
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Spotlights (See map light)...........2-32
SRS warning label...............1-17
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11
Starting the engine..............5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-26
Tilting steering wheel............3-13
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-28
Step rail.....................3-11
Stop light....................8-34
Storage.....................2-25
Supplemental restraint system
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-6
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-29
Front fog light switch............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch.......5-14, 5-15, 5-16
Passenger supplemental
air bag ON/OFF switch and light.....1-15
Rear window defogger switch.......2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18T
Tachometer....................2-5
Tailgate latch..................3-15
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tie down hooks.................3-17
Tilting steering wheel..............3-13
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-4, 8-41
Tire chains..................8-38
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-37
Tire rotation.................8-39
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-41
Types of tires................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-37
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-13
4-wheel drive models............6-13
Flat towing..................6-15
Tow truck towing..............6-12
Towing load/specification chart......9-20
Trailer towing................9-18
Transfer case..................5-21
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Selector lever lock release.........5-14
Travel (See registering your vehicle
in another country)...............9-10
Truck - camper loading.............9-15Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-20, 2-21
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-28
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.................6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-15
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-12
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Brake warning light.............2-10
Door open warning light..........2-11
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Low fuel warning light...........2-11
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Seat belt warning light...........2-11
Vehicle security system...........2-15
10-5
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