2003 NISSAN FRONTIER tow

s2Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until you
hear and feel the latch engage.
The retractor is designed to lock during a
sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion permits the seat belt to move, and
allows you some freedom of movement in
the seat.s3Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
s4Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack.
The front passenger seat belt and the rear three-
point seat belts (Crew Cab only) have a cinching
mechanism for child restraint installation. It is
referred to as the automatic locking mode.
When automatic locking mode is activated the
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the seat
belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully
retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in the
emergency locking mode. See “Child restraints”
later in this section for more information.The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the locking mode should not be acti-
vated. If it is activated it may cause uncom-
fortable seat belt tension.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that the seatbacks are completely se-
cured in the latched position. If they are
not completely secured, passengers may
be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
WRS0137WRS0138
1-24Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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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
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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
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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
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1. Key
2. Key plate
A key number plate is supplied with your keys.
Record the key number and keep it in a safe place
(such as your wallet) , not in the vehicle. If you lose
your keys, see a NISSAN dealer for duplicates by
using the key number. NISSAN does not record
key numbers so it is very important to keep track
of your key number plate.
A key number is only necessary when you have
lost all keys and do not have 1 to duplicate from.
If you still have a key, this key can be duplicated
by a NISSAN dealer or locksmith.
WARNING
cAlways have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat belts,
this provides greater safety in the event
of an accident by helping to prevent
persons from being thrown from the
vehicle. This also helps keep children
and others from unintentionally open-
ing the doors, and will help keep out
intruders.
cBefore opening any door, always look
for and avoid oncoming traffic.
cDo not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
LOCKING WITH KEY
Manual
To lock either the driver or passenger side door,
turn the key toward the front of the vehicle
s1.To
unlock, turn it toward the rear
s2.
WPD0152
Driver’s side
WPD0153
KEYS DOORS
3-2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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Power (if so equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the theft
warning system,the power door lock system
allows you to lock or unlock all doors at the same
time.
Turning the key toward the front
s1of the vehicle
locks all doors.
Turning the key 1 time toward the rear
s2of the
vehicle unlocks that door. From that position,
returning the key to neutral
s3(where the key can
only be removed and inserted) and turning it
toward the rear again
s4within 5 seconds un-
locks all doors.
LOCKING WITH INSIDE LOCK
KNOB
To lock the door without the key, move the inside
lock knob to the lock position
s1, then close the
door.
To unlock the door without the key, move the
inside lock knob to the unlock position
s2.
LOCKING WITH POWER DOOR
LOCK SWITCH (if so equipped)
To lock all the doors without a key, push the door
lock switch (driver or front passenger side) , to the
lock position
s1, then close the door. When
locking the door this way, be certain not to leave
the key inside the vehicle.
To unlock all the doors without a key, push the
door lock switch (driver or front passenger side)
to the unlock position
s2.
When the power door lock switch (driver or pas-
senger side) is moved to the lock position with
the key in the ignition and any door open, all doors
will lock and then unlock automatically.
Driver’s side
WPD0154
Inside lock
WPD0155
Driver’s side
WPD0156
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-3
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Installing the tailgate
1. Insert the tailgate into the right side hinge.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle and
insert into the left side hinge.
3. Continue to hold the tailgate at a 45 degree
angle and attach the tailgate support cables.
4. Close the tailgate securely.
Locking the tailgate
To lock the tailgate, turn the key toward the pas-
senger side of the vehicle
s1. To unlock, turn the
key toward the driver side
s2.
TIE DOWN HOOKS
For your convenience, tie down hooks are placed
at each corner of the truck box. These may be
used to help secure cargo loaded into the truck
box.
cThe weight of the cargo load must be evenly
distributed over both the front and the rear
axles.
cAll cargo should be securely fastened with
ropes or straps to prevent it from shifting or
sliding within the vehicle.
WPD0177WPD0178
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-17
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cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
The low tire pressure warning system monitors
tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) .
The low tire pressure warning system will activate
only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
20 MPH (32 km/h) . Also, this system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for ex-
ample a flat tire while driving) .Frequently check the tire pressure and adjust
pressure of each tire properly.
Flat tire warning
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 27 psi, 190 kPa) , the low
tire pressure warning light comes on and the
chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Warning/indicator lights and au-
dible reminders” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section.
WARNING
cIf the low tire pressure warning 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 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. (See “Flat tire” in the “In case
of emergency” section for changing a
flat tire.)
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.
Starting and driving5-3
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