2004 NISSAN FRONTIER maintenance

Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
9-22Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”’ when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h) ,
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 mph (85 - 97 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-25
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X

DYNAMOMETER TESTING FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M)
TEST (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some states/areas,
your vehicle may be tested for emissions on a
dynamometer. The transfer control lever (if so
equipped) MUST be in the 2H position for I/M
testing on a two wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
cIf the transfer control lever is not in the
2H position during the dynamometer
I/M testing, the vehicle could come off
the dynamometer and cause serious
personal injury and/or body damage to
the vehicle.
cSerious damage will occur to the 4WD
system if the transfer control lever is
not in the 2H position.
9-26Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X

Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-27
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Door locks....................3-2
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-20
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-23
Cold weather driving............5-31
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Dual 12 volt power outlets...........2-25
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-24Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-17Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-10
Power steering fluid.............8-16
Window washer fluid............8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuel filler cap................3-11
Fuel filler lid.................3-11
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-11
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-29
G
Gascap.....................3-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-5
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-28
Glove box lock.................2-28
10-2
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X

H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-6
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlights....................8-31
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-23
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs........5-23
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-24
Increasing fuel economy............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-13
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-34
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-39
J
Jump seat.....................1-6Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-18
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-39
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-18, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-33
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-33
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlights..................8-31
Interior light.................2-34Light bulbs..................8-31
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light...............1-16
Spotlights (See map light).........2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-35
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Door locks..................3-2
Glove box lock...............2-28
Power door locks...............3-3
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low tire pressure warning system........5-3
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-30
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-34
Map lights....................2-35
10-3
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X

Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-13
Outside mirror control........3-13, 3-14
Outside mirrors...............3-13
Vanity mirror.................3-13
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-4
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 pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..........3-13, 3-14
Outside mirrors.................3-13
Overdrive switch.............5-15, 5-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-11
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Parking/parking on hills...........5-26
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light.................1-16
Power
Dual 12 volt power outlets.........2-25
Power door locks...............3-3
Power outlet.................2-24
Power steering fluid.............8-16
Power steering system...........5-27
Power windows...............2-32
Rear power windows............2-33
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-4
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-7
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...................4-16FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-28
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear power windows..............2-33
Rear sliding window..............2-34
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)......9-25
Roof rack....................2-30
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-25
Seat
Jump seat...................1-6
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Infants and small children.........1-23
Injured Person................1-24
Larger children...............1-23
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-20
Pregnant women..............1-24
Seat belt extenders.............1-29
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Seat belts..................1-20
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-26
Three-point type with retractor.......1-24
10-4
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
11/21/03Ðdebbie
X