2006 NISSAN FRONTIER automatic transmission

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
Type A
WDI0282
Type B
LDI0468
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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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) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 21 1/8gal 17-5/8 gal 80 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *8
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change
QR25DE5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, or GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
With oil filter change
VQ40DE5-3/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 5.1 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 2-1/2 gal 2-1/8 gal 9.4
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ40DE 2-3/4 gal 2-1/4 gal 10.2
Manual transmission gear oil5M/T 3 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.89 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
6 M/T 4X2 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 3.98 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
6 M/T 4X4 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt 4.18
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*5
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*6 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*7
Transfer fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid*5, *10
Front final drive oil— — — API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil *9, *10
Rear final drive oil (except 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles)— — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Oil, *10
Rear final drive oil 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles only— — — API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-140 Gear Oil, *10
Windshield washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*7: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down hill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See9Automatic transmission
park warning light9in the9Instruments and
controls9section and9Using four wheel
drive9in the9Starting and driving9section.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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, forlong steep grades, do not stay in 1st gear
when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) or
2nd gear when driving above 58 MPH (93
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 (805 km) 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.
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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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the vehicle
- Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.
cDown shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific regu-
lations and speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Technical and consumer information9-35
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Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-30
Active head restraint...............1-7
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-48
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-56
Air bag warning labels.............1-64
Air bag warning light...........1-64, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-21
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-29
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Audible reminders................2-21Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-19
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-16, 4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Autolight switch.................2-26
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine............5-9
Belts (See drive belts).............8-18
Booster seats..................1-42
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-29
Brake booster................8-24
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Brake pedal.................8-23
Brake system................5-28Brake warning light.............2-13
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-23
Parking brake check............8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-28
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-12
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-27
Cargo light switch...............2-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-23
CD player (See audio system).........4-19
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-36
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-21, 1-34
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-21, 1-42
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-38
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-17
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
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Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-33
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-19
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-38
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-26
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-41
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-61
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-27
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-24
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-28
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belts....................8-18
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-11Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-32
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-37
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-14
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-10
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-39
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-29
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-28
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-56
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler cap................3-10
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-10
Fuel-filler lid.................3-10
Fuses......................8-24
Fusible links...................8-25
10-2
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Recorders
Event data..................9-39
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-37
Roof rack....................2-43
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts...........1-21, 1-42
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-37
Seat
Jump seat...................1-6
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-15
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children...............1-15
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Pregnant women..............1-16
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-62
Seat belt extenders.............1-20
Seat belt maintenance...........1-21
Seat belts..................1-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-20
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light.............2-16
Seatback pockets................2-40Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-30
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-22, 3-2, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-39
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-11
Manual transmission............5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-20
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-61
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-64
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-11
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-26
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-35
Storage tray...............2-35, 2-36Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-38
Sunroof.....................2-47
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-64, 2-16
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-56
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-48
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-48
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-26
Automatic power window switch.....2-46
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-33
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-32
Fog light switch...............2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-25
Headlight control switch..........2-25
Hill descent control (HDC) switch.....2-31
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-14
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-24
Turn signal switch..............2-28
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-31
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-23
10-5
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