8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-14
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Clutch fluid...................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-15
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-15
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-17
Variable Voltage Control System...................8-17Drive belts.......................................8-18
Spark plugs......................................8-19
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-19
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-20
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-22
Cleaning.....................................8-22
Replacing....................................8-22
Brakes..........................................8-23
Fuses...........................................8-24
Engine compartment...........................8-24
Passenger compartment.......................8-25
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-32
Tire pressure..................................8-32
Tire labeling...................................8-36
Types of tires..................................8-38
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/13/06Ðcathy
X
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts*When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check
for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the grom-
met seal, valve core and cap of the transmitter in
vehicles equipped with TPMS at every tire re-
placement or when reaching the wear limit of the
tires.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet .
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion and keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brakeConfirm that your vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/13/06Ðcathy
X
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance and may lead to
accidents.
VEHICLE LOAD WEIGHT CAPACITY
The vehicle payload weight capacity shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label, see “Tire
and Loading Information label” in this section,
indicates the maximum total weight of passen-
gers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer
hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle is designed
to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See ’’Vehicle Loading
Information’’ earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the Tire and Loading Information label.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axleloads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (GAWR) . The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) . These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/14/06Ðcathy
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Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
c
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
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.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
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 downhill
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.
Technical and consumer information9-31
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/21/06Ðdebbie
X
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, for
long 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.
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 ve-
hicle
- 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.
9-32Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/14/06Ðcathy
X
10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-17
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-32
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-49
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, 2-19
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).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-31
Audible reminders................2-23Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Automatic transmission position
indicator light................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Transmission selector lever
lock release.................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-25
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-16
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Booster seats..................1-43
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-31
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29Brake system................5-30
Brake warning light.............2-16
Brake wear indicators........2-23, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-15
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.....................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-27
Cargo light switch...............2-32
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).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints.......1-13, 1-14, 1-20, 1-22
Precautions on child
restraints............1-20, 1-31, 1-43
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-23
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-17
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/14/06Ðcathy
X
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-36
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Compass display................2-11
Console box...................2-40
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.....2-8
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-43
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-61
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch...............2-27
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-30
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-16
Drive belt....................8-18Driving
Cold weather driving............5-35
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-27
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-35
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-35
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
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. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-16
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11Engine oil pressure gauge............2-9
Event data recorders..............9-36
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch)..................2-31
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.................2-31
Front air bag system (See
supplemental restraint system).........1-56
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuel gauge..................2-9
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
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/14/06Ðcathy
X
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-35
Rear power windows..............2-48
Rear sliding window..............2-49
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch.................2-27
Recorders
Event data..................9-36
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-35
Roof rack....................2-45
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-20, 1-31, 1-43
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-35
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-13
Infants and small children.........1-14
Injured Person................1-15
Larger children...............1-14
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11
Pregnant women..............1-15Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-62
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance...........1-20
Seat belts..................1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-15
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-43
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-33
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-21
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-25, 3-2, 5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-37
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental
side air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems).....................1-61
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-5
SRS warning label...............1-64
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-11Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-30
Tilting steering wheel............3-11
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-26
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-37
Storage tray...............2-37, 2-39
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-41
Sunroof.....................2-49
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-64, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-56
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-49
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-36
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-35
Fog light switch...............2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Hill descent control switch.........2-34
Ignition switch................5-8
Overdrive switch..............5-15
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27
10-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Truck/Frontier(d22)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/09/07Ðdebbie
X