2008 NISSAN FRONTIER steering

For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , refer to “Flat towing”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSANTwo-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) , as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to
the transmission. If it is necessary to
tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised always use towing dollies under
the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Turn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure
the steering wheel by turning the ig-
nition key to the LOCK position. This
may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
ACE1019
In case of emergency6-13
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed specifi-
cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the re-
covery device manufacturer’s instructions.
Attach the tow strap to the towing hook.
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
cDo not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
CAUTION
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle or the towing hooks (if so
equipped) . Otherwise, the vehicle body
will be damaged.
cUse the towing hook (if so equipped)
only to free a vehicle stuck in sand,
snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle
for a long distance using only the tow-
ing hook.
cThe towing hook is under tremendous
force when used to free a stuck vehicle.
Never pull the hook at an angle.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle.
c
Pulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System
(if so equipped) .
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear
an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.
cShift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) .
cApply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
cRelease the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
cDo not spin the tires above 35 mph (55
km/h) .
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few
tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
LCE0103
In case of emergency6-15
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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 belt........................................8-18
Spark plugs......................................8-19
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-19
Air cleaner.......................................8-20
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-21
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-22
Cleaning.....................................8-22
Replacing....................................8-22
Brakes..........................................8-23
Fuses...........................................8-24
Engine compartment...........................8-25
Passenger compartment.......................8-26
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-30
Wheels and tires.................................8-33
Tire pressure..................................8-33
Tire labeling...................................8-36
Types of tires..................................8-39
Tire chains....................................8-40
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-40
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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 (lug 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 tire replacement
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. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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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.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid levels*Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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QR25DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/Fusible link box
3. Fuse and relay box
4. Air cleaner
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Brake fluid reservoir/
Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
8. Drive belt location
9. Radiator cap
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Battery
12. Engine coolant reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0643
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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VQ40DE engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/fusible link box
3. Fuse and relay box
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Drive belt location
9. Radiator cap
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Battery
12. Engine coolant reservoir
WDI0633
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
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.
WDI0256
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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