2008 NISSAN FRONTIER brake

2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
The genuine NISSAN step bumper is considered
a Class II ball mount.
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Technical and consumer information9-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. A flat 4–pin har-
ness is available from your dealer for vehicles
without a tow package. If your trailer is equipped
with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will beneeded to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle.
Adapters are available at auto parts stores and
hitch retailers.Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer harness
connector are pre-wired for a trailer brake con-
troller. See a NISSAN dealer for a trailer brake
adapter harness.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
9-30Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

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 COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
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.
c
When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-
sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to
reduce chances of engine overloading 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 com-
bination 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.
cDownshift 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.
9-32Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

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 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
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 10 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. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast 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.This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re-
corder (EDR) . The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa-
tions, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understand-
ing how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR
is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this
vehicle is designed to record such data as:
cHow various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
cWhether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
cHow far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
cHow fast the vehicle was traveling.
cSounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better understand-
ing of the circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by
your vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g. name, gender, age and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
9-36Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-32
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-51
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-59
Air bag warning labels.............1-66
Air bag warning light...........1-66, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
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.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-31
Audible reminders................2-21Audio 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
Audio System
Settings...................4-20
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Autolight switch.................2-26
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-24
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-14
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-36BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-27
Booster seats..................1-45
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-31
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-30
Brake warning light.............2-13
Brake wear indicators........2-21, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-28
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-30
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).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints.......1-13, 1-14, 1-21, 1-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

Precautions on child
restraints............1-21, 1-32, 1-45
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
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
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-33
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
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..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-63
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-27Defroster 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 belt....................8-18
Driving
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..................2-32
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-35
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-36
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.....2-6Engine 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.............5-11
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-36
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-29
Flat tire......................6-3
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).....1-59
Front seats....................1-2
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X

Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
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
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-49
Gascap .................3-10, 3-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-38
H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . . .4-27Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-29
Head restraints..................1-6
Active Head Restraint............1-6
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-25
Headlight control switch............2-25
Headlights....................8-28
Heated seats..................2-30
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hill descent control switch...........2-31
Hill descent control system..........5-34
Hill start assist system.............5-34
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-49
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-29
I
Ignition switch..................5-8
Immobilizer system.........2-22, 3-2, 5-10
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-21
Increasing fuel economy............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-13
Inside mirror...................3-12
Instrument brightness control.........2-28
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-28
Interior light...................2-47
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-23J
Jump seat.....................1-5
Jump starting...................6-9
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-27
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-6
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-66
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-23
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-66, 2-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-13
Bulb replacement..............8-30
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-28
10-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X