2009 NISSAN FRONTIER brakes

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 be
needed 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.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers witha loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes -Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see9Electric trailer brake controller9in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
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6. Make sure theindicator 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. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
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.cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
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.
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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.
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.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations 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 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 frequently.
For additional information, see the “Main-
tenance 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.
Automatic Transmission (if so equipped)
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 (if so equipped)
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.
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-34
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-52
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-60
Air bag warning labels.............1-67
Air bag warning light...........1-67, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation.......4-5, 4-13
Air conditioner service...........4-17
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-2, 4-10
Servicing air conditioner..........4-17
Air flow charts...............4-7, 4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-36
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-33Audible reminders................2-22
Audio system..................4-18
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-18
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-14
AUX jack.....................4-34
B
Battery......................8-16
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Block heater
Engine....................5-39
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-37
Booster seats..................1-46
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-33Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-32
Brake warning light.............2-15
Brake wear indicators........2-22, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-14
Bulb replacement................8-30
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-37
Cargo light switch...............2-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-35
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-29, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints..........1-14, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints............1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-22
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Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-37
Rear power windows..............2-47
Rear sliding window..............2-48
Rear window defogger switch.........2-26
Recorders
Event data..................9-38
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-37
Roof rack....................2-44
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-37
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-14
Injured Person................1-15
Larger children...............1-15Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11
Pregnant women..............1-15
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-65
Seat belt extenders.............1-20
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................2-42
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-32
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-20
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24, 3-2, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-39
Servicing air conditioner............4-17
Shift lock release................5-15
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-13
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-64
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-67
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11Starting the engine.............5-12
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-36
Stop light....................8-30
Storage.....................2-37
Storage tray...............2-37, 2-39
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-40
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-48
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-67
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-67, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-60
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-67
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-52
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-52
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-35
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-34
Fog light switch...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Hill descent control switch.........2-33
Ignition switch................5-9
Overdrive switch..............5-16
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-26
10-5
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