2010 NISSAN FRONTIER differential

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-5
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-6
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Driving safety precautions.......................5-7
Ignition switch.....................................5-9
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-11
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped)...............................5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-12
Starting the engine...............................5-12
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)..........5-13
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-17
Parking brake....................................5-19Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-20
Precautions on cruise control...................5-20
Cruise control operations.......................5-20
Break-in schedule................................5-21
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-22
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-23
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-30
Parking/parking on hills............................5-31
Power steering...................................5-32
Brake system....................................5-32
Brake precautions.............................5-32
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-33
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-34
Hill descent control system (if so equipped).........5-36
Hill start assist system (if so equipped)..............5-37
Cold weather driving..............................5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-37
Anti-freeze....................................5-37
Battery.......................................5-37

When the vehicle is stuck,
cSet the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
cUse the Electronic Locking Rear Differential
(E-Lock) system (if so equipped) . Turn the
switch ON while the vehicle is stationary and
apply the throttle to try to free the vehicle.
cIf it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the
vehicle back and forth between reverse and
drive gears.
cIf the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, place
stones or wooden blocks under the tires.
Then try the recovery procedures above. Tire
chains may be effective.
CAUTION
cDo not spin the tires excessively. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
cAvoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shift switch operations
cShift the 4WD shift switch to either the
2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
cIf the 4WD shift switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the key switch is
turned off while in the 4H or 4LO posi-
tion, you may feel a jolt. This is not
abnormal.cWhen the vehicle is stopped after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt
after the shift selector is shifted to N or
P. This occurs because the transfer
clutch is released and not because of a
malfunction.
CAUTION
cWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shift switch when
making a turn or reversing.
cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears (D1 or D2) or
manual transmission (1st gear or 2nd
gear) for engine braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
cBefore placing the 4WD shift switch in
the 4H position from 2WD, ensure the
vehicle speed is less than 62 MPH (100
km/h) . Failure to do so can damage the
4WD system.
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD0145
Starting and driving5-27

The E-Lock system can provide additional trac-
tion and should only be used when a vehicle has
become or is becoming stuck. This system oper-
ates by electronically “locking” the two rear drive
wheels together, allowing them to turn at the
same speed. The system is used when it is not
possible to free a stuck vehicle even when using
the 4LO position (4 wheel drive vehicles) .
When added traction is required, activate the
E-Lock system by pushing the switch ON. See
“Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem switch” in the “Instruments and Controls”
section. Once the system fully engages, the indi-
cator light in the instrument panel will remain ON.
When the system is activated, both rear wheels
will engage, providing added traction.
The rear wheels may momentarily slip or move to
engage the system, and the system will only
engage up to approximately 4 MPH (7 km/h) .
Once the vehicle is free, the system should be
turned OFF and driving resumed.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) system is disabled
and the ABS light illuminates when the E-Lock
system is ON. Also, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system is disabled and the VDC light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.WARNING
cNever leave the E-Lock system ON
when driving on paved or hard-surfaced
roads. Turning the vehicle may result in
the rear wheels slipping and result in an
accident and personal injury. After us-
ing the E-Lock system to free the ve-
hicle, turn the system OFF.
cUse the E-Lock system only when free-
ing a stuck vehicle. Try the 4LO position
before using the E-Lock system. Never
use the E-Lock system on a slippery
road surface such as snow or ice sur-
face. Using the E-Lock system when
driving in these road conditions may
cause unexpected movement of the ve-
hicle during engine braking, accelerat-
ing or turning, which may result in an
accident and serious personal injury.
CAUTION
cAfter using the E-Lock system, turn the
switch OFF to prevent possible damage
to driveline components from extended
use.
cDo not drive the vehicle at speeds faster
than 12 mph (20 km/h) when the system
is engaged. Doing so could damage
drivetrain components.
cDo not turn on the E-lock system while
the tires are spinning. Doing so could
damage drivetrain components.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
5-30Starting and driving

3. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into
the T-shaped opening of the spare tire
winch. Apply pressure to keep the jack rod
engaged in the spare tire winch and turn the
jack rod counterclockwise to lower the
spare tire.4. Once the spare tire is completely lowered,
reach under the vehicle, remove the retainer
chain, and carefully slide the tire from under
the rear of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Be sure to center the spare tire suspend-
ing plate on the wheel and then lift the
spare tire.
Jacking up vehicle and removing the
damaged tire
WARNING
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cUse only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the
jack provided with your vehicle on other
vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting
only your vehicle during a tire change.
cUse the correct jack-up points. Never
use any other part of the vehicle for jack
support.
cNever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.cNever use blocks on or under the jack.
cDo not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the
vehicle to move. This is especially true
for vehicles with limited slip
differentials.
cDo not allow passengers to stay in the
vehicle while it is on the jack.
cNever run the engine with a wheel(s) off
the ground. It may cause the vehicle to
move.
Always refer to the illustration for the correct
placement and jack-up points for your specific
vehicle model and jack type.
Carefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instruc-
tions.
1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by
turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut
wrench.Do not remove the wheel nuts
until the tire is off the ground.
WCE0070
6-6In case of emergency

Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
cThe use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, VDC system, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
cIf your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.cIf the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics, affect
the VDC system and/or interference
with the brake discs/drums. Such inter-
ference can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.
cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.cDo not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not
recommended.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41

Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent *5
Transfer fluid 2-1/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 2.0 Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *6
Front final drive oil 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt 0.85 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API
GL-5 SAE 80W-90
Rear final drive oil (except 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles) 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6 Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 syn-
thetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 *7
Rear final drive oil 6 speed MT and O/R vehicles only 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0 Genuine NISSAN differential oil synthetic 75W-140 or API GL-5 syn-
thetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140 *8
Windshield washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or
Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is notcovered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle limited warranty.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid may also be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*6: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF may cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may damage the transfer, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: See your NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-37
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-27
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-39
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).......4-35
Heater and air conditioner controls . .4-2, 4-10
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..................5-20
Cup holders...................2-42
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag. . . .1-69
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window defroster switch.......2-26
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-29
Door locks.....................3-3
Door open warning light.............2-15
Drive belt.....................8-18
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-37
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-13
Driving with manual transmission......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel..................5-22
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-30
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-34
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-37
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-12
Block heater.................5-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-9
Changing engine oil.............8-11
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.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Event data recorders..............9-38
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2F
First aid kit.....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-30
Flat tire.......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
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...........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-65
Front seats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-22
Fuel gauge...................2-7
Fuel octane rating...............9-5
Fuel recommendation.............9-4
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

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.....1-26, 1-33, 1-42, 1-52
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..................1-24
Infants and small children..........1-25
Injured Person................1-19
Larger children................1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-16
Pregnant women...............1-19
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-70
Seat belt extenders.............1-23
Seat belt maintenance............1-24
Seat belts...................1-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-23
Three-point type with retractor.......1-19
Seat belt warning light..............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-42Seats
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........1-23
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-69
Spark plug replacement.............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label................1-71
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-12
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-11
Starting 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......4-35
Stop light.....................8-30
Storage......................2-36
Storage tray................2-36, 2-38
Sun visors....................3-12Sunglasses case.................2-40
Sunroof (see Moonroof).............2-48
Supplemental air bag warning labels......1-71
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-72, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-65
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-71
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-57
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-57
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-27
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.......2-30
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-26
Headlight control switch..........2-26
Hill descent control switch.........2-33
Ignition switch.................5-9
Overdrive switch...............5-16
Power door lock switch............3-4
Rear window defroster switch.......2-26
Turn signal switch..............2-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-32
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Tailgate latch............3-15, 3-17, 3-18
10-5