2013 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 with a 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, see
Electric trailer brake controller in 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.
9-32Technical and consumer information

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) (A/T) 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. ●
While going downhill, the weight of the trailer
pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. Therefore, to maintain ad-
equate control, reduce your speed and shift to
a lower gear. Avoid long or repeated use of the
brakes when descending a hill, as this re-
duces their effectiveness and could cause
overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead
provides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.
● If 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.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When 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. ●
Crosswinds 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 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.
● Be 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.
9-34Technical and consumer information

●Downshift 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.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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 fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance 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
●
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO 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.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
● Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
● On 4-wheel drive vehicles, place the transfer
case in the 2H range. Failure to do so will
cause the powertrain to bind up.
● After 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.
Automatic Transmission (if so
equipped)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Technical and consumer information9-35

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-17A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-36
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-63
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-70
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-77
Airbagwarninglight...........1-78,2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-20
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ......4-20,4-28
Air conditioner service ...........4-35
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ....4-17,
4-25, 4-33
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-35
Airflowcharts..............4-22,4-29
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-29
Antenna.....................4-76
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-35
Audible reminders ...............2-24
Audio system ..................4-35
Bluetooth®audio..........4-70,4-71 Compact disc (CD) player . .4-46, 4-51, 4-58
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player
.................4-45
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-49,4-54
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-64,4-66
Audio system Radio ....................4-35
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-75
USB interface ............4-61,4-62
Autolight switch .................2-29
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-49
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUXjack.................4-52,4-60
B
Battery ......................8-16
Chargewarninglight............2-16
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-18
Block heater Engine ....................5-42
Bluetooth®audio............4-70,4-71
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system ..................4-77,4-91 Boosterseats..................1-58
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-35
Brakefluid..................8-14
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-31
Brake system ................5-34
Brake warning light .............2-16
Brake wear indicators ........2-24,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-20
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-inschedule ...............5-22
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-11
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-31
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-15
Bulbreplacement................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargolightswitch ...............2-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-77
CDcareandcleaning .............4-74
CD player (See audio system) . .4-46, 4-51, 4-58
Check tire press .................2-5
Child restraints .......1-23,1-24,1-25,1-27
Precautions
on child
restraints ........1-25,1-36,1-48,1-58
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-29

Push starting...................6-12
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-77
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-45
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-49,4-54
Steering wheel audio control switch ....4-75
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-38
Rear power windows ..............2-49
Rear sliding window ...............2-50
Rear sonar system ................5-40
Rear sonar system off switch ..........2-37
RearViewMonitor................4-11
Rear window defroster switch .........2-27
Recorders Eventdata..................9-39
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 .....................2-46
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-25,1-36,1-48,1-58
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-37Seat
Jumpseat ...................1-6
Seat adjustment Frontmanualseatadjustment ........1-2
Front power seat adjustment .........1-4
Seatback pockets ................2-44
Seat belt Childsafety..................1-23
Infants and small children ..........1-24
Injured Person ................1-18
Largerchildren................1-24
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-15
Pregnant women ...............1-18
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .......1-76
Seatbeltextenders .............1-22
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-23
Seatbelts...................1-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-22
Three-point type with retractor .......1-18
Seat belt warning light ..............2-19
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.................2-33
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Security indicator light ..............2-22
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-25,3-2,5-12
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-23
Service manual order form ...........9-39
Servicing air conditioner .............4-35
Setting button ...................4-7
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-14
Manual transmission .............5-18
Shiftlockrelease.................5-16 Shoulder belt height adjustment
........1-22
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems) . . .1-75
Sonar Rear system .................5-40
Spark plug replacement .............8-19
Speedometer ...................2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-77
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Jump starting .................
6-10
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-12
Starting the engine .............5-12
Steering Power steering fluid .............8-14
Power steering system ...........5-34
Tilting steering wheel ............3-13
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-75
Stoplight.....................8-31
Storage......................2-38
Storage tray ................2-38,2-40
Sunglasses case .................2-42
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-50
Sun visors ....................3-14
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-77
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-78, 2-20
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-70
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-77
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-63
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-63
Switch Autolight switch ...............2-29
10-5