2013 NISSAN FRONTIER 4WD

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into 4LO
the
indicator light will come on and
the VDC system will be turned off. See “Us-
ing four wheel drive (4WD)” earlier in this
section.
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it can not prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following:
● The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light will come on in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off
when these indicator lights are off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
● The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering on
slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-37

Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the ve-
hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models with any of the
wheels on the ground as this may cause
serious and expensive damage to the
transfer case and transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
Pulling a stuck vehicle
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious per-
sonal injury or death when recovering a
stuck vehicle:
●Contact a professional towing service
to recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.
WCE0161
Hooks (if so equipped)
LCE0103
In case of emergency6-15

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse. 1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood. 3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
LDI0444WDI0452
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
King Cab 2WD (4 cyl) King Cab 2WD (6 cyl) King Cab 4WD (6 cyl) Crew Cab 2WDCrew Cab 4WD
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2,
*3 3,500 lb. (1,588 kg) 6,505 lb. (2,949 kg) 6,300 lb. (2,858 kg) 6,300 lb. (2,858 kg) 6,100 lb. (2,767 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 350 lb. (158 kg) 650 lb. (295 kg)630 lb. (285 kg)630 lb. (285 kg)610 lb. (276 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating 7,940 lb. (3,600 kg) 11,135 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,135 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,135 lb. (5,050 kg) 11,135 lb. (5,050 kg)
Maximum trailer frontal area 60 sq feet (5.52 sq meters)
*1:
● The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers,
cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
● All towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above
3,000 lb (1,361 kg).
*2: The maximum towing capacity when using the genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 3,500 lb. (1,588 kg) and 350 lb. (158 kg) tongue load.
*3: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
9-28Technical 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

Additional information concerning motor
vehicle safety may be obtained from Trans-
port Canada’s Road Safety Information
Centre at 1-800-333-0371 or online at
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English speak-
ers) or www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere
(French speakers) .
To notify NISSAN of any safety concerns
please contact our Consumer Information
Centre toll free at 1-800-387-0122.
WARNING
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) should never be tested using a two
wheel dynamometer (such as the dyna-
mometers used by some states for emis-
sions testing) , or similar equipment. Make
sure you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle. If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink
after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”. Contact a NISSAN dealer to set the
“ready condition” or to prepare the vehicle for
testing.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-38Technical and consumer information

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

Automatic power window switch......2-49
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch ....2-36
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
systemswitch................2-35
Foglightswitch ...............2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-3
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-28
Headlightcontrolswitch ..........2-28
Hill descent control switch .........2-34
Ignition switch ................5-10
Overdrive switch ...............5-17
Power door lock switch ............3-4
Rear sonar system off switch ........2-37
Rear window defroster switch .......2-27
Turnsignalswitch..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-34
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
T
Tachometer ....................2-6
Tailgate latch ............3-17,3-21,3-22
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start .............2-25,3-2,5-12
Three-way catalyst ................5-3
Tie down hooks .................3-22
Tilting steering wheel ..............3-13
Tire Flat tire .....................6-3
Spare tire ................6-5,8-43
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Tire chains ..................8-40 Tireplacard..................9-12
Tire pressure
.................8-33
Tire rotation..................8-40
Tires of 4-wheel drive ............8-42
Types of tires .................8-39
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-36
Wheels and tires ...............8-33
Wheel/tire size .................9-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .......2-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....5-3
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-29
Towing 2-wheel drive models ............6-14
4-wheel drive models ............6-15
Flattowing..................9-35
Towing load/specification ..........9-28
Towtrucktowing...............6-13
Trailer towing .................9-24
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal Transceiver .....2-54
Transmission Driving with automatic transmission ....5-13
Driving with manual transmission ......5-18
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) ......................9-10
Trip computer ...................2-9
Trip odometer ...................2-4
Truck - camper loading .............9-23
Turn signal switch ................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-36USB interface
Audio file operation ..........4-61,4-63
V
V

anity mirror ...................3-14
Variable voltage control system .........8-18
Vehicledimensionsandweights.........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-37
Vehicle identification ...............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ....9-10
Vehicleloadinginformation...........9-13
Vehicle recovery .................6-15
Vehicle security system .............2-24
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start ......2-25,3-2,5-12
Ventilators ....................4-17
Visors.......................3-14
Voice recognition system ...........4-101
Voltmeter......................2-8
W
Warning 4WDwarninglight..............2-17
Airbagwarninglight.........1-78, 2-20
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-15
Battery charge warning light ........2-16
Brake warning light .............2-16
Door open warning light ...........2-17
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-3
Low fuel warning light ............2-18
10-6