2016 NISSAN FRONTIER brake

Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg).
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
A, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system. General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
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.
LTI0132
9-32Technical and consumer information

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 (907 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 (1,587 kg).
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper is consid-
ered 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 (2,268 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 (4,535 kg). A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
CAUTION
●Special 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.
● The hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches. ●
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
● To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
● Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
● When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
● Trailer 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
Technical and consumer information9-33

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 system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain 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, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer or reputable trailer dealer. Ve-
hicles equipped with the optional trailer tow
package are equipped with a 7-pin trailer har-
ness connector. A flat 4–pin harness is available
from your dealer for vehicles without a tow pack- age. 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 avail-
able 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, refer to “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.
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.
9-34Technical and consumer information

Pre-towing tips
●Be 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
● Load 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.
● Check 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.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
●
Determine 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.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When 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 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) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. For additional information,
refer to “Automatic transmission park warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section and “Using four wheel drive (4WD)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
Technical and consumer information9-35

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 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.
● 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 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 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.
● 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.
9-36Technical and consumer information

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:● How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
● Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
● How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
● How fast the vehicle was traveling.
● Sounds 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
the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu-
facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such
as law enforcement, that have the special equip-
ment, can read the information if they have ac-
cess to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data will only
be accessed with the consent of the vehicle
owner or lessee or as otherwise required or per-
mitted by law. Genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for this model
year and prior can be purchased. A Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of
service and repair information for your vehicle.
This manual is the same one used by the factory-
trained technicians working at NISSAN dealer-
ships. Genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals can
also be purchased.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of Genuine
NISSAN Service Manuals,
contact:
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of Genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manuals, contact:
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual, for this model
year and prior, please contact your nearest
NISSAN dealer. For the phone number and loca-
tion of a NISSAN dealer in your area, call the
NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-387-0122
and a bilingual NISSAN representative will assist
you.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR) OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information9-41

10 Index
4WDwarninglight...............2-15A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-36
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-70
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-77
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-85
Airbagwarninglight...........1-85,2-20
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-85, 2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-25
Air conditioner service ...........4-35
Air conditioner specification label .....9-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-8
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-8
Heater and air conditioner
controls............4-16,4-22,4-33
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-35
Airflowcharts..............4-19,4-26
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-32
Antenna .....................4-70
Antifreeze ....................5-42 Anti-lock brake warning light
..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-35
Apps .......................4-70
Audible reminders ...............2-24
Audio system ..................4-35
AMradioreception.............4-36
Bluetooth®audio..........4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-45, 4-50, 4-56
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-43
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-47,4-51
FMradioreception.............4-35
iPod® Player .............4-61,4-63
iPod® player operation .......4-61,4-63
Radio ....................4-35
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-69
USB interface ............4-57,4-59
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port..................4-57,4-59
Autolight switch .................2-30
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-50
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-15
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUXjack.................4-46,4-57 B
Back button ....................4-7
Battery ..................5-42, 8-17
Charge warning light ............2-17
Battery replacement ..............8-28
Keyfob................8-28,8-29
Before starting the engine ...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-43
Bluetooth® audio ............4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system..............4-75,4-90,4-101
Boosterseats..................1-65
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-35
Brake fluid ..................8-15
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-32
Brake system ................5-34
Brakewarninglight.............2-16
Brakewearindicators........2-24,8-24
Parking brake operation ..........5-20
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-24
Brake fluid ....................8-15
Brakes ......................8-24
Brake system ..................5-34
Break-inschedule ...............5-23
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-32

Engine oil viscosity..............9-8
Engine serial number ............9-13
Engine specifications .............9-9
Starting the engine .............5-13
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-6
Engineoilpressuregauge............2-8
Enterbutton....................4-4
Event Data recorders ..............9-41
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
Extendedstorageswitch ............8-27
F
First aid kit .....................6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire ....................6-3,6-4
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutchfluid..................8-16
Engine coolant .................8-9
Engine oil ...................8-11
Power steering fluid .............8-15
Windshield-washerfluid...........8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-13
Foglightswitch .................2-33
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-77
Front power seat adjustment ...........1-5
Frontseats.....................1-2 Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-24
Fuel gauge ...................2-7
Fuel octane rating ...............9-6
Fuel recommendation .............9-5
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-5,3-11
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System Tirepressure.................8-34
Fuel-filler door ..................3-11
Fuelgauge.....................2-7
Fuses.......................8-25
Fusiblelinks ...................8-26
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-54,2-55,2-56,2-57
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 .................2-9
Trip odometer .................2-4
Voltmeter....................2-8
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-43 H
Hands-free phone system,
Bluetooth®............4-75,4-90,4-101
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlightandturnsignalswitch........2-29
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-29
Headlights....................8-30
Head restraints ..................1-10
Heated seats ...................2-34
Heater Heater and air conditioner
controls .............4-16,4-22,4-33
Heater operation ........4-18,4-24,4-33
Hill descent control switch ...........2-35
Hill descent control system ...........
5
-40
Hill start assist system ..............5-40
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-54,2-55,2-56,2-57
Hoodrelease...................3-10
Horn .......................2-33
I
Ignition switch ..................5-10
Immobilizer system ............2-25,5-12
Important vehicle information label .......9-13
In-cabin microfilter ................8-22
Increasing fuel economy .............5-24
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).............2-14,2-15,2-20
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-15
Instrument brightness control ..........2-32
10-3