2017 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 ....................................5-6
Avoiding collision and rollover . . ..................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Driving safety precautions .......................5-8
Ignition switch .................................... 5-10
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-12
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-12
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ..........5-14
Manual transmission (if so equipped) ............5-18
Parking brake .................................... 5-20Cruise control (if so equipped) . .
...................5-21
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-21
Cruise control operations .......................5-21
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-22
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-23
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-24
Using four wheel drive (4WD)
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-24
Transfer case shifting procedures . . .............5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) system
(if so equipped) .................................. 5-31
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-33
Power steering ................................... 5-34
Brake system .................................... 5-34
Brake precautions ............................. 5-34
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-35
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system .............5-36
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-37
Brake force distribution ........................ 5-38
Hill descent control system (if so equipped) .........5-39
Hill start assist system (if so equipped) ..............5-40
Rear sonar system (RSS) (if so equipped) ...........5-41
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-42

When the vehicle is stuck,● Set the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
● Use 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.
● If it is difficult to free the vehicle, rock the
vehicle back and forth between reverse and
drive gears.
● If 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
●Do not spin the tires excessively. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
● Avoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shift switch operations
● Shift the 4WD shift switch to either the
2WD, 4H or 4LO position, depending on
driving conditions.
● If 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. ●
When the vehicle is stopped after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt
after the shift lever is shifted to N or P.
This occurs because the transfer clutch
is released and not because of a mal-
function.
CAUTION
●When 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.
● Do 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.
● Do not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
● Before 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.
● Never shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD0145
Starting and driving5-29

●When the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be especially
careful when driving. If corresponding
parts are malfunctioning, the 4WD
mode will not be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is shifted.
● Do not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
– in the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position for automatic transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the N
position with the brake pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD. – in the 4LO position for manual trans-
mission vehicles, stop the vehicle
and shift the shift lever to the N po-
sition with the clutch pedal de-
pressed and shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
● The transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking. 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. For
additional information, refer to “Electronic locking
rear differential (E-Lock) system switch” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
Once the system fully engages, the indicator 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
light
illuminates when the E-Lock system is ON.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-31

CAUTION
●Be sure to center the spare tire sus-
pending plate on the wheel and then lift
the spare tire.
● Failure to use the spacer may allow the
chain to get stuck on the wheel nut
holes.
Removing wheel cover (if so
equipped)
CAUTION
Do not use your hands to pry off wheel
caps or wheel covers. Doing so could re-
sult in personal injury.
To remove the wheel cover, use the jack rod
1
as illustrated.
Apply cloth
2between the wheel and jack rod to
prevent damaging the wheel and wheel cover.
Use caution not to scratch the wheel cover or
wheel surface.
Jacking up vehicle and removing the
damaged tire
WARNING
● Never 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.
● Use 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.
● Use the correct jack-up points. Never
use any other part of the vehicle for jack
support.
● Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
● Never use blocks on or under the jack.
● Do 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.
● Do not allow passengers to stay in the
vehicle while it is on the jack.
SCE0630
6-8In case of emergency

Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval. When
adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mixture for
your area, refer to “Engine cooling system” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of the
coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the specified
intervals. For recommended oil grade and viscos-
ity refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
Evaporative emissions control vapor lines*:
Check vapor lines for leaks or looseness. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections for
leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as necessary.Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new plugs
of the same type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation. Check for
chafing, cracks, deterioration, and signs of leak-
ing. Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts
immediately.
Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid leaks.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts im-
mediately.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and
hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration, and dam-
age. Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, replace
the filter more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaft boots:
Check for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions, in-
spect more frequently.
Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) according to the instructions under
“Explanation of general maintenance items” in
this section. When rotating tires, check for dam-
age and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil:
Visually inspect for signs of leakage at specified
intervals.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

CHASSIS & BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace,
MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72
Brake lines & cables II I II I
Brake pads & rotors  II I II I
Brake fluid  RRR
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)II III I
Manual transmission gear oil See NOTE (2)II III I
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)II III I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)II III I
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts  III
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (4WD models) II I II I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD models)  II I II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system III
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
Intelligent Key battery RRRR
9-10Maintenance and schedules

MAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Brake lines & cables IIIII I
Brake pads & rotors  IIIII I
Brake fluid  RR R
Automatic transmission fluid See NOTE (1)IIIII I
Manual transmission gear oil See NOTE (2)IIIII I
Differential gear oil See NOTE (2)IIIII I
Transfer fluid See NOTE (2)IIIII I
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts  II I
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (4WD models) IIIII I
Propeller shaft grease (4WD models)  IIIII I
Tire rotation See NOTE (3)
Exhaust system II I
In-cabin microfilter RRR R
Intelligent Key battery RRR R
NOTE:
Maintenance items with “” should be performed more frequently according to “Maintenance under severe driving conditions”.
(1) If towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km) or 24 months. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Matic J ATF (or their equivalents)
may cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission. Damage
caused by the use of other fluids is not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(2) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km) or 24 months.
(3) For additional information on tire rotation, refer to “General maintenance” in this section.
Maintenance and schedules9-11

Fluid typeCapacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US Measure Imperial
Measure
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Do-it-yourself” section. • Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or equivalent
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF in
NISSAN automatic transmissions. If Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be
used. Do not mix with other fluids. Using fluids that are not
equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Genuine NISSAN
Matic J ATF may damage the automatic transmission. Damage
caused by the use of other automatic transmission fluids is not
covered under the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Transfer fluid 2.0 L 2-1/8 qt 1-3/4 qt• Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended
• Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF may
cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability, and may
damage the transfer. Damage caused by the use of other fluids is
not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Front final drive oil 0.85 L 1-3/4 pt 1-1/2 pt• Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90
or equivalent conventional (non-synthetic) oil
Rear final drive oil (except for 6 speed M/T or E-Lock vehicles) 1.6 L 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt • API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90
Rear final drive oil (for 6 speed M/T or E-Lock vehicles) 2.0 L 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt• Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil synthetic 75W-140 or API
GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-140
Power steering fluid (PSF) ———• Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
• DEXRON® VI type ATF may also be used.
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*2 or equiva-
lent DOT 3
*2: Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
Multi-purpose grease ——— • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Technical and consumer information10-3