2018 NISSAN FRONTIER ECU

Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
on dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire traction
rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rat-
ing to the original equipment tires. If you do
not, it can adversely affect the safety and
handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the
same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires. Skid
and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When installing
tire chains, make sure they are the proper
size for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer’s suggestions.
Use only SAE class “S”
chains. Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or
cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners when recommended
by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using
tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
Use only the 2WD range when driving on
clear paved roads.
8-38Do-it-yourself

Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehicle
good mechanical condition, as well as its
emissions and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential
for proper vehicle operation. It is your re-
sponsibility to perform these procedures
regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, a NISSAN dealer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this sec-
tion are required to be serviced at regular
intervals. However under severe driving
conditions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips and training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to
work on NISSAN vehiclesbeforework be-
gins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN deal-
er’s service department can perform the
service needed to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to
check for the cause or have it checked
promptly. In addition, it is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the “Mainte-
nance precautions” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isf
ound in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules

secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mecha-
nism: On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the shif t lever
in the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Seats:Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
The fluid should be at the bottom of the
filler opening. Vehicles operated in high
temperatures or under severe conditions
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health. Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than
15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
9-4Maintenance and schedules

10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Fuel recommendation
(for QR25DE engine models) .................10-4
Fuel recommendation
(for VQ40DE models) ........................ 10-6
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) fuel
recommendation (if so equipped) ...........10-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendations .......................... 10-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations ......................10-12
Specifications ................................. 10-13
Engine ..................................... 10-13
Wheels and tires ............................ 10-14
Dimensions and weights ...................10-15
When traveling or registering in another
country ........................................ 10-16
Vehicle identification .......................... 10-16
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ....................................... 10-16
Engine serial number ....................... 10-16
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-17
Emission control information label .........10-18 Tire and loading information label
..........10-18
Air conditioner specification label ...........10-19
Installing front license plate ....................10-19
Installing front license plate with
grommets .................................. 10-19
Installing front license plate without
grommets .................................. 10-19
Vehicle loading information ...................10-20
Terms ...................................... 10-20
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-21
Securing the load ........................... 10-22
Utili-track® channel system
(if so equipped) ............................. 10-23
Loading tips ................................ 10-28
Truck-camper loading information ............10-29
Crew cab models ........................... 10-29
King Cab® models .......................... 10-29
Special Body vehicles ....................... 10-29
L
ocation for center of gravity ...............10-29
Vehicle load weight capacity ...............10-30
Measurement of weights ...................10-30
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-30
Maximum load limits ....................... 10-31
Towing load/specification ..................10-34

Steps for determining correct
load limit
1. Locate the statement “The com-bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
lbs. or XXX kg” on your vehicle’s
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX lbs. or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lbs. passengers in your ve-
hicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1,400-750 (5 X 150) =
650 lbs.) or (640-340 (5 X 70) =
300 kg.) 5. Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in
step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to deter-
mine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load ca-
pacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR for your vehicle.
For additional information, refer to
“Measurement of weights” in this
section.
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional informa-
tion, refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
SECURING THE LOAD
For your convenience, tie down hooks (if so
equipped) are placed at each corner of the
truck box. These may be used to help se-
cure cargo loaded into the truck box.
WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding
or shif ting. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
LTI0102
10-22Technical and consumer information

∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavierthan the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause personal
injury.
UTILI-TRACK® CHANNEL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
1. Side channels
2. Header channel
3. Floor channels
WARNING
∙ Properly install and tighten the tie-down cleats into the Utili-track® chan-
nel system. Also, do not attach any
rope or straps directly to the channel.
Failure to properly install the tie-
down cleats or attaching ropes or
straps directly to the channel can
cause the cargo to become unse-
cured. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding
or shif ting. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
The Utili-track® channel system allows you
to move tie-down clamps in the bed to the
best location to secure a load.
The tie-down cleats must be installed so
the clamp is properly seated in the notches
in the rail. If the tie-down cleat is not seated
in the notches, it will not be flush with the
rail and cannot be properly tightened. The
bolt in the center of the cleat must be tight-
ened hand tight (20 – 40 in-lbs.)
LTI2082
Technical and consumer information10-23

WARNING
Do not install accessories over the gap
between the front and rear side chan-
nels. Doing this could affect the rear
structure in certain rear impacts, which
could result in serious injury.
CAUTION
Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to prevent it from sliding or shif t-
ing. Use the channel end stoppers to
help secure items in the channels from
sliding off the end of the truck bed.
Channel end stoppers (if so
equipped)
The channel end stoppers should be used
to help prevent accessories installed in the
channels from sliding or shif ting off the end
of the truck bed.
1 correct installation, 2 incorrect installation
LTI0123WTI0119
Technical and consumer information10-27