2020 NISSAN FRONTIER starting and driving

You cannot move the transfer 4WD shif t
switch between 4H and 4LO unless you
stop the vehicle and move the shif t lever to
the N (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed.
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
NOTE:
In case of turn signal light bulb malfunc-
tion, the turn signal will flash at a higher
frequency when the turn signal switch is
activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the
VDC OFF switch is pushed to the OFF posi-
tion, the transfer case is in the 4LO position
(
model), or when the VDC system is
not functioning properly. This indicates the
VDC system is not operating.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will operate normally. For additional information, refer
to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
The VDC light also comes on when the
push-button ignition switch is in the ON
position. The light will turn off af ter about 2
seconds if the system is operational. If the
light stays on or comes on along with the
indicator light while you are driving,
have the VDC system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
If the battery is removed or discharged, the
VDC system is disabled and the VDC indi-
cator light will not turn off af ter 2 seconds
when the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position. To reset the system, you must
perform the reset procedure. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Start-
ing and driving” section of this manual.
If the light does not go off af ter performing
the reset procedure, have the traction con-
trol system checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you
might feel slight vibration or hear the sys-
tem working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal. The VDC system will be disabled and the
VDC light will illuminate when the elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-lock) sys-
tem switch (if so equipped) is turned on
and the E-lock system is engaged. If the
E-lock system disengages or the switch is
turned off, the VDC system will be enabled
and the VDC light will turn off.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a disc brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion, whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF
position, a chime sounds when the driver's
door is opened if the headlights or parking
lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
2-24Instruments and controls

•The hill descent control may not con-
trol the vehicle speed on a hill under
all load or road conditions. Always be
prepared to depress the brake pedal
to control vehicle speed. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
CAUTION
When the hill descent control system op-
erates continuously for a long time, the
temperature of the brake pads may in-
crease and the hill descent control sys-
tem may be temporarily disabled (the in-
dicator light will blink). If the indicator
light does not come on continuously af-
ter blinking, stop using the system.
The hill descent control system is designed
to reduce driver workload when going down
steep hills. The hill descent control system
helps to control vehicle speed so the driver
can concentrate on steering the vehicle.
To activate the hill descent control system:
• The shif t lever must be in forward or re- verse gear,
• The 4WD switch must be in the 4L posi- tion and the vehicle speed must be under
15 mph (25 km/h) or • The 4WD switch must be in the 4H posi-
tion and the vehicle speed must be under
21 mph (35 km/h), and
• The hill descent control system switch must be ON.
The hill descent control system ON indica-
tor light will come on when the system is
activated. Also, the stop/tail lights illumi-
nate while the hill descent control system
applies the brakes to control vehicle speed.
If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed
while the hill descent control system is on,
the system will stop operating temporarily.
As soon as the accelerator or brake pedal is
released, the hill descent control system be-
gins to function again if the hill descent con-
trol operating conditions are fulfilled.
The hill descent control system ON indica-
tor light blinks if the switch is on and all
conditions for system activation are not
met or if the system becomes disengaged
for any reason.
To turn off the hill descent control system,
push the switch to the OFF position.
For additional information, refer to “Hill de-
scent control system ON indicator light” in
this section and “Hill descent control sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual. The E-Lock system can help provide added
traction if the vehicle is stuck or becoming
stuck.
To activate the E-Lock system:
• The 4WD switch must be in the 4LO posi-
tion (4-Wheel Drive vehicles),
• The vehicle must be stopped or moving at 4 mph (7 km/h) or less, and
• The E-Lock system switch must be turned on.
LIC0729
ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM
SWITCH (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-37

When the E-Lock switch is turned on, the
indicator light will flash until the system
engages. However, if all operation condi-
tions listed above are not met or the sys-
tem becomes disengaged, the indicator
light will continue to flash.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is dis-
abled and the ABS light illuminates when
the E-Lock system is on. Also, the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system is disabled
and the VDC light illuminates when the
E-Lock system is on.
For additional information, refer to “Elec-
tronic locking rear differential (E-Lock) sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual for further explanation and
system limitations.
WARNING
• Never leave the E-Lock system on
when driving on paved or hard-
surfaced roads. Turning the vehicle
may result in the rear wheels slipping
and result in an accident and per-
sonal injury. Af ter using the E-Lock
system to free the vehicle, turn the
system off. •
Use the E-Lock system only when
freeing a stuck vehicle. Try the 4LO
position before using the E-Lock sys-
tem. Never use the E-Lock system on
a slippery road surface such as snow
or ice surface. Using the E-Lock sys-
tem when driving in these road con-
ditions may cause unexpected
movement of the vehicle during en-
gine braking, accelerating or turning,
which may result in an accident and
serious personal injury.
CAUTION
• Af ter using the E-Lock system, turn
the switch off to prevent possible
damage to driveline components
from extended use.
• Do not drive over 12 mph (20 km/h)
when the system is engaged. Doing
so could result in possible damage to
the driveline.
•
Do not turn on the E-Lock system
while the tires are spinning. Doing so
could damage drivetrain components.
WARNING
The Rear Sonar System is a conve-
nience but it is not a substitute for
proper backing. Always turn and check
that it is safe to do so before backing
up. Always back up slowly.
The RSS (if so equipped) is active when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position
and the shif t lever is in R (Reverse).
When sensors detect obstacles within 6 f t
(1.8 m) of the rear bumper, a beeping tone is
emitted.
LIC0471
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) OFF
SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-38Instruments and controls

The RSS can be disabled by pushing the
OFF switch. When the system is disabled,
the indicator light on the switch will illumi-
nate.
The system will automatically reset the
next time the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position.
For additional information, refer to “Rear
Sonar System (RSS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section in this manual.The power outlets are for powering electri-
cal accessories such as cellular tele-
phones. They are rated at 12 volt, 120W (10A)
maximum.
The power outlets are powered only when
the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON po-
sition.
Open the cap to use a power outlet.
CAUTION
• The outlet and plug may be hot dur-
ing or immediately af ter use.
• Only certain power outlets are de-
signed for use with a cigarette lighter
unit. Do not use any other power out-
let for an accessory lighter. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
LIC4418
Front row
LIC0761
Center console
POWER OUTLETS
Instruments and controls2-39

CUP HOLDERS
The front cup holders have adapters that
can be removed to accommodate larger
cups.
WARNING
• The cup holder should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
• Avoid abrupt starting and braking
when the cup holder is being used to
prevent spilling the drink. If the liquid
is hot, it can scald you or your
passenger.
CAUTION
Use only sof t cups in the cup holder.
Hard objects can injure you in an
accident. To open the rear row cup holders (rear of
the front console), lower the lid. To close,
raise the lid. If stepped on, the cup holder is
designed to snap loose from the console.
To re-install, close the cup holder assembly
and push it back into the console opening.
To fold the rear seat back, first close the cup
holder.
LIC4420
Front
WIC0771
Rear seat (rear of front console)
2-46Instruments and controls

WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use.
• The Intelligent Key transmits radio
waves when the buttons are pressed.
The FAA advises the radio waves may
affect aircraf t navigation and com-
munication systems. Do not operate
the Intelligent Key while on an air-
plane. Make sure the buttons are not
operated unintentionally when the
unit is stored for a flight.
The Intelligent Key can operate all the door
locks using the remote control function. The
operating environment and/or conditions
may affect the Intelligent Key operation.
Be sure to read the following before using
the Intelligent Key.
CAUTION
• Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehicle.
• Never leave the Intelligent Key in the
vehicle when you leave the vehicle. The Intelligent Key is always communicat-
ing with the vehicle as it receives radio
waves. The Intelligent Key transmits weak
radio waves. Environmental conditions
may interfere with the operation of the In-
telligent Key under the following operating
conditions:
• When operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such
as a TV tower, power station and broad-
casting station.
• When in possession of wireless equip- ment, such as a cellular telephone, trans-
ceiver, or a CB radio.
• When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or covered by metallic materials.
• When any type of radio wave remote con- trol is used nearby.
• When the Intelligent Key is placed near an electric appliance such as a personal
computer.
• When the vehicle is parked near a parking meter.
In such cases, correct the operating condi-
tions before using the Intelligent Key func-
tion or use the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies de-
pending on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is approximately two years. If
the battery is discharged, replace it with a
new one.
When the Intelligent Key battery is low, the
NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning light will
blink af ter the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously re-
ceiving radio waves, if the key is lef t near
equipment which transmits strong radio
waves, such as signals from a TV and per-
sonal computer, the battery life may be-
come shorter.
When the battery is discharged, firmly apply
the foot brake and touch the ignition switch
with the Intelligent Key. Then push the igni-
tion switch while depressing the brake pedal
within 10 seconds af ter the chime sound. For
additional information, refer to “Push-button
ignition switch” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
For additional information, refer to “Battery
replacement” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
As many as four Intelligent Keys can be
registered and used with one vehicle. For
information about the purchase and use of
additional Intelligent Keys, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
3-8Pre-driving checks and adjustments

When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your vehicle, be sure to observe
the following precautions; otherwise, the
new equipment may adversely affect the
engine control system and other electronic
parts.
WARNING
• A cellular phone should not be used
for any purpose while driving so full
attention may be given to vehicle op-
eration. Some jurisdictions prohibit
the use of cellular phones while
driving.
• If you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recom-
mended. Exercise extreme caution at
all times so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
• If you are unable to devote full atten-
tion to vehicle operation while talk-
ing on the phone, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
• Keep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the electronic control
modules.
• Keep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the electronic
control system harnesses. Do not
route the antenna wire next to any
harness.
• Adjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the
manufacturer.
• Connect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
• For additional information, it is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer.
• Do not ground electrical accessories
directly to the battery terminal. Do-
ing so will bypass the variable volt-
age control system and the vehicle
battery may not charge completely.
For additional information, refer to
“Variable voltage control system” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
• Use electrical accessories with the
engine running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.WARNING
• Use a phone af ter stopping your ve-
hicle in a safe location. If you have to
use a phone while driving, exercise
extreme caution at all times so full
attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
• If you are unable to devote full atten-
tion to vehicle operation while talk-
ing on the phone, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid discharging the vehicle bat-
tery, use a phone af ter starting the
engine.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE PHONE
SYSTEM WITHOUT NAVIGATION
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-79

Volume & beeps
There are several methods to customize
the volume settings.
Volume & Beeps
The Volume & Beeps screen can be found
by pressing the
MENU button on the
control panel, touching the “Settings” key
on the screen and selecting “Volume &
Beeps”. To adjust the volume of the follow-
ing options, touch the “–” and “+” keys on the
screen.
The available settings are:
• Ringtone Adjust the volume level of the ringtone of
incoming calls.
• Outgoing Call Adjust the volume level of the outgoing
calls.
• Voice Prompt Vol. Adjust the volume level of the system
voice.
• Text-to-speech Vol. Adjust the volume of the replay voice for
text messaging.
• Button Beeps Turns on/off the button beep sounds and
alarm for prohibited operations. Volume Settings
The Volume settings screen can be found
by pressing the
button on the control
panel then touching the “Volume” key on
the screen. To adjust the volume of the
following options, touch the “–” and “+” keys
on the screen.
The available settings are:
• Ringtone Adjust the volume level of the ringtone of
incoming calls.
• Outgoing Call Adjust the volume level of the outgoing
calls.
WARNING
• Use a phone af ter stopping your ve-
hicle in a safe location. If you have to
use a phone while driving, exercise
extreme caution at all times so full
attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
• If you are unable to devote full atten-
tion to vehicle operation while talk-
ing on the phone, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid discharging the vehicle bat-
tery, use a phone af ter starting the
engine.
BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE PHONE
SYSTEM WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
4-96Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems