2021 NISSAN FRONTIER oil type

The transfer case 4WD shif t switch is used
to select either 2WD or 4WD depending on
the driving conditions. There are three
types of drive modes available, 2WD, 4H and
4LO.
The 4WD shif t switch electronically controls
the transfer case operation. Rotate the
switch to move between each mode, 2WD,
4H and 4LO.
To change into or out of 4LO, the vehicle
MUST be stationary, move the shif t lever
to N (Neutral), and depress the brake
pedal. The switch must be depressed
and turned when changing into or out of
4LO.
WARNING
• When parking, apply the parking
brake before stopping the engine
and make sure that the 4WD shif t in-
dicator light is on and the ATP warn-
ing light goes off. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle could unexpectedly move even
if the A/T is in the P (Park) position. •
The transfer 4LO position indicator
light must stop blinking and remain
illuminated or turn off before shif ting
the transmission into gear. If the shif t
lever is shif ted from the N (Neutral)
position to any other gear when the
transfer 4LO position indicator light
is blinking, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly.
CAUTION
• Never shif t the 4WD shif t switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
• The 4H position provides greater
traction. Avoid excessive speed, as it
will cause increased fuel consump-
tion and higher oil temperatures, and
could damage drivetrain compo-
nents. Speeds over 62 mph (100
km/h) in 4H is not recommended.
• The 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 mph
(50 km/h).
•
When driving straight, shif t the 4WD
shif t switch to the 2WD or 4H position.
Do not move the 4WD shif t switch
when making a turn or reversing.
• Do not shif t the 4WD shif t switch (be-
tween 2WD and 4H) while driving on
steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low gears 2 (Second
gear) or 1 (Low gear), for engine
braking.
• Do not operate the 4WD shif t switch
(between 2WD and 4H) with the rear
wheels spinning.
• Do not drive on dry hard surface
roads in the 4H or 4LO position. Driv-
ing on dry hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise and
tire wear. NISSAN recommends driv-
ing in the 2WD position under these
conditions.
• The 4WD transfer case may not be
shif ted between 4H and 4LO at low
ambient temperatures and the
transfer 4LO position indicator light
may blink even when the 4WD shif t
switch is shif ted. Af ter driving for a
while you can change the 4WD trans-
fer case between 4H and 4LO.
5-26Starting and driving

TIRE DRESSINGS
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce discolor-
ation of the rubber. If a tire dressing is ap-
plied to the tires, it may react with the coat-
ing and form a compound. This compound
may come off the tire while driving and
stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
• Use a water-based tire dressing. Thecoating on the tire dissolves more easily
than with an oil-based tire dressing.
• Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to re-
move).
• Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
• Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom- mended by the tire dressing manufac-
turer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or sof t bristled brush. Wipe
the vinyl and leather (if so equipped) sur-
faces with a clean, sof t cloth dampened in
mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a
dry, sof t cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in
order to maintain the appearance of the
leather (if so equipped).
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer's recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION
• Never use benzine, thinner or any
similar material.
• Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to leather surfaces
and should be removed promptly. Do
not use saddle soap, car waxes, pol-
ishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents or ammonia-based
cleaners as they may damage the
leather's natural finish.
• Never use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that
could affect the vehicle interior. If you use
an air freshener, take the following precau-
tions:
• Hanging-type air fresheners can cause permanent discoloration when they con-
tact vehicle interior surfaces. Place the air
freshener in a location that allows it to
hang free and not contact an interior sur-
face.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care

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 ad-
ditional 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 re-
duce 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 viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Propeller shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently. Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). When rotating tires,
check for damage and uneven wear. Re-
place if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil: Vi-
sually inspect for signs of leakage at speci-
fied intervals.
Off-road maintenance: Check the follow-
ing items frequently whenever you drive
off-road through deep sand, mud or water:
• Brake pads and rotors
• Brake linings and drums
• Brake lines and hoses
• Differential, transmission and transfer case oil
• Steering linkage
• Propeller shaf t(s) and front drive shaf ts
• Engine air filter
• Clutch housing drain (AWD only)
9-6Maintenance and schedules

NOTE:Maintenance items with “” should be performed more frequently according to the “Maintenance under severe driving conditions”.
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) Request the dealer to inspect the fluid deterioration data using a CONSULT. If the deterioration data is more than 77000, replace the AT fluid.
(3) If using under severe conditions such as towing a trailer, using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oilat every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P automatic transmission fluid. Using automatic transmission
fluid that is not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN Matic P may damage the transmission or impact transmission durability. Damage caused by the use of fluid
other than as recommended is not covered under the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(4) Af ter 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
(5) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. Af ter first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 mont hs.
(6) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50% demineralized or di stilled
water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water may reduce the life expectancy of the factory fill coolant.
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(8) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increased, inspect valve clearance.
(9) Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within specified replacement mileage.
(10) For additional information on tire rotation, refer to “General maintenance” in the section.
(11) 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.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in
order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
Maintenance and schedules9-9

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Do-it-yourself ” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
Fuel 80 L 21-1/8 gal 17-5/8 gal • For additional information, refer to “Fuel recommendation” in
this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
*1: For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Engine” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion of this manual. With oil filter
change 5 L 5-1/4 qt 4-3/8 qt • Genuine “NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SN” (or equivalent) is recom-
mended.
• If the above motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic
0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. Damage
caused by the use of motor oil (or engine oil) other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and oil
filter recommendation” in this section.
Without oil filter
change 4.7 L 5 qt 4-1/8 qt
Engine coolant
(with reservoir) 12 L 3-1/8 gal 2-5/8 gal• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Do-it-yourself ” section. • Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF or equivalent
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN Matic P ATF (or
equivalent) ONLY in NISSAN automatic transmissions. Do not mix
with other fluids. Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine
NISSAN Matic P ATF may damage the automatic transmission.
Damage caused by the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under the NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Transfer fluid 1.5L 1-5/8 qt 1-3/8 qt • Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M or equivalent
• Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN ATF D3M (or equivalent)
may cause deterioration in driveability and transfer durability,
and may damage the transfer. Damage caused by fluids other
than as recommended is not covered by the NISSAN’s New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
10-2Technical and consumer information

Fluid typeCapacity (approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
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 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-II or equivalent.
Brake fluid — — — • Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*2 or equivalent
DOT 3.
*2: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
Multi-purpose grease — — — • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — • HFC-134a (R-134a)
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner specification
label” in this section.
Air conditioning system oil — — — • Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type PAG (DH-PR) or equivalent
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner specification
label” in this section.
Windshield-washer fluid 4.5 L 1-1/4 gal 1 gal • Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
Technical and consumer information10-3

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
For additional information, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities”
in this section. NISSAN recommends the
use of an energy conserving oil in order to
improve fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standard-
ization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification mark
on the front of the container. Oils which do
not have the specified quality label should
not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of
this, it is important to select the engine oil
viscosity based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. Choosing an oil viscos-
ity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality Genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter for
the reason described in “Change intervals.”
LTI2051

Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for
your engine are based on the use of the
specified quality oils and filters. Using en-
gine oil and filters that are not of the speci-
fied quality, or exceeding recommended oil
and filter change intervals could reduce
engine life or cause severe damage to the
engine. Damage to the engine caused by
improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you
use your vehicle.
NISSAN recommends the use of Genuine
NISSAN parts or equivalent. The use of
parts that do not meet or exceed NISSAN
specifications, can cause damage to your
vehicle, and have an effect on your war-
ranty coverage. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer parts department
who can provide information on the proper
parts for your vehicle.Operation under the following conditions
may require more frequent oil and filter
changes:
• repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures
• driving in dusty conditions
• extensive idling
• towing a trailer
• stop and go commuting
For additional information, refer to the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and
NISSAN A/C system oil Type PAG (DH-PR)
or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil
will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require
the replacement of all air conditioner
system components. The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth's atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recov-
ery and recycling of any refrigerant during
automotive air conditioner system service.
A NISSAN dealer has the trained techni-
cians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system re-
frigerant.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer when servicing your air conditioner
system.
10-8Technical and consumer information