User manual NISSAN FRONTIER-2003

FOREWORD Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control. This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilometers) of driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle. A separate Warranty Information Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle. The "NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide" explains details about maintaining and servicing your vehicle. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state's lemon law. Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them. READ FIRST--THEN DRIVE SAFELY Before driving your vehicle please read this Owner's Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle. The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. drive models correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read "Driving safety precautions" in the "Starting and driving" section of this manual. ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an ordinary passenger car because it has a higher center of gravity for off-road use. As with other vehicles with features of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read "On-pavement and offroad driving precautions", and "Avoiding collision and rollover", and "Driving safety precautions", in the "Starting and driving" section of this manual. MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties. WARNING IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your passengers! NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions. ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. Pre-teen children should be seated in the rear seat. ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle. ALWAYS review this owner's manual for important safety information. For descriptions specified for four-wheel drive models, a mark is placed at the beginning of the applicable sections/items. As with other vehicles with features for off-road use, failure to operate four-wheel WHEN READING THE MANUAL This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle. All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation. The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING WARNING Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways: APD1005 WARNING This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely. If you see this symbol, it means "Do not do this" or "Do not let this happen." If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustration, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle. Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action. Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration. CAUTION This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully. © 2003 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. GARDENA, CALIFORNIA All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gardena, California. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The company has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and -- most importantly -- through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control. From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by NISSAN. Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every time you drive the vehicle. The NISSAN story of growth and achievement reflects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsmanship -- a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own. WFW0002 Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations. NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates worldwide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other diversified products. NISSAN has made a substantial and growing investment in North America. NISSAN's commitment is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North America. NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppliers and over 150 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with materials and services ranging from the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and has led the industry in NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM NISSAN CARES . . . Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs. However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers ­ Your name, address, and telephone number ­ Vehicle identification number (attached to the top of the instrument panel on the driver's side) ­ Date of purchase ­ Current odometer reading ­ Your NISSAN dealer's name ­ Your comments or questions OR You can write to NISSAN with the information at: Nissan North America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191 For Hawaii customers 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) For Hawaii customers 1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number) For Canadian customers Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 For Canadian customers 1-800-387-0122 Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. Table of Contents Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio systems Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and care Maintenance and do-it-yourself Technical and consumer information Index 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Front manual seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Tilting rear bench seat (Crew Cab models only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Jump seat (if so equipped). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Head restraint adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Precautions on supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Passenger supplemental air bag on/off switch and light (except Crew Cab models) . . . . . . 1-15 Supplemental air bag warning labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 Supplemental air bag warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Precautions on seat belt usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Three-point type seat belt with retractor . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Two-point type seat belt without retractor (jump seat in King Cab models and center of rear seat in Crew Cab models). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Seat belt extenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Seat belt maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 Precautions on child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 Installation on rear bench seat center position (Crew Cab models only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31 Installation on rear bench seat outboard positions (Crew Cab models only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 LATCH lower anchors and tether for children system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38 Top tether strap child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-40 Installation on front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41 SEATS 0 FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT WARNING Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle. After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked. ARS1152 WARNING Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries. For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See "Precautions on Seat Belt Usage" later in this section. 1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems WRS0175 WRS0176 WRS0211 Forward and backward Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position. Reclining To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward, pull the lever up and lean your body forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position. Passenger seat only Tilting The front passenger's seat can be tilted to make it easier for jump seat passengers to get in and out. To tilt the seatback, pull the reclining lever up or push the tilt lever down. The seat automatically moves forward. To return the seat, move the whole seat backward, then push the seatback up until it locks. WARNING After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked. WARNING After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3 WRS0131 WRS0165 WRS0212 Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver's seat) Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position. Lumbar support (if so equipped for driver's seat) The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down to adjust the seat lumbar area. TILTING REAR BENCH SEAT (Crew Cab models only) The rear bench seat can be tilted to remove the jacking tools from the storage area. To tilt the seatback, pull the strap up 1 and tilt 2 the seatback forward. 1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems WARNING Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop. ARS1026 JUMP SEAT (if so equipped) WARNING Do not use a child restraint in the jump seats (King Cab model). These seats are not suitable for child restraint installation. When folding the jump seat, be careful not to squeeze your finger between the seat cushion and the body side. HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down. WARNING Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM the driver and front passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel and instrument panel. (See "Seat belts" later in this section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.) The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. After turning the ignition key to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is operational. WRS0213 WRS0134 Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears. PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental front air bags and pre-tensioner seat belts. Supplemental front impact air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the face and chest of the driver and front passenger in certain frontal collisions. The supplemental air bags are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by 1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles are equipped with sensors that detect if the seat belts are fastened. The air bag system monitors the severity of a collision and then inflates the air bags based on belt usage. Failure to properly wear seat belts can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk that they are injured when the supplemental front air bag inflates. WRS0031 WARNING The supplemental front air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, rollover, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents. The seat belts and the supplemental front air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The front air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash. You may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental front air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practical from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7 ARS1133 ARS1041 WARNING Never let children ride unrestrained or extend their hands or face out of the window. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the illustrations. 1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems ARS1042 ARS1043 ARS1044 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat of a model equipped with a supplemental air bag ON/OFF switch unless you first turn OFF the air bag. An inflating supplemental air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. See "Child restraints" later in this section for details. ARS1045 WRS0256 WARNING Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental front air bags inflate if they are not properly restrained. Pre-teens and children should be properly restrained in the rear seat, if available. 1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems These systems are designed to meet optional certification requirements under U.S. regulations. They are also permitted in Canada. The optional certification allows the front air bags to be designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than previously. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed. The supplemental front air bag system is designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although it may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental front air bag system operation. King Cab models are equipped with a supplemental front passenger air bag ON/OFF switch. Because no rear seat exists where a rear facing child restraint can be secured as in other models, the switch is designed to turn OFF the passenger supplemental air bag so that a rear facing child restraint can be used in the front passenger seat. See "Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF switch and light" later in this section for details. Crew Cab models are not equipped with a supplemental front passenger air bag ON/OFF switch because they have a rear seat for child restraint installation. Further, for Crew Cab mod- WRS0214 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Diagnosis sensor unit Seat belt pre-tensioner retractors Supplemental air bag modules Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch Passenger air bag OFF indicator Supplemental front air bag system The driver supplemental front air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger supplemental front air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11 els, the supplemental air bag system has dual stage inflators for both the driver and passenger air bags. The system monitors information from the crash zone sensor, the diagnosis sensor unit and seat belt buckle sensors that detect if the seat belts are fastened. Inflator operation is based on the severity of a collision and whether the seat belts are being used. Only one front air bag may inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted. This does not indicate improper performance of the system. If you have any questions about the performance of your air bag system, please contact your NISSAN dealer. When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly. Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the front occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating front air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or instrument panel. The supplemental front air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants. Because of this, the force of the front air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or is against, the front air bag module during inflation. The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision. The supplemental front air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. After turning the ignition key to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is operational. Right after inflation, several front air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental air bag or damage to the supplemental air bag system. Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or front end structure. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental front air bag system. Tampering with the supplemental front air bag system may result in serious personal injury. Tampering includes changes to the steering wheel and the instrument panel assembly by placing material over the steering wheel pad and above the instrument panel or by installing additional trim material around the air bag system. WARNING Do not place any objects on the steering wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental front air bag inflates. 1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Work around and on the supplemental front air bag system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the air bag system. A cracked windshield should be replaced immediately by a qualified repair facility. A cracked windshield could affect inflation of the supplemental air bag system. The SRS wiring harness connectors are yellow and orange for easy identification. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the supplemental front air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual. Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For front seats) WARNING The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be reused after activation. It must be replaced together with the retractor and buckle as a unit. If the vehicle becomes involved in a frontal collision but the pre-tensioner is not activated, be sure to have the pretensioner system checked and, if necessary, replaced by your NISSAN dealer. No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This is to prevent accidental activation of the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation. Tampering with the pre-tensioner seat belt system may result in serious personal injury. Work around and on the pre-tensioner system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the pre-tensioner seat belt system. If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury. The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system activates in conjunction with the supplemental front air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the vehicle becomes involved in certain types of collisions, thereby restraining seat occupants. The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt's retractor. These seat belts are used the same as conventional seat belts. When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates, smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it may Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13 cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly. If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner system, the supplemental air bag warning light will flash intermittently after the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. In this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not function properly. They must be checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat belt system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual. WRS0111 1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems