Nissan Frontier (2019 year). Instruction

A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
2 seconds). Change the 4WD shift switch
into 2WD and do not drive fast.

CAUTION

∙ If the warning light comes on or blinks

slowly during operation, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. It
is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.

∙ Shifting between 4H and 4LO is not

recommended when the 4WD warn-
ing light turns on.

∙ When the warning light comes on, the

2WD mode may be engaged even if
the 4WD shift switch is in 4H. Be espe-
cially careful when driving. If corre-
sponding 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. Driving 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 sur-
face 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 (Neutral) position with the brake
pedal depressed and shift the 4WD
shift switch to 2WD.

– In the 4LO position for manual

transmission vehicles, stop the ve-
hicle and shift the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position with the clutch
pedal depressed 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.

5-32

Starting and driving

The E-Lock system can provide additional
traction and should only be used when a
vehicle has become or is becoming stuck.
This system operates by electronically
“locking” the two rear drive wheels to-
gether, 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 ve-
hicles).

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 sys-
tem 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 Braking (ABS) system 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

indicator light illuminates

when the E-Lock system is on.

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 personal
injury. After 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 po-
sition before using the E-Lock system.
Never use the E-Lock system on a slip-
pery road surface such as snow or ice
surface. Using the E-Lock system
when driving in these road conditions
may cause unexpected movement of
the vehicle during engine braking, ac-
celerating or turning, which may re-
sult in an accident and serious per-
sonal injury.

CAUTION

∙ After using the E-Lock system, turn

the switch OFF to prevent possible
damage

driveline

components

from extended use.

∙ Do not drive the vehicle at speeds

faster than 12 mph (20 km/h) when
the system is engaged. Doing so could
damage drivetrain components.

∙ Do not turn on the E-Lock system

while the tires are spinning. Doing so
could

damage

drivetrain

components.

ELECTRONIC LOCKING REAR
DIFFERENTIAL (E-Lock) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-33

WARNING

∙ Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.

∙ Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission (A/T) models
or in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission (M/T) models. Failure to
do so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident. Make sure the shift le-
ver has been pushed as far forward as
it can go and cannot be moved with-
out depressing the foot brake pedal.

∙ Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

∙ To help avoid risk of injury or death

through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. M/T models:

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill
grade, place the shift lever in 1st gear.

A/T models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park) po-
sition.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling

into traffic when parked on an incline, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.

∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb

WSD0050

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-34

Starting and driving

side wheel gently touches the curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.

∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB

䊊

Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK

position and remove the key.

The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to as-
sist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance will
be longer.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce
gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-35

WARNING

∙ While driving on a slippery surface, be

careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating could cause the wheels to
skid and result in an accident.

∙ If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing will be harder.

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, your braking distance will be lon-
ger and the vehicle may pull to one side
during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.

Parking brake break-in

Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake

shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING

∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but

it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain
a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.

∙ Tire type and condition may also af-

fect braking effectiveness.

– When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four
wheels.

– When installing a spare tire, make

sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.

– For additional information, refer to

“Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.

5-36

Starting and driving

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may

result

increased

stopping

distances.

Self-test feature

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the

instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally but without anti-lock
assistance.

If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Normal operation

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above 3 - 6 mph (5 -
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.

When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.

∙ The ABLS system uses automatic brak-

ing to transfer power from a slipping
drive wheel to the wheel on the same
axle with more traction. The ABLS sys-
tem applies braking to the slipping
wheel, which helps redirect power to
the other wheel.

∙ On 4–Wheel Drive models the ABLS sys-

tem operates in both 4H and 4LO
modes. If 4WD mode is engaged, the
ABLS system operates for both drive
axles. On 2–Wheel Drive vehicles, the
ABLS system operates on the drive axle
only.

∙ The ABLS system is always on. In some

conditions, the system may automati-
cally turn the ABLS system off. If the sys-
tem is automatically turned off, normal
brake function will continue. ABLS will
function even when the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system is turned off.

∙ The ABLS does not operate if both

wheels on a drive axle are slipping.

ACTIVE BRAKE LIMITED SLIP (ABLS)
SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-37

WARNING

∙ The ABLS system helps provide in-

creased traction, but will not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering op-
eration or by careless driving or dan-
gerous driving practices. Reduce ve-
hicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces. Always drive carefully.

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN approved for your vehicle
or are extremely deteriorated, the
ABLS system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling performance, and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the ABLS sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
slip indicator light may illuminate.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the ABLS system may not operate
properly and the slip indicator light
may illuminate.

The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:

∙ Controls brake pressure to reduce

wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non-
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.

∙ Controls brake pressure and engine

output to reduce drive wheel slip based
on vehicle speed (traction control func-
tion).

∙ If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into

4LO the

indicator light will come

on and the VDC system will be turned
off. For additional information, refer to
“Using 4–Wheel Drive (4WD)” in this sec-
tion.

∙ Controls brake pressure at individual

wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:

– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol-

low the steered path despite in-
creased steering input)

– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due

to certain road or driving conditions)

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

5-38

Starting and driving

The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations.

When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following:

∙ The road may be slippery or the system

may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.

∙ You may feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.

∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the

road conditions.

For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.

If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the

indicator light will come on in the

instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when these indicator
lights are off.

The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The

indicator light illu-

minates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping drive
wheel. The

indicator light flashes if

this occurs. All other VDC functions are off
and the

indicator light will not flash.

The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.

The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.

WARNING

∙ The VDC system is designed to help

the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the

indicator light may flash or

the

indicator

light

may

illuminate.

Starting and driving

5-39

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and both

the

and

indicator lights

may illuminate.

∙ If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and

indicator

lights

may

illuminate.

∙ When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the

indicator light

may flash or the

indicator light

may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.

∙ When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the

indicator light may

flash or the

indicator light may

illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto
a stable surface.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the

indicator light

may flash or the

indicator light

may illuminate.

∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for

winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.

BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION

During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.

WARNING

∙ The VDC system is designed to help

∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-

indicator light may flash or

the

indicator

light

may

illuminate.

∙ If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and both

the

and

the

indicator

lights may illuminate.

∙ If engine control related parts are not

NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and

indicator

lights

may

illuminate.

5-40

Starting and driving

∙ When driving on extremely inclined

surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the

indicator light

may flash or the

indicator light

may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.

∙ When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the

indicator light may

flash or the

indicator light may

illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto
a stable surface.

∙ If wheels or tires other than the

NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the

indicator light

may flash or the

indicator light

may illuminate.

∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for

winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.

WARNING

∙ Never rely solely on the hill descent

control system to control vehicle
speed when driving on steep downhill
grades. Always drive carefully and at-
tentively when using the hill descent
control system and decelerate the ve-
hicle speed by depressing the brake
pedal if necessary. Be especially care-
ful when driving on frozen, muddy or
extremely steep downhill roads. Fail-
ure to control vehicle speed may re-
sult in a loss of control of the vehicle
and possible serious injury or death.

∙ 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.

The hill descent control system helps
maintain vehicle speed when driving under
15-21 mph (25-35 km/h) on steeper down-
hill grades. Hill descent control is useful
when engine braking alone in 4H or 4L can-
not control vehicle speed. Hill descent con-
trol applies the vehicle brakes to control
vehicle speed allowing the driver to con-

centrate on steering while reducing the
burden of brake and accelerator operation.

∙ When additional braking is required on

steep downhill roads, activate the hill
descent control system by pushing the
switch on. For additional information,
refer to “Hill descent control switch” in
the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.

∙ Once the system is activated, the indi-

cator light will remain on in the instru-
ment panel. For additional information,
refer to “Hill descent control system ON
indicator light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.

If the accelerator or brake pedal is de-
pressed while the hill descent control sys-
tem is on, the system will stop operating
temporarily. As soon as the accelerator or
brake pedal is released, the hill descent
control system begins to function again if
the hill descent control operating condi-
tions are fulfilled.

For the best results, when descending
steep downhill grades, the hill descent con-
trol switch should be on and the shift lever
in 2 (Second gear) or 1 (Low gear) for engine
braking.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)

Starting and driving

5-41

WARNING

∙ Never rely solely on the hill start assist

system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. De-
press the brake pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be es-
pecially careful when stopped on a hill
on frozen or muddy roads. Failure to
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards may result in a loss of control of
the vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.

∙ The hill start assist system is not de-

signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal
injury.

∙ The hill start assist may not prevent

the vehicle from rolling backwards on
a hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.

When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, the hill
start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied. This helps prevents the
vehicle from rolling backward in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator.

Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:

∙ The shift lever is moved to a forward or

reverse gear.

∙ The vehicle is stopped completely on a

hill by applying the brake.

The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.

Hill start assist will not operate when the
shift lever is moved to N (Neutral) or P (Park)
or on a flat and level road.

WARNING

∙ Always turn and look back before

backing up. The RSS is not a substi-
tute for proper backing procedures.

∙ Read and understand the limitations

of the RSS as contained in this section.
Inclement weather may affect the
function of the RSS; this may include
reduced

performance

false

activation.

∙ This system is not designed to pre-

vent contact with small or moving
objects.

WSD0103

HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM (if so
equipped)

REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS) (if so
equipped)

5-42

Starting and driving

∙ The system is designed as an aid to

the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system will not detect
small objects below the bumper, and
may not detect objects close to the
bumper or on the ground.

∙ If your vehicle sustains damage to the

rear bumper fascia, leaving it mis-
aligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate mea-
surement of obstacles or false alarms.

The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the
shift lever is in R (Reverse). The system may
not detect objects at speeds above 3 mph
(5 km/h) and may not detect certain angu-
lar or moving objects.

The RSS detects obstacles up to 5.9 ft
(1.8 m) from the rear bumper with a de-
creased coverage area at the outer cor-
ners of the bumper (refer to the illustration
for approximate zone coverage areas). As
you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the obstacle is
less than 10 in (25.0 cm) away, the tone will
sound continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further than
10 in (25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle,

the tone will sound for only 3 seconds.
Once the system detects an object ap-
proaching, the tone will sound again.

The RSS automatically turns on when the
shift lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the
ignition is ON. The RSS OFF switch on the
instrument panel allows the driver to turn
the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off, the
ignition must be on, and the shift lever in R
(Reverse). An indicator light on the switch
will illuminate when the system is turned
off. If the indicator light illuminates when
the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate a
malfunction in the RSS.

Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear
bumper fascia) free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt (do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects). If the sen-
sors are covered, it will affect the accuracy
of the RSS.

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before in-
serting it into the key hole or use the re-
mote keyless entry key fob (if so equipped).

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.

BATTERY

This vehicle is equipped with a sealed
maintenance free battery. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

Starting and driving

5-43

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use
of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES
on all four wheels. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads,

studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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.

3. Tire chains may be used. For additional

information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:

∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-

move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.

∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

∙ Extra

washer

fluid

refill

the

windshield-washer fluid reservoir.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),

very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid driv-
ing on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.

∙ Whatever the condition, drive with

caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

∙ Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

∙ Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).

These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.

∙ Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust

gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.

5-44

Starting and driving

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.

The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C)
or lower.

WARNING

∙ Do not use your engine block heater

with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously

injured

electrical

shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.

∙ Disconnect and properly store the en-

gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.

∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged

extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to
use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or
electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine

block heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into

a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground

Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be

plugged in for at least 2–4 hours, de-
pending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.

Starting and driving

5-45

Nissan Frontier (2019 year). Instruction - part 22