Nissan Frontier Maintenance and Repair

nofrills

Just bought a 2006 frontier w/the 4.0 v6 and would love to change out the oil(after break in) to synthetic. What oil would be suitable and at what point should it be changed?

asa

Owners manual says that Nissan "recommends mineral oil", so be aware if that matters to you. I've used good ol' mineral oil on our previous three vehicles and they've all exceeded 200,000 Miles without engine trouble or excessive oil consumption. I change every 3,750 Miles or so. Synthetic oil is probably fine, but for me, I can't see what it offers for the extra expense.

richbf2

question:

where do you see in the manual say that Frontier recommend "mineral oil" I dont see it. What is mineral oil anyway? I been using 5w30. Is it ok? Please advise. thanks

rocketman67

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_oil
I hardly think you want to use mineral oil in your vehicle.
This will void your warranty quicker than using synthetics.
I've had car and truck engines go 100k + on regular motor oil.The important thing is to change it regular 3-5k miles and you'll be fine.

richbf2

Thank you frontier2k7! So 5w30 or 10w30 is fine. I change oil in my truck every 3k.

KCRam

I think that meant "dinosaur oil" as opposed to actual mineral oil.

kcram - Pickups Host

rocketman67

If the poster uses the two terms without forethought I'd not want him or her changing my oil.

As you said though it could very well be a mix up.
I was taken back by even the use of mineral oil in any auto application.

asa

Sometimes the term 'mineral oil' is used to mean 'dinosaur oil'. I recall my Honda owner's manual from many years ago specified 'mineral oil' and I too was puzzled. The Honda guy said, "Oh, that's just normal motor oil. Mineral oil is oil from the ground." He was no petroleum engineer, but his explanation satisfied me.

As far as synthetics, they're fine. However, I always get 200,000 Miles+ on our vehicles using only dino oil and oil burn has never been a problem, so I'll stick with the old stuff and save a buck. Dino works for me.

badfireguy

I cannot get the check engine light to turn off! I installed the k&n properly. I had a mechanic install the throttle body spacer. I took it to a nissan dealer and had the computer reset, drove around the corner and the light came on again. Drove back to the dealer, and was told that the spacer must be causing the problem. Could have choked the service writer on the spot. Can anyone help? 2004 desert runner, 3.3 auto, 46k

wingsovgrace

2001 Nissan pick up running fine, no problem starting then suddenly in the middle of a short errand the needles on all of the gauges started jumping around. The needles shoot up then all the way down and back and forth. I think they are possessed! The gas gauge, speedometer, tachometer and temp gauge and the mileage counter is blinking. I have checked the fuses and cleaned the battery cable. I have also tried switching out the battery with a newer one. No change. It doesn't seem to make a difference if the truck is moving or not. The speed doesn't effect it. Radio, heater, lights etc still work perfect. - Just the gauges. Thanks for suggestions. SWF on a limited income!">

asa

The computer must be throwing a code that can be read for a diagnosis. AutoZone and other auto parts stores will often read codes for free.

badfireguy

been there, done that. I bought a code reader myself. I really think the code (p505)
is related to the engine idle speed, being either too high or too low. I have ordered a much more expensive diagnostic reader. In the manual for the truck it points to the idle adjustment screw on the drivers side of the engine below the egr valve. There is a black plastic screw next to another cavity that is covered with melted plastic covering on it. On my previous frontier (4 cyl) the adjustment screw was under the plastic covering. Could I be looking at the wrong screw?

asa

I wish I could help, but I don't know anything about the location of the idle speed set screw. I'n my '92 Mitsu, it's on the throttle body and is covered by a rubber stopper.

Aside from the set screw, idle speed is adjusted automatically on many vehicles by an _ Idle Speed Controller (ISC) when headlights or the A/C is turned on and engine load changes. ISCs often get dirtied up over the years and they fail to perform causing erratic idle. In the case of my Mitsu, it throws an ISC code. Not wanting to pay near $300 for a new one (when cleaning it failed), I just unplugged it when the idle speed was stable and I've been fine. Perhaps you could try the same and at least isolate the problem?

badfireguy

Well, I am now a genius. I went back to my old hot rodding days and stumbled on the cure. If this happens to anyone else, take a vacum guage and install it in-line with your emissions system. Remove the two connectors at the throttle position sensor. With the vehicle in neutral, all accessories off, adjust the idle screw until maximum vacum pressure is reached. Turn off the engine, reconnect the terminals to the tps, clear the check engine light with a code reader, drive the vehicle for a day, and there you go. Light has not come back on 500 miles later. It passed texas emissions testing today with no problem. I really think this is only a problem when you combine a cold air intake with a throttle body spacer. They say it can't be done, but let me tell you, My truck runs MUCH FASTER and gets the same or better gas mileage. The only problem is that you cannot keep your foot out of it. I have twice the acceleration with half the pedal now. The performance from 50 to 85 mph is stronger than a v-8 chevy pickup. (there have been several victims) So when k&n tells you that their intake will not work with a throttle body spacer, don't believe it! With the combination, you will be shocked. Plus the whistle from the intake makes people think it has a turbo charger under the hood.

asa

Great fix badfireguy! Very clever and successful as far as performance too. Happy Motoring!

ryan82

I currently own a 1999 nissan frontier.. There barely any travel in the front suspension with out it bottoming out.. The rear of the truck sits much higher than the front.. 61/2 in from top of the wheel to the bottom of the wheel well.. compared to the 21/2 in in the front.. how is this fixed? Any suggestions would be helpful..

Thanks
Ryan82

badfireguy

The first thing I would do is change the front shocks. My favorite is the Monroe Reflex. an excellent shock that sells for about $45.00 each. It should raise the front end and will last forever. I'm guessing that you do not carry any weight in the bed, because the frontier does not have much spring in the rear. Adding a little weight to the rear will not only lower the level more than you would think, but will actually make the truck handle a little better and give you much more traction.

Good Luck!

asa

My favorite is the Monroe Reflex.

I second that. I put Monroe struts on my '92 Mitsu six months ago and the improvement in handling is phenominal. It's not a bad d-i-y job and I'm nothing more than an amateur weekend wrench. I "rented" spring compressors (for free) at Advance Auto. I also have the factory service manual and it was a help.

I'm assuming that the springs are up to specification? They might be weak. I recall seeing an entire assembled strut/spring package ready for installation, perhaps made by Monroe. This'd make the job VERY easy and would give you new springs too.

asa

If you have a 4x4, I should have suggested too that you check your torsion bars. If they're tired, your front will sag. These can also be cranked to elevate the front and /or change the spring rate. I've never had a 4x4 so can't give you more guidance on this.

badfireguy

Good point! It sounds like a 4cyl. 2wd truck. My last frontier (99 model)
needed helwig springs and Rancho RS9000 shocks to fix the problem. So, Ryan what kind of truck to you have?

wingsovgrace

Instrument panel guages are not registering. Once in a while they will work correctly but it's just for a few minutes then the needles begin jumping around again. Everything else is working properly (i.e. lights, heater, radio, etc.)
I would appreciate suggestions for troubleshooting or perhaps a wiring guide. Anything that might help is appreciated.
Thanks

badfireguy

I'm going out on a limb here, but the first two things that come to my mind are:
1. check the connection from the wiring harness to the main instrument cluster. I have seen the ribbon wiring wear and lose connectivity.

2. Would you happen to have an aftermarket stereo installed in the dash? I hate to think that an installer would use the first power wire that they came across, but........I think you know where this is going.
Any nick in the insulation of the wiring can and will cause a short anytime that it touches metal.

However, I happen to have the entire wiring diagram for my 2004 desert runner that I bought online. It is extremely accurate, and I would be happy to email it to you if you like. I really think that you are going to need a good multi meter and a lot of time to find the problem. Let me know if you would like the electrical schematics, I will be happy to send them to you free of charge.

wingsovgrace

Instrument panel guages are not registering. Once in a while they will work correctly but it's just for a few minutes then the needles begin jumping around again. Everything else is working properly (i.e. lights, heater, radio, etc.)
I would appreciate suggestions for troubleshooting or perhaps a wiring guide. Anything that might help is appreciated.
Thanks

tobyj

Hello!
Recently, my 4 x 4 frontier electrics went wonky. The fuse for the dome and interior lights kept blowing, and now the Door Open sign is on ALL the time. The inside lights still don't work. I am woried that at some point, all my electrics will short out. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks
Toby
surtoby@gmail.com

thaddyjoe

My 2001 crew cab 4x4 just WILL NOT keep a front end alignment. It might stay aligned for two days but after switching to then from 4x4 it goes awry again.

I assume it's the alignment: there is a persistent shimmy in the steering wheel between 35 & 55 mph.

Anyone know of chronic probs on 01 Frontier w/ front end? What else can I check?
TIA,
Thad

badfireguy

Thad, the first thing that I would look at would be the torsion bars. If you bend one of them the front end will be very difficult to keep in alignment and could definitely cause the wheel to vibrate. Does it pull to either side if you let go of the wheel?

coppen

My 06' and 07' frontier do the same thing! My friend is a former ford mechanic he says that is is common for them to do diagnostics on themselves.
By the way mine does it daily after I turn the key off-- just sit in it for a couple of minutes after you turn it off you will see what I mean!

wfcoalrun

This is common since the 1998 model year (unreliable electronics) in instrument clusters. Don't buy used, expensive with same problems waiting. Call Mr. Wizard or search online, their tel. #1-888-803-8523. Cost @ $199.00 for repair of YOUR cluster assembly. YOU must remove and ship to them for repair. They will provide you with prepaid UPS label for shipping (as they are a canadian co.). Some people say you can drive the truck w/o instruments while it is out for repair, I don't know if this is wise, it's a personal choice.

widowneedshelp

My 98 Frontier truck-auto. 2wd. Keeps dying when I drive it just a short ways. It does it especially when stopped at light and does not seem to like hills. It just stops when driving! I have had many parts replaced to no avail! I am out of money and this truck is my only way to make an income! Thanks in advance!

cspraf

What month is the model year change for the frontier ?

moparbad

Usually June/July timeframe. There is no set time and it varies depending on inventory and many other factors.

robjefferson

I recently purchased a 2001 Nissan Frontier (my first truck). Yesterday (and every day before) the tailgate worked fine, but today it wouldn't open. I took off the back panel and the problem is not with the handle, but with the latch not returning to the proper position.

Example: when I pull the handle the tailgate opens, but then the mechanism inside does not return to its proper place so, the next time I pull the latch, the mechanism is not in place for the latch to press down on, and so release the gate.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem? It seems relatively simple, but I can't figure it out.

asa

When you peer at the mechanism, do you see where a return spring might have fallen out or is hanging from one end? I've never dismantled one of these, but I'd imagine a spring is used to pull the latch back into position.

okrafeet

Hey folks,

The speedometer in my '98 Frontier is not working. It would register for awhile and show 45 mph when I was driving 60 mph. Now it's just sitting there dead. Check engine light is on as well. I just put a new transmission in, used but only 70,000 miles but the speedometer was acting up before the transmission was installed. Radio, lights...all other electronics working. Any thoughts?

yader84

Hi everyone.

The tailgate handle on my 2003 frontier XE broke today Not a biggie right? Should be easy enough to fix. Well, it is easy to fix if you can find the part! I have searched everywhere. I can find the handle for anything 2000 and older as well as 2004 and newer. It's like the middle 3 years are just gone! Have any ideas? It's just a stupid piece of plastic.

Thanks all!

reid1083

Just curious if anyone else has issues with their paint chipping. I have spoken with Nissan and they say not enough people have complained to do a recall so I was just curious how many other people are having the same problem I am. My paint is chipping almost all the way down the right side of my vehicle. It is down to the primer. I have owned many vehicles and this is the first one where the paint has chipped.

badfireguy

I have owned several Frontiers and have never had a problem with paint, even platinum. I don't know where you live, but salt water or even salt on the roads can kill paint. I believe that your case is not the norm, Nissan here in Texas is great about helping customers with problems. What color is your truck? Have you been using a particular wax? Any background could help.

mdawg25

Hello everyone
I am looking to buy an 06 SE V6 2wd. I could go either way on the tranny, but I think I would like the 6 spd because of the mileage. Anyway, what are the first things that usually go on this truck and what should I look for when I go to buy as far as common problems?
Thanks

driver56

No chipping at all on my 07 Fronty 4x4. And I've driven on more than a few rough roads.

arny1

I had the same problem with my 2001. I had to go to the dealer for a replacement part. Sorry!

9999dean

Yader84 -
Did you ever track down a 2003 Frontier tailgate handle? I'm in the same situation - finding the same pre 2000, post 2004 model search results...no luck on the 2003 year. A local Nissan dealer wanted $66 for the 2003 handle, but earlier handle models online were $12-16 (??) What did you find?

Thanks.

yader84

Hi. Here's what I found out. They don't sell just the handle. Instead what you get is the entire back plastic with all the mechanics and the handle. Stupid I know. $66 sounds about right. I ordered mine myself from a Nissan supplier out of Auburn or Seattle, WA. Ran about $50.

A word of warning getting that back plastic off, it's not fun. There are a ton of little plastic clip back there to get off and you can't really do it unless you take the entire tailgate apart because of how much room you have to maneuver. Once they're off the back plastic comes off easily. What I did instead of taking the tailgate apart was I got a lighter with a long stem and melted them off/pulled them off. Worked great. I didn't replace them either, there are 2 or 3 bolts/screws that will keep the piece in place just fine.

Hope this helps.

9999dean

Thanks for the information yader84, much appreciated!!

eroc1

2002 Frontier 3.3L v-6 desert runner--HISTORY=2 sensors activated: camshaft position sensor, and the knock sensor. Cps tested bad-replaced distributor,(cps is integral part of distributor), cap, and rotor. Ran well for a while and tripped codes again. The symptoms are OCCASSIONAL missing similar to fouled plug or bad wire. Changed plugs and wires--same deal. Cleaned ground point shared by both sensors, turned codes off--so far so good, but I'm expecting the same. HELP??

vtdog

Summary
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

Consequences
THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV
__________________

eroc1

I posted message #44-about knock sensor on 2002 Frontier and failed to print out the gracious reply!!!--I assumed it would remain present. His name was Kris and it was very helpful. How can I retrieve it -please help?--eroc

bdl1

I took the belt tension /idler pulley off but some of the parts fell and I cant seem to get it back together correctly. My first attempt was too close to the pulley bracket. I also think i am missing a washer somewhere. Does anyone have a good picture of the pulley assembly(pulley,bushing,beveled spacer or washer,adjusting bolt)?
Thanks

cos6

Does a 2003 frontier 3.3 sc have a timing chain or belt.

sd296

I have a 2001 Frontier Crewcab and need someone to please tell me where the cabin air filter is located so I can change it.

Thanks for your assistance. Scott

jgs15

I have a '02 Frontier desertrunner kingcab. The bed shakes bad on uneven roads. I had the propeller, u-joints, and carrier bearing checked already and was told everything was ok. A mechanic said that this was common with frontiers. Is that true?

And has someone been able to solve the problem or at least minimize the shaking/vibration? I'd appreciate any info or suggestions.

Thanks.

cwo4

You may not have one. It is standard on Frontier LE and Pro-4X Off-Road but is an option on the rest. I have an 09 SE and the cabin filter was not on the list of equipment on the window sticker and when I hit 15K miles and had the air filter changed, my Nissan Tech told me I didn't have the Cabin Filter option on my truck.

Maybe you don't either.