Nissan Frontier: Flat tire

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Nissan Frontier is equipped with an advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that continuously checks the air pressure in all road tires (excluding the spare). This system is designed to enhance safety by alerting the driver when tire pressure drops below the recommended level.

If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates and the message "Tire Pressure Low - Add Air" appears in the vehicle information display, it indicates that one or more tires on your Nissan Frontier are significantly under-inflated. When driving at speeds above approximately 16 mph (25 km/h), the TPMS actively monitors pressure and provides real-time alerts if a problem is detected.

WARNING

• Radio frequency signals from the TPMS in the Nissan Frontier may interfere with certain medical devices. Individuals using pacemakers or similar equipment should consult the device manufacturer regarding possible interference before operating the vehicle.
• If the low tire pressure warning light comes on while driving the Nissan Frontier, avoid sudden steering inputs or hard braking. Gradually reduce speed, pull over to a safe location, and stop the vehicle as soon as possible.

  Driving with under-inflated tires can lead to overheating, tire damage, or even tire failure.

  This may result in serious vehicle damage, loss of control, or accidents causing severe injury.

  Check the tire pressure on all four tires and adjust them to the recommended COLD pressure listed on the Tire and Loading Information label. Once corrected, the warning light should turn off.

  If the warning light remains on while driving, a tire may be punctured or the TPMS in the Nissan Frontier may be malfunctioning.

  If a flat tire is confirmed, replace it with the spare tire immediately. If all tires appear properly inflated, have the system inspected by an authorized Nissan dealer.

• When using a spare tire that is not equipped with TPMS, the system will not function properly. The warning light will flash for approximately one minute and then remain illuminated. Have the TPMS reset and the original tires serviced as soon as possible.
• Installing non-approved tires on the Nissan Frontier may interfere with proper TPMS operation and reduce system accuracy.
• Do not use liquid sealants or aerosol tire inflators inside the tires, as these may damage the TPMS sensors and cause system malfunction.

Changing a flat tire

Basic information If you experience a flat tire with your Nissan Frontier, follow these essential safety steps:

Stopping the vehicle

1. Carefully steer the Nissan Frontier off the roadway and away from traffic.

2. Activate the hazard warning flashers to alert other drivers.

3. Park on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission into P (Park).

4. Turn off the engine completely.

5. Open the hood to increase visibility and signal to others that assistance may be required.

6. Ensure all passengers exit the Nissan Frontier and move to a safe location away from traffic and the vehicle.

WARNING

• Always confirm that the parking brake is fully engaged and the transmission is securely in P (Park) before attempting to change a tire on the Nissan Frontier.
• Never attempt to change a tire on a slope, icy surface, or unstable ground.

  This can be extremely dangerous and may lead to the vehicle slipping or falling.

• Do not attempt to change a tire when traffic is passing close by. Wait for professional roadside assistance if conditions are unsafe.

Blocking wheels

1. Blocks
2. Flat tire

To prevent the Nissan Frontier from rolling while being lifted with a jack, place solid wheel blocks both in front of and behind the tire located diagonally opposite the flat tire.

WARNING

Always secure the vehicle by properly blocking the wheels, as failure to do so may result in unexpected movement and serious personal injury.

Getting the spare tire and tools (King Cab models)

The tool storage compartment in the Nissan Frontier is conveniently positioned between the two rear jump seats, allowing quick and organized access to essential tools during emergency situations.

1. Rotate the locking knob from the locked position to the unlocked position, then carefully remove the cover of the tool storage compartment in your Nissan Frontier.

2. Release the securing strap and take out the tool bag, which contains the necessary equipment for tire replacement.

3. To remove the jack, first collapse it by inserting the wheel nut wrench into the jack screw at the top. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the mechanism loosens. Then continue loosening it manually until the jack is completely free from its mount.

4. Carefully remove the jack from its storage location in the Nissan Frontier.

5. To reinstall the jack and tools, simply follow the above steps in reverse order, ensuring everything is securely fastened.

Getting the spare tire and tools (Crew Cab models)

In Nissan Frontier Crew Cab models, the tool kit and jack are stored behind the rear bench seat for convenient access.

1. Remove the head restraints and fold the rear bench seat forward to expose the storage area.

2. Take out the tool bag and locate the wheel-nut wrench needed for jack operation.

3. Collapse the jack by inserting the wheel-nut wrench into the jack screw and turning it toward you until it becomes loose.

Then continue loosening the screw manually until the jack is completely released.

4. Remove the jack from behind the seat in your Nissan Frontier.

5. To reinstall, reverse the removal steps and ensure all components are securely positioned.

Getting the spare tire and tools (All models)

1. Insert the T-shaped end of the jacking rod into the corresponding opening of the spare tire winch on the Nissan Frontier. Apply steady pressure to keep it engaged and rotate the rod counterclockwise to lower the spare tire.

2. Once the spare tire is fully lowered, reach beneath the rear of the Nissan Frontier, detach the retaining chain, and carefully slide the tire out.

3. For reinstallation, remove the center cap and thread the retaining chain through the wheel. Ensure the rubber spacer is properly centered before lifting. Then rotate the winch clockwise using the jacking rod to raise the tire back into position.

NOTE:

Inspect the rubber spacer every six years and replace it if necessary. It is recommended to have this maintenance performed by an authorized Nissan dealer to ensure proper fitment and safety.

CAUTION

• Always ensure that the spare tire support plate is properly centered on the wheel before lifting it back into position on your Nissan Frontier.
• Failure to use the spacer correctly may cause the retaining chain to become lodged in the wheel nut openings, complicating removal in the future.

Removing bolt-on wheel caps (if so equipped)

CAUTION

Do not attempt to remove wheel caps or covers using your hands, as this may result in injury. Always follow the correct procedure.

The wheel cap 1 on the Nissan Frontier is secured by the wheel nuts and is separate from the wheel 2 itself.

To remove the wheel cap, first ensure the vehicle is safely lifted and supported with the jack, then remove the wheel nuts. Once the tire is clear of the ground, the wheel cap can be safely detached.

Take care to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the wheel or cap during removal.

Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

• Never place any part of your body under the Nissan Frontier when it is supported only by the jack. If access underneath is required, always use appropriate safety stands.
• Only use the jack supplied with your Nissan Frontier. It is specifically designed for this vehicle and should not be used on other vehicles.
• Always position the jack at the designated lifting points on the Nissan Frontier. Using incorrect points may cause damage or instability.
• Do not raise the vehicle higher than necessary to remove the tire.
• Never place blocks under or on top of the jack to increase height, as this can lead to instability.
• Do not start or run the engine while the Nissan Frontier is supported by a jack, as the vehicle may move unexpectedly.
• Ensure all passengers exit the vehicle before lifting it.
• Never run the engine with any wheel off the ground, as this can cause the Nissan Frontier to move and result in injury.

Always refer to the diagram provided for your Nissan Frontier to identify the correct jack placement points and lifting areas specific to your vehicle model and jack type. Proper positioning is essential to ensure stability and prevent damage during the lifting process.

Carefully review the warning label attached to the jack and follow all instructions before attempting to lift the Nissan Frontier.

1. Slightly loosen each wheel nut by turning it counterclockwise using the wheel nut wrench. Turn each nut approximately one to two rotations, but do not remove them until the tire is lifted off the ground.

2. Position the jack directly beneath the designated jack-up point as shown in the illustration, ensuring the top of the jack is firmly seated against the vehicle’s lifting point.

Align the jack head precisely under the arrow marking on the Nissan Frontier frame or rear support area as indicated.

Always place the jack on a solid, flat surface to maintain proper balance and safety during lifting.

3. Insert the assembled jacking rod securely into the jack mechanism as illustrated.

4. Carefully operate the jack by holding the lever and rod firmly, raising the Nissan Frontier until the affected tire is completely off the ground.

5. Fully remove the loosened wheel nuts and take off the damaged tire.

Installing the spare tire

The spare tire provided with the Nissan Frontier is intended strictly for temporary emergency use.

1. Before installing the spare tire, clean any dirt, mud, or debris from the contact surfaces between the wheel and hub to ensure proper seating.

2. Carefully mount the spare tire onto the hub and tighten the wheel nuts by hand until they are snug.

3. Using the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts in a crisscross (star) pattern as illustrated ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ) to ensure even pressure distribution.

4. Gradually lower the Nissan Frontier until the tire makes contact with the ground. Then firmly tighten all wheel nuts again in the same sequence using the wrench. Once completed, lower the vehicle completely.

WARNING

• Using incorrect wheel nuts or failing to properly tighten them on your Nissan Frontier may cause the wheel to loosen or detach while driving.

  This can result in serious accidents or injury.

• Never apply oil or grease to wheel studs or nuts, as this may cause them to loosen over time.
• After driving approximately 620 miles (1,000 km), retighten the wheel nuts to ensure they remain properly secured.

As soon as possible, use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque value.

 Wheel nut tightening torque: 98 ft-lb (133 N·m)

The wheel nuts on your Nissan Frontier must always be maintained at the specified torque. It is recommended to check and retighten them during regular maintenance intervals.

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.

COLD pressure: After the Nissan Frontier has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

The correct COLD tire pressure values are listed on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the driver’s door frame.

5. After completing the tire replacement, securely store all jacking tools and properly stow the flat tire underneath the Nissan Frontier.

WARNING

• Ensure that the spare tire and all tools are safely secured after use. Loose equipment inside the Nissan Frontier can become dangerous in the event of sudden braking or a collision.
• Remember that the spare tire is intended for temporary use only and should be replaced with a full-size tire as soon as possible.