
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run, and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination
with other categories (for example, SG/CC
or SG/CD) may also be used if one with the
ATI0507
9-4
ZX

API CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be
found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine at the same
time.
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 viscos-
ity based on the temperatures at which the
vehicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart ``Recommended SAE
viscosity number'' shows the recommended
oil viscosities for the expected ambient tem-
peratures. Choosing an oil viscosity otherthan that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to en-
gines caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
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. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
9-5
ZX

D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 1-13
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-12
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-8
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Drive belts .................................................. 7-12
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-15
Driving with an automatic transmission .. 4-5
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-11
Emission control information label............. 9-10
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine .......................................................... 9-7
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-6
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-7
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-5
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4Engine oil ................................................ 7-5Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 9-4
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ................................. 4-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2
F
Five passenger seating ............................. 2-18
Five passenger seating with cargo room .. 2-18
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Flexible seating .......................................... 2-33
Floor mat positioning ................................. 2-17
Floor mat positioning pins ......................... 2-20
Fluid (checking)
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-8
Brake fluid............................................. 7-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-5
Power steering fluid ................................ 7-9
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-10
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-11
Fuel filler lid and cap ............................ 2-15
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-5Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-2
Fuses ......................................................... 7-17
Fusible links ............................................... 7-18
G
Gas station information............................ 10-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-5
Odometer ................................................ 1-4
Speedometer .......................................... 1-4
Tachometer............................................. 1-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-4
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-16
Head restraints .......................................... 2-29
Headlight control switch............................. 1-12
Headlights .................................................. 7-19
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ..... 3-11
Rear seat heater and air conditioner ... 3-14
Hood release ............................................. 2-10
I
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-9
10-2
ZX

Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Increasing fuel economy............................ 4-11
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inertia fuel shut-off switch.......................... 5-10
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-76
Installing the license plate ......................... 9-11
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-16
Interior lights .............................................. 1-23
J
Jump starting ...................................... 5-7, 7-11
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
Keyless entry (See multi-remote control system)
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Emission control information label........ 9-10
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate ........ 9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-45
License plate
Installing the license plate .................... 9-11Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-45
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-20
Cornering light ...................................... 1-16
Headlight control switch ....................... 1-12
Headlights ............................................. 7-19
Interior lights ......................................... 1-23
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-19
Luggage compartment lights ................ 1-23
Spotlights .............................................. 1-15
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-6
Lock
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ............................ 2-15
Power door lock...................................... 2-5
Rear door lock ...................................... 2-11
Luggage compartment lights ..................... 1-23
Luggage rack ............................................. 2-14
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-57
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment .................... 2-26Manual rear windows................................. 1-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-76
Outside mirror control ........................... 2-75
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-76
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-76
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-7
O
Odometer ..................................................... 1-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-6
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-7
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-5
Engine oil ................................................ 7-5
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 9-4
Outside mirror control ................................ 2-75
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-76
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-7
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-20
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-16
Parking brake operation ......................... 4-8
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-12
10-3
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91).
For further details such as gasohol, see
``Fuel recommendation'' in the ``Technical
and consumer information'' section.
Recommended engine oil:
cAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
cAPI Certification Mark
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for
all ambient temperatures
See ``Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Cold tire pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the glove com-
partment lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE in-
formation found in the ªStarting and Drivingº
section of this Owner's Manual. Follow these
recommendations for the future reliability
and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
AGS0500
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX