7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations .................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-4
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-5
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 7-8
Power steering fluid.............................................. 7-9
Brake fluid .......................................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-10
Battery ................................................................ 7-11
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-12Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-12
Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-13
Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-14
Parking brake check........................................... 7-16
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-16
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-17
Fuses .................................................................. 7-17
Fusible links........................................................ 7-18
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-19
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-24
ZX
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the gearshift
lever to neutral (N).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any replacement or repair.
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
cBe sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position. When the igni-
tion key is in the ON or ACC position,
the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not
running.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition is
on.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
cFailure to follow these or other com-
mon sense guidelines may lead to
serious injury or vehicle damage.cImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX
2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark
plug socket. The plug socket has a rub-
ber seal that holds the spark plug so it
does not fall when it is pulled out. Make
sure each spark plug is snugly fitted into
the plug socket.
3. Check the gap on each new spark plug
with a feeler gauge. (The spark plug gap
is shown in the ``Technical and consumer
information'' section.) Adjust it as re-
quired.4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them. Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with a spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
5. Holding the boot, re-connect each high
tension cable to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
The filter should not be cleaned and reused.
Replace it according to the maintenance
intervals shown in the ``Maintenance sched-
ule'' section. When replacing the filter, un-
clip the four clamps and remove the filter.
Wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth when
replacing filter.
DI1017MADI0579
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FILTER
7-13
ZB13-DX
SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2). [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*.
Engine coolantReplace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months.*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Nissan Premium type or equivalent.)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are
required.
8-6
ZX
SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner housing filter[R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*.
Engine coolant Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months.*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Nissan Premium type, or equivalent.) See NOTE (1).RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperature are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are
required.
8-8
ZX
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system mainte-
nance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if found dam-
aged.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause more rapid
clogging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
Vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines and con-
nections for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated
under extremely adverse weather condi-
tions or in areas where ambient tempera-
tures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filter might become clogged. In
such an event, replace the filter immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant* ÐChanging engine cool-
ant can be performed by your NISSAN
dealer or procedures can be found in the
Service Manual. Improper air relief after
changing coolant can result in reduced
heater performance and overheating.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Timing belt ÐReplace the timing belt for
driving the camshaft.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake boostervacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Automatic transmission fluid* ÐCheck
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs
of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball joints ÐCheck the ball joints
for damage, looseness and grease leakage.
8-10
ZX
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.7Unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)(1)
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II (2)
API Certification Mark (2)Without oil filter 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
Cooling system
With reservoir tank
With rear heater 12-3/4 qt 10-5/8 qt 12.1
Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
Without rear heater 11-3/8 qt 9-3/8 qt 10.7
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Automatic transaxle fluidNissan matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada).(3)
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level
according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Type F automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Brake Fluid(4) or
equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)(5)(1): For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
(2): For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
(3):
DexronTIII/MerconTor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and
Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recom-
mended brand(s) of DexronTIII/MerconTor DexronTIIE/MerconTAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
(4): Available in mainland U.S.A. through your NISSAN dealer.
(5): For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and
could also affect warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2
ZX
10 Index
A
After an accident........................................ 5-10
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-45
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-13
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 3-6
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................... 9-6
Air flow charts ......................................... 3-7
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(If so equipped) .................................... 3-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-3
Rear seat heater and air conditioner ... 3-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................ 9-6
Anchor point location ................................. 2-66
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 3-21
Power.................................................... 3-21
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-13
Armrests..................................................... 2-29
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-15Compact disc (CD) player .................... 3-22
Autolamp switch......................................... 1-13
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-8
Driving with an automatic transmission .. 4-5
B
Battery........................................................ 7-11
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Brake
Anti-lock brake system ......................... 4-13
Brake booster ....................................... 7-17
Brake fluid ..................................... 7-10, 9-2
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-16
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-9, 7-16
Parking brake check ............................. 7-16
Parking brake operation ......................... 4-8
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 7-16
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-11
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-21
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Cargo net ................................................... 2-13Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-26
Child restraints for infants and
small children ............................................. 2-58
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 2-62
Child safety sliding door lock....................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray ..................... 1-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock .......................................................... 1-22
Coin tray .................................................... 1-18
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-15
Compact disc (CD) player ......................... 3-22
Controls
Audio controls (rear) ............................. 3-25
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Rear seat heater and air conditioner
controls ................................................. 3-14
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Cornering light ........................................... 1-16
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-4
Cruise control............................................... 4-9
Cup holder ................................................. 2-31
ZX