2 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key ....................................................................... 2-2
Door locks ............................................................ 2-2
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ...... 2-7
Battery replacement ............................................. 2-8
Hood release ...................................................... 2-10
Rear door lock .................................................... 2-11
Cargo net............................................................ 2-13
Luggage rack...................................................... 2-14
Fuel filler lid and cap .......................................... 2-15
Seats/floor mats ................................................. 2-15
Floor mat positioning .......................................... 2-17
Seat positions ..................................................... 2-21
Cup holder .......................................................... 2-31
Flexible seating .................................................. 2-33
Removing and installing the second row
bench seat .......................................................... 2-33Removing second row bucket seats .................. 2-35
Sliding three-passenger seat ............................. 2-39
Supplemental restraint system
(air bag system) ................................................. 2-42
Warning labels.................................................... 2-45
Supplemental air bag warning light.................... 2-45
Seat belts ........................................................... 2-47
Child restraints for infants and small children .. 2-58
Child restraint with top tether strap .................... 2-62
Tilting steering wheel ......................................... 2-74
Outside mirror control......................................... 2-75
Outside mirrors ................................................... 2-76
Inside mirror ....................................................... 2-76
Vanity mirror ....................................................... 2-76
ZX
1. Pull the hood lock release handles1
located below the instrument panel; the
hood then springs up slightly.
2. Pull up on the lever
s2at the front of the
hood and raise the hood.3. Insert the support rod
s3into the slot on
the underside of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the support
rod to its original position, then slowly
close the hood and make sure it locks
into place.
PD1336MAPD0141
HOOD RELEASE
2-10
ZX
cDriving with vacuum assisted brake:
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 is required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-
tance is longer.
cDriving with the power assisted steer-
ing:
The power assisted steering is designed
to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the
engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt
breaks, you still have control of the ve-
hicle. However, much greater steering
effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
or at low speeds.
cWet brakes:
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance is
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brakepedal 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.
cAvoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This overheats the
brakes, wears out the brake linings and
pads faster and reduces gas mileage.
cTo help save the brakes 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.
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking actions or
sudden acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid.The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
It is not necessary to pump the brake
pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h) to completely stop the vehicle. (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When the anti-lock system senses one or
more wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure (like pump-
ing the brakes very quickly). While the ac-
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
DRIVINGANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(If so equipped)
4-13
ZX
make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodÐ Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesÐ
Make sure all warning lights and
buzzers/chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions. Check that the seat
leg latches lock securely in every anchor
position for the folding down rear seat and
detachable rear seat (if so equipped).
Seat beltsÐ Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalÐ Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*Ð Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed
fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
certain to keep floor mats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake*Ð Check that the pedal is
adjusted to specification and confirm that
your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
8-3
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