
cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a microcom-
puter to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for this
transmission. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before shifting the selec-
tor lever to the R, N, D, 2 or 1 position. Be
sure the vehicle is fully stopped before
attempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to ACC, LOCK,
or if the key is removed from the switch.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot
brake, then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cAvoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to: R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed.
cNever shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving.
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an up-
hill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brakes should be used for this
purpose.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
4-5
ZX

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

steep hill with only the parking brake ap-
plied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without apply-
ing any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot, or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*Ð Make sure the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN
lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in eachcell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure no belts
are frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-stances, otherwise rust forms on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX

Abbreviations: I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary.
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilome-
ters or months, whichever comes
first.Miles ý 1,000
(km ý 1,000)
Months7.5
(12)
615
(24)
1222.5
(36)
1830
(48)
2437.5
(60)
3045
(72)
3652.5
(84)
4260
(96)
48
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesIIII
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsIIII
Automatic transmission oilIIII
Steering gear linkage, axle & suspension parts I I
Exhaust system See NOTE (1). I I
Front drive shaft bootsIIII
Supplemental air bag system See NOTE (2).
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) Inspect the supplemental air bag system 10 years after the date of manufacture as noted on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label located
on the left center pillar.
8-9
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

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