
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an
ordinary passenger car because it has a higher center of
gravity for off-road use. As with other vehicles with features
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control or an accident.
Be sure to read ªOn-pavement and off-road driving precau-
tionsº and ``Avoiding collision and rollover'' in the ªStarting
and drivingº section of this manual.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect
its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from modification may not be
covered under NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are
those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to
change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
1996 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
U.S.A.
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be
reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Nissan North America, Inc., Torrance, California.
ZX

ning lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you turns on the
headlight high beam.
Turn signal
Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signal cancels automati-
cally.
Lane change signal
To indicate a lane change, move the lever
up or down to the point where the indicator
light begins to flash, but the lever does not
latch.
The ignition switch must be in the ACC or ON
position for the wipers or washer to be acti-
vated. Push the lever down to operate the
wipers, and pull the lever toward you to
operate the washer. Operating the washer
automatically cycles the wipers several times.
Intermittent wiper operation can be adjusted
from 4 to 12 seconds by turning the time
control knob (Type 2 only).
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.cDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is dry.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
AIC0742
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
1-11
ZX

The cassette tape automatically changes
direction to play the other side when the first
side is complete. At this time, the arrow in
the display window changes direction.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either the FF (fast forward) or REW
(rewind) button for the desired direction.
The
orsymbol illuminates in the
display. To stop the FF or REW function,
press the PLAY/STOP button.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either the APS FF or APS REW button
while the tape is playing. The tape runs
quickly, stops, then plays the next selection.
The
orsymbol illuminates in
the display.
This system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one program or there is no interval
between programs, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
Changing the direction of tape play
Push the PROG (program) select button.
The
orsymbol illuminates in the
display window to indicate which program
side is playing.
PLAY/STOP button
Push the PLAY/STOP button to stop cas-
sette tape play and turn the audio system
off. Press the PLAY/STOP button again to
resume cassette tape play.
Also use the PLAY/STOP button to resume
play when the tape is in the fast forward or
rewind mode.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
Push theDOLBY NR button for
Dolby NR encoded tapes to reduce high
frequency tape noise. The indicator light
comes on.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-
tion. DOLBY NR and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Li-
censing Corporation.
If in the clock priority mode when the
button is pressed,and TAPE il-luminate in the display window for about ten
seconds. The clock mode than returns to
the display window.
Metal or chrome tape usage
The cassette player is automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal
or chrome cassette tape. The indicator
METAL comes on when playing a metal or
chrome cassette tape.
Ejecting the cassette tape
Push the EJECT button. The cassette tape
automatically comes out.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases,
away from direct sunlight, heat, mois-
ture and magnetic sources.
3-14
ZX

CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON, then
lightly insert the cassette tape into the tape
door.
The cassette tape automatically pulls into
the player. The word TAPE and an arrow
indicating tape side illuminates in the dis-
play window.
The radio turns off and the cassette tape
begins to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape automatically changes
direction to play the other side when the first
side is complete. At this time, the arrow in
the display window changes direction.
PLAY/STOP button
Push the PLAY/STOP button to resume
tape play when:
cthe tape has stopped playing.
cthe tape is in the fast forward mode.
cthe tape is in the rewind mode.
Pressing the PLAY/STOP button during
tape play stops the tape and turns the audio
system off.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either the FF (fast forward) or REW
(rewind) button for the desired direction.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either the APS FF or APS REW button
while the cassette tape is playing. The tape
runs quickly, stops, then plays the next
selection.
This system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one program or there is no interval
between programs, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
Changing the direction of tape play
Push the PROG (program) select button.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
Push theDOLBY NR button for
DOLBY NR encoded tapes to reduce high
frequency tape noise. The indicator light
comes on.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-
tion. Dolby NR and the double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
AIC0713
3-19
ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a dan-
gerous gas, and can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
c
If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Do not occupy these areas
while the engine is running even if the
vehicle is parked. (Some recreational
vehicle appliances such as stoves,
refrigerators, heaters, etc. may also
generate carbon monoxide.)
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline will seri-
ously reduce the three-way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the converter,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
ZX

uncomfortable shift shocks as the trans-
mission repeatedly shifts between 3rd
and overdrive. In this case, set the over-
drive switch in the OFF
position. The
indicator light in the instrument panel
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch in the ONposition.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the OFF
position. This
reduces fuel economy.
Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the gearshift lever. After
shifting, release the clutch slowly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
Reverse (R). First shift into the Neutral (N)
position, then into Reverse (R).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
Reverse or 1st, shift into Neutral, then re-
lease the clutch pedal. Depress the pedal
and shift into Reverse or 1st again.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel
drive, see ``
Transfer case shifting pro-cedures for 4-wheel drive vehicles'' later in
this section.
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into Reverse.
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,
shift to N and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.
Suggested shift-up speeds
The folllowing table provides suggested speed
ranges for shifting into a higher gear. These
SD1017M
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
4-9
ZX

L marks. If the oil level is below the L
mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' in this section.
DI1301
7-7
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks
self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four-
wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, it may be
due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum
brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal, see your NISSAN dealer
and have it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakeschecked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by your NISSAN
dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by your NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER
7-19
ZX