Page 181 of 247

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled
water.
The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your cooling sys-
tem.
Outside tempera-
ture down toAnti-
freezeDistilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the
radiator.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use an appropriate
NISSAN genuine cap or its equiva-
lent when replacement is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI0571
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
ZX
Page 182 of 247

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Your NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure is found in
NISSAN's service manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
cTo avoid danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and
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 the oil level with the 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.
ADI0008ADI0009
ENGINE OIL
7-5
ZX
Page 183 of 247

CAUTION
cOil level should be checked regu-
larly. Operating with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not cov-
ered 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, then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
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 the oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
cBe careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
ADI0057
7-6
ZX
Page 185 of 247

WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as cool-
ing fan and drive belt.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING ATF
cCheck the fluid level using the HOT
range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
Ð The engine is warmed up to operating
temperature.
Ð The vehicle is driven at least 15 minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid is
warmed to between 151ÉF and 171ÉF
(66ÉC to 77ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-peratures of 70ÉF to 95ÉF (21ÉC to 35ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine, then move the gearshift
lever through the range of gears, ending
in P (Park).
ADI0582ADI0572ADI0573
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
7-8
ZX
Page 187 of 247

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by your NISSAN dealer. For further
brake fluid specification information, refer to
the ``Technical and Consumer Information''
section in this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or
contaminated fluid may damage the
brake system. The use of improper flu-
ids can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. To check the fluid level, look
down the fill tube of the washer fluid reser-
voir in the engine compartment.
To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and
refill the reservoir.
This reservoir serves both the front and rear
washer systems.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
ADI0018ADI0019
BRAKE FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
7-10
ZX
Page 188 of 247

cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ)
battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention
cWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.cKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should
be between the MAX and MIN lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level to the indi-
cator in each filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs using a suitable
tool.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
ADI0037
BATTERY
7-11
ZX
Page 189 of 247
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see the ``In
case of emergency'' section. If the engine
does not start by jump starting, the battery
may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is loose or in poor condition,
have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the plugs. An incorrect socket
can cause damage.
ADI0060ADI0061
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
7-12
ZX
Page 191 of 247

WARNING
Operating the engine with the air cleaner
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it
stops flame if the engine backfires. If it
isn't there and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Don't drive with it off,
and be careful working on the engine
with the air cleaner off.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if the wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other mate-
rial may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then, rinse the blade with clear water.
If your windshield is still not clear aftercleaning the blades and using the wipers,
replace the blades.
REPLACEMENT
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-
shield.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper
arm until it clicks into place.
DI1018M
WIPER BLADES
7-14
ZX