
cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's
Manual index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
of this manual.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter, when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires is substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS-
SAN recommends using MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for
the tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed accord-
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4-16
ZX

To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
cThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improper rated
battery can damage your vehicle.cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over when
jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
JUMP STARTING
5-8
ZX

Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries close to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the gear-
shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, the strut
mounting bolt, etc.Ðnot to the
battery).cMake sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and
let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other ve-
hicle at about 2,000 RPM, and start your
engine in the normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped).
Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.CE1071M
5-9
ZX

7Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................7-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............7-8
Power steering fluid................................................7-9
Brake fluid ............................................................7-10
Window washer fluid ............................................7-10
Battery ..................................................................7-11
Jump starting ........................................................7-12Drive belts ............................................................7-12
Spark 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
Headlights ............................................................7-19
Bulb replacement .................................................7-21
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-25
Types of tires........................................................7-26
Tire chains ............................................................7-26
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.
WARNING
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 gear-
shift lever to N (neutral).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any replacement or
repair.
cBe sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position. When the
ignition key is in the ON or ACC
position, the cooling fan may start to
operate suddenly even when the en-
gine is not running. To avoid injury
always disconnect the negative bat-
tery cable before working near the
fan.cIf you must work with the engine
running, 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
enclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is ON.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle 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

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

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

cWhen handling the bulb, do not
touch the glass envelope.
Removing the headlight bulb
1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
3. Turn the bulb retaining ring counterclock-
wise until it is free from the headlight
reflector, then remove it.
4. Remove the headlight bulb by pulling it
straight out. Do not shake or rotate the
bulb when removing it.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Insert the bulb into the headlight reflector
with the flat side of the plastic base facing
upward.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring and turn it
clockwise until it stops.
3. Push the electrical connector into the
bulb plastic base until it snaps and stops.
CAUTION
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
cUse the same number and wattage
as originally installed:
Wattage 65/45
Bulb no. 9004
cAiming is not necessary after replac-
ing the bulb. When aiming adjust-
ment is necessary, contact your
NISSAN dealer.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
7-20
ZX