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
From the released position, push the park-
ing brake foot lever down. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
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 also self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. If the brake
pedal goes down farther than normal, see
your NISSAN dealer
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched scrap-
ing or screeching sound when the vehicle is
in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked 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.
ADI0062ADI0027
PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL
7-16
ZX
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 as fol-
lows:
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 the
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, turn the
engine off. Keep 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, see
your NISSAN dealer.
Engine compartment
(headlight fuses)
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If a headlight does not come on, check for
an open fuse:
The left headlight (driver's side) fuse is
located in the right-hand fuse box, found in
ADI0583
BRAKE BOOSTER FUSES
7-17
ZX
the right-front corner of the engine compart-
ment.
The right headlight (passenger side) fuse is
located in the left-hand fuse box, near the
radiator cap.
1. Turn the headlight switch to the OFF
position.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the appropriate fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
attached to the passenger compartment
fuse box cover.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by your NISSAN dealer.If the electrical equipment does not operate
and fuses are in good condition, check the
fusible links. If any of these fusible links are
melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN
parts.
If the new fusible link melts again, have the
system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
ADI0584
FUSIBLE LINKS
7-18
ZX
Passenger compartment
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If the electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse:
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Open the fuse box cover. Refer to the
fuse label on the fuse box cover to locatethe fuse in question.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by your NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb. A bulb can be replaced from
inside the engine compartment without re-
moving the headlight assembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
ADI0580AEL076-A
LIGHT BULBS
7-19
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
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run, and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer or
other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose engine oil with the
correct quality and viscosity to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance. NIS-
SAN recommends the use of a low friction
oil (energy conserving oil) in order to im-
prove fuel economy and conserve energy.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could
cause engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH, an
Energy Conserving II oil with the API Ser-
vice Symbol may be used. An oil with a
single designation SG or SH, or in combi-
nation with other categories (for example,
SG/CC or SG/CD) may also be used if one
with the
ATI0507
9-4
ZX
10 Index
A
After an accident........................................ 5-11
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 2-42
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-47
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-13
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............... 3-20, 3-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 3-14
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 3-10
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-3
Rear seat heater and air
conditioner ............................................ 3-13
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-7
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 1-10
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-69
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 3-20
Power.................................................... 3-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 4-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-8
Armrests..................................................... 2-30Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 1-16
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-14
Compact disc (CD) player .................... 3-21
Autolamp switch......................................... 1-13
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-20
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-5
B
Battery........................................................ 7-11
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-15
Brake booster ....................................... 7-17
Brake fluid ..................................... 7-10, 9-2
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-21
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-16
Brake system ........................................ 4-14
Brake warning light ................................. 1-7
Brake wear indicators ............................. 1-9
Parking brake check ............................. 7-16
Parking brake operation ......................... 4-9
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 7-16
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-12Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-21
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Cargo net ................................................... 2-13
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-12
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 3-14
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-25
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 1-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 2-65
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-60
Child safety sliding door lock....................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory)
and ashtray ................................................ 1-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock .......................................................... 1-23
Coin tray .................................................... 1-17
Cold weather driving .................................. 4-16
Compact disc (CD) player ......................... 3-21
Controls
Audio controls ....................................... 3-14
Audio controls (rear) ............................. 3-24
ZX