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 186 of 247

3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging
pipe as far as it goes.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid to the charging pipe.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL.
Use ONLY Nissan Matic `D' (Continen-
tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada). Dexronž III/Merconž or
equivalent may also be used. Outside
the continental United States and
Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for
more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž or
Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a longtime at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked by looking
at the MAX and MIN lines at fluid tempera-
tures of 32ÉF to 86ÉF (0ÉC to 30ÉC).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add auto-
matic transmission fluid type F up to the
MAX line.
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cThe recommended fluid is type F
automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent.
ADI0017
POWER STEERING FLUID
7-9
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 190 of 247

1. Disconnect the spark plug cables from
the spark plugs.
When disconnecting, always hold the boots,
not the cables.
2. Remove the spark plugs with a spark
plug socket. The plug socket has a rub-
ber seal that holds the spark plug so it
does not fall when it is pulled out. Make
sure each spark plug is snugly fitted into
the plug socket.
3. Check the gap on each new spark plug
with a feeler gauge. (The spark plug gap
is shown in the ``Technical and consumerinformation'' section.) Adjust it as re-
quired.
4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them. Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with a spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
5. Holding the boot, re-connect each high
tension cable to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
The filter should not be cleaned and reused.
Replace it according to the maintenance
intervals shown in the ``Maintenance sched-
ule'' section. When replacing the filter, un-
clip the four clamps and remove the filter.
Wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth when
replacing filter.
DI1017MADI0579
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FILTER
7-13
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
Page 192 of 247
CAUTION
cAfter wiper blade replacement, re-
turn the wiper arm to its original
position.
cOtherwise it may be damaged when
the engine hood is opened.
cMake sure the wiper blade contacts
the glass, otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
Rear wiper blade replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-
shield.
2. Push in the lock pin with a suitable tool,
then pull up on the blade.
3. Insert a new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm and press down until the blade clicks
into place.
ADI0581
7-15
ZX