
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

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

BULB REPLACEMENT
Item Wattage (W) Bulb No.
Headlight (semi-sealed beam)
High/Low 65/45 9004
Front combination light:
Front side marker light 3.8 194
Parking/Cornering 8.25/27 3157
Front turn signal light 27 3475
Rear combination light:
Turn signal 27 1156NA
Stop/Tail 27 1157
Back-up light 27 3156
Rear side marker light 3.8 194
License plate light 3.8 194
High-mounted stop light 12.8 912
Interior lights 12 211-2
Personal reading light 9.8 208
Luggage compartment light 12 211-2
Steplight 3.8 194
Spotlight 10 Ð
7-21
ZX

Replacement procedures
All lights (except for headlights) are either
type A, B, C or D. When replacing a bulb,
first remove the lens and/or cover.
ADI0577
ADI0044
7-22
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

cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical
remove the hitch when not in use.
Remove the receiver when not in
use. After the hitch is removed, seal
the bolt holes to prevent exhaust
fumes, water or dust from entering
the passenger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (located
on the inside of the glove box lid).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper oraxle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides
two circuits (right and left hand) to operate
trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each individual
stop/turn circuit will operate only one com-
bination stop/turn light bulb (#1157, 3157,
2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add
more than one trailer light bulb to one
circuit.
9-15
ZX

G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-5
Odometer ................................................ 1-4
Speedometer .......................................... 1-4
Tachometer............................................. 1-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-4
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
Head restraints .......................................... 2-30
Headlight control switch............................. 1-13
Headlights .................................................. 7-19
Heater
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
Hood release ............................................. 2-10
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Important vehicle information label............ 9-10
Increasing fuel economy............................ 4-12
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 1-6
Inertial fuel shut off switch ......................... 5-11
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-80
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-15
Integrated child safety seats...................... 2-71
Interior lights .............................................. 1-24
J
Jump starting ...................................... 5-8, 7-12
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 2-7
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Emission control information label........ 9-10
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-10
Vehicle identification number ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ........................................................ 9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-47
License plate
Installing the license plate .................... 9-11Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-47
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-21
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-21
Cornering light ...................................... 1-15
Headlight control switch ....................... 1-13
Headlights ............................................. 7-19
Interior lights ......................................... 1-24
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-19
Luggage compartment lights ................ 1-24
Spotlights .............................................. 1-25
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-6
Lock
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 2-15
Power door lock...................................... 2-5
Rear door lock ...................................... 2-11
Luggage compartment lights ..................... 1-24
Luggage rack ............................................. 2-14
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ................................................. 9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
10-3
ZX

Seats
Five passenger seating ........................ 2-18
Five passenger seating with cargo
room...................................................... 2-18
Flexible seating..................................... 2-32
Integrated child safety seats ................ 2-71
Manual front seat adjustment ............... 2-26
Power support front seat ...................... 2-28
Seat positions ....................................... 2-21
Second row bench seat........................ 2-21
Second row bucket seats ..................... 2-24
Seven passenger seating ..................... 2-17
Sliding three-passenger seat................ 2-38
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 2-19
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position ................................................. 2-17
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 2-15
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 7-16
Service manual order form ........................ 9-21
Seven passenger seating .......................... 2-17
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 4-6
Sliding three-passenger seat ..................... 2-38
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-12
Speedometer ............................................... 1-4
Spotlights ................................................... 1-25
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-47
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting................................. 5-8, 7-12
Precautions when starting anddriving ..................................................... 4-2
Push starting......................................... 5-10
Starting the engine ................................. 4-8
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................ 7-9, 9-2
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-78
Stop light .................................................... 7-21
Storage
Coin tray ............................................... 1-17
Compact disc storage........................... 1-18
Under seat storage tray........................ 2-31
Sun shade.................................................. 1-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-21
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 2-47
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 1-13
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-15
Headlight control switch ....................... 1-13
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-7
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-12
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 1-12
Turn signal switch................................. 1-14
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-11
T
Tabletop seats ........................................... 2-31Tachometer .................................................. 1-4
Theft warning ............................................. 1-10
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 2-57
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 2-19
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 2-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-78
Timing belt ................................................... 9-7
Timing chain ................................................ 9-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire .............................................. 7-29
Tire chains ............................................ 7-26
Tire placard........................................... 9-11
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-25
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-27
Tool kit .................................................... 5-2
Types of tires ........................................ 7-26
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheels and tires ........................... 7-25, 9-8
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-8
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-12
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-14
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-13
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-5
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)........................................... 9-9
10-5
ZX