The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to aid steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at low
speeds.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit develops a problem
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal is required to stop the
vehicle, and the stopping distance is longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance is longer and
the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
wears out the brake linings and pads fasterand reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking actions
or sudden acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
4-14
ZX
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate
at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds vary
according to road conditions.) When the anti-
lock system senses one or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes veryquickly). While the actuator is working, you
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and
hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
the anti-lock system is working properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate road condi-
tions are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ``clunk'' noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and is not an indication of any malfunction. If
the computer senses any malfunction, it
switches the anti-lock brake system OFF and
turns on the ABS brake warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test, or
while driving, take your vehicle to your NIS-
SAN dealer for repair at your earliest conve-
nience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
4-15
ZX
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
ing to the chain manufacturer's sugges-
tions. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains.
In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not
exceed maximum speed suggested by
chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han-
dling and performance may be adversely
affected.Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use tire chains on
dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry
pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
4-17
ZX
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire. This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
Removing wheel cover
Remove the jack rod from the tool kit. For
wheel cover removal, place the screwdriver
tip of the jack rod between the wheel cover
and the edge of the rim. Push and twist
gently.
Removing wheel cap
For cap removal, place the screwdriver tip
of the jack rod into the indentation between
the cap and the wheel. Push and twist
gently.
CAUTION
Do not use your hands to pry off wheel
caps or wheel covers. Doing so could
result in personal injury.
CE1003MACE0561ACE0563
5-4
ZX
Jacking up and removing tire
Carefully read the caution label attached
to the jack body and the following in-
structions.
1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up
point as illustrated above so the top of
the jack contacts the vehicle at the
jack-up point. Align the center of both the
jack head and the notch at the jack-up
point as shown. Also fit the notched
portion of the vehicle in the groove of the
jack head as shown.
The jack should be used on level, firm
ground.2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns
by turning counterclockwise with the lug
wrench.Do not remove the wheel nuts
until the tire is off the ground.
3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire
clears the ground. To lift the vehicle,
securely hold the jack lever and rod with
both hands as shown above. Remove
the wheel nuts, and then remove the tire.
WARNING
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by the jack.
cUse the jack provided with your ve-
hicle. Do not use the jack provided
with your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed only for lifting
your vehicle during a tire change.
cUse the correct jack-up points; never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
ACE0009CE1063M
5-5
ZX
cNever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
cNever use blocks on or under the
jack.
cDo not start or run engine while
vehicle is on the jack as it may cause
the vehicle to move.
cDo not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
cNever run the engine with the wheels
off of the ground. It may cause the
vehicle to move.
Installing wheel
The T-type spare tire is designed for
emergency use. See specific instruc-
tions under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten
the lug nuts finger tight.
3. With the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts
alternately and evenly until they are tight.4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the lug
wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely in
the sequence as illustrated.
WARNING
cIncorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
cDo nut use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
As soon as possible, tighten the lug nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Lug nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm)
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres-
sure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
CE1003
5-6
ZX
tire placard affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
cRetighten the lug nuts when the ve-
hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum
wheel.
5. Securely store the jacking equipment in
the vehicle. The tool kit is stored behind
the jack.
Stowing the spare tire or flat tire
1. To raise the tire to the stowed position,
install the retainer through the wheel
center and turn the wheel lug wrench
clockwise until the tire is raised to its
original position underneath the vehicle.
The spare tire hex nut ratchets when
the tire is raised. It won't allow you to
over-tighten.
2. Check for proper seating against under-body supports. If necessary, loosen tire,
reposition and retighten.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
cThe T-type spare tire is designed for
emergency use. See specific instruc-
tions under the heading ``Wheels
and tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself op-
erations'' section.
ACE0016
5-7
ZX