
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil
filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
6. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as cool-
ing fan and drive belts.
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
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The ATF should be warmed to between
122 and 176ÉF (50 and 80ÉC).
cThe ATF can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
ADI1032
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are noloose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0
API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
4x4 10-3/8 pt 8-5/8 pt 4.9
Manual steering gear oil 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.62 API GL-4*1
Final drive4x2 M/T
API GL-5*1 Regular cab 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
King cab 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
4x2 A/T 3-1/8 pt. 2-5/8 pt. 1.5
4x4 Front 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Rear 2-3/4 pt. 2-1/4 pt. 1.3
Transfer fluid Ð Ð ÐNissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the
instructions in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIII, or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
Technical and consumer information10-3
ZX

not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX

D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-14
Dimensions and weights.......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-14
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-16
Cold weather driving............................. 5-26
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-8
Driving your 4-wheel drive safely ......... 5-21
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-19
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-14
Emission control information label........... 10-13
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-25
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Changing engine oil................................ 8-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-16
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-4
Separate ................................................. 1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-14
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-16
Head restraints ............................................ 1-3
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-14
Headlights .................................................. 8-23
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Heater operation .......................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
11-2
ZX

Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-16
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-14
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-16
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-19
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-5
Jump seat .................................................... 1-6
Jump starting ............................................... 6-7
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14Emission control information label...... 10-13
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-15
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-24
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-24
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-14
Headlights ............................................. 8-23
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-19
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-23
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-12
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-7
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door lock...................................... 3-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ............................................... 10-15
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-25
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light .......................... 2-10
Manual antenna ......................................... 4-21
Manual windows ........................................ 2-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 5-19
Map light .................................................... 2-19
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-13
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-7
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-6
Engine oil ................................................ 8-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
11-3
ZX