8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................8-8
Temperature conditions for checking ATF .............8-8
Power steering fluid................................................8-9
Brake fluid ............................................................8-10
Window washer fluid ............................................8-10
Battery ..................................................................8-11Jump starting ........................................................8-12
Drive belts ............................................................8-12
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-12
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-13
Wiper blades ........................................................8-15
Parking brake check.............................................8-16
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-17
Brake booster .......................................................8-18
Fuses and fusible links.........................................8-18
Light bulbs ............................................................8-20
Headlights ............................................................8-20
Bulb replacement .................................................8-22
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-26
Types of tires........................................................8-27
Tire chains ............................................................8-28
ZX
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the gear-
shift lever to N (neutral).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any replacement or re-
pair.
c
Be sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position. When the igni-
tion key is in the ON or ACC position,
the cooling fan may start to operate
suddenly even when the engine is not
running. To avoid injury always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is ON.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can hurt the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX
CAUTION
cOil level should be checked regu-
larly. Operating with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
WARNING
cBe careful not to burn yourself, as
the engine oil is hot.
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
ADI0057
8-6Do-it-yourself
ZX
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not use excessive force.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely. See the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section
for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
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 clean engine oil.
7. Screw the oil filter in until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 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.
ADI0010
Do-it-yourself8-7
ZX
Schedule One
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.526.25 30 33.75 37.541.25 45 48.75 52.556.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2). [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*.
Engine coolant Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months.*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use NISSAN Premium type or equivalent.)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
9-6Maintenance
ZX
Schedule Two
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner housing filter[R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*.
Engine coolant Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months.*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use NISSAN Premium type, or equivalent.)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs[R] [R]
Timing beltReplace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or
extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals
are required.
9-8Maintenance
ZX
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section of this
manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
Evap vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness or deterio-
ration. If leaks are found, replace them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, thefilter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant* ÐChanging engine cool-
ant can be performed by your NISSAN
dealer or procedures can be found in the
Service Manual. Improper air relief after
changing coolant can result in reduced
heater performance and overheating.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Timing belt ÐReplace the timing belt for
driving the camshaft.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.Brake pads, discs, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may
have to be inspected more frequently.
Automatic transmission fluid* ÐCheck
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs
of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots ÐCheck
for damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions, they
may have to be inspected more frequently.
Exhaust system ÐVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag system ÐCheck
the supplemental air bag system compo-
nents for proper attachment, damage, de-
formities, cracks, rust, etc. Work around and
on the supplemental air bag system should
be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-10Maintenance
ZX
10 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......10-2
Fuel recommendation...........................................10-2
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..............10-4
Recommended SAE viscosity number.................10-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................................10-6
Engine ..................................................................10-7
Wheel/tire size ......................................................10-8
Dimensions and weights ......................................10-8
Registering your vehicle in another country ........10-9
Vehicle identification ............................................10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.............10-9
Engine serial number ...........................................10-9F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..............................10-10
Emission control information label .....................10-10
Tire placard ........................................................10-11
Air conditioner specification label.......................10-11
Installing the license plate ..................................10-11
Vehicle loading information ................................10-12
Trailer towing ......................................................10-13
Uniform tire quality grading ................................10-18
Emission control system warranty .....................10-19
Reporting safety defects (USA) .........................10-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test ......................................................................10-20
ZX