
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

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 an autho-
rized 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 an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
``Maintenance'' section of 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
8-12Do-it-yourself
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 an authorized 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
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX

of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run, and/or overheating, which
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
engine damage. If any of the above symp-
toms are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer or
other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose engine oil with the
correct quality and viscosity to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance. NIS-
SAN recommends the use of a low friction
oil (energy conserving oil) in order to im-
prove fuel economy and conserve energy.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could
cause engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH, an
Energy Conserving II oil with the API Ser-
vice Symbol may be used. An oil with a
single designation SG or SH, or in combi-
nation with other categories (for example,
SG/CC or SG/CD) may also be used if one
ATI0507
10-4Technical and consumer information
ZX

ModelVG30E
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement6-cylinder, V slanted at 60É
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 3.425 ý 3.268 (87.0 ý 83.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 180.62 (2,960)
Firing order1,2,3,4,5,6* (See illustration below)
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Important Vehicle Information'' label on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.)
at idle speed degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Spark plug
StandardBKR5EY
ColdBKR6EY
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.031 to 0.035 (0.8 to 0.9)
Camshaft operationTiming belt** (See note below)
Drive belts
[Width ý Length] in (mm)
Generator belt0.7008 ý 33.66 (17.80 ý 855)
Air conditioner compressor0.5606 ý 46.65 (14.24 ý 1,185)
Power steering pump0.5606 ý 40.74 (14.24 ý 1,035)
**NOTE: Periodic maintenance is necessary. Refer to the appropriate periodic
maintenance schedule in Chapter 8.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
ENGINE
Technical and consumer information10-7
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-16
Head restraints ............................................ 1-6
Headlight control switch............................. 2-13
Headlights .................................................. 8-20
Heater
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-10
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat heater and air conditioner ... 4-13
Hood release ............................................. 3-11
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Important vehicle information label.......... 10-10
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-12
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-6
Inertial fuel shut off switch ......................... 6-11
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-18
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-15
Integrated child safety seats...................... 1-57
Interior lights .............................................. 2-24
J
Jump starting ...................................... 6-8, 8-12K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-8
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-11
Emission control information label...... 10-10
Engine serial number ........................... 10-9
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) ...... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 10-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-23
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-11
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-23
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-22
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-22
Cornering light ...................................... 2-15
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-13
Headlights ............................................. 8-20
Interior lights ......................................... 2-24
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-20
Luggage compartment lights ................ 2-24
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-25Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Lock
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 3-5
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-16
Power door lock...................................... 3-6
Rear door lock ...................................... 3-12
Luggage compartment lights ..................... 2-24
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-15
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ............................................... 10-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-38
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 2-9
Manual antenna ......................................... 4-20
Manual front seat adjustment ...................... 1-3
Manual rear windows................................. 2-22
Map light .................................................... 2-25
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-18
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-17
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-18
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-19
11-3
ZX

Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 1-67
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position ................................................. 1-65
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 1-64
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-17
Service manual order form ...................... 10-21
Seven passenger seating .......................... 1-65
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-6
Sliding three-passenger seat ..................... 1-14
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-12
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-25
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-23
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Jump starting................................. 6-8, 8-12
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid ...................... 10-2, 8-9
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-17
Stop light .................................................... 8-22
Storage
Coin tray ............................................... 2-18
Compact disc storage........................... 2-18
Under seat storage tray.......................... 1-7
Sun shade.................................................. 2-22
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-22Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-23
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 2-14
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-16
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-13
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 5-7
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-13
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-12
Turn signal switch................................. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
T
Tabletop seats ............................................. 1-7
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Theft warning ............................................. 2-10
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 1-34
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 1-67
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 1-65
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-17
Timing belt ................................................. 10-7
Timing chain .............................................. 10-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-30Tire chains ............................................ 8-28
Tire placard......................................... 10-11
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-26
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-28
Tool kit .................................................... 6-2
Types of tires ........................................ 8-27
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires ......................... 10-8, 8-26
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-8
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-12
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-14
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-13
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-5
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 10-9
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Turn signal switch ...................................... 2-15
U
Under seat storage tray ............................... 1-7
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-19
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-8
Vehicle identification .................................. 10-9
11-5
ZX