Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and
vehicle maintenance schedules. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet will explain how to resolve any
concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to them.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and
complete trip for you and your passengers:
cNEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint
systems. Pre-teen children should be seated in the rear seat.cALWAYS provide information about the proper use of
vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
1997 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced
or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc.
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
This Owner's Manual contains descriptions and operating in-
structions for all systems, features and optional equipment that
might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destina-
tion in North America, including the continental United States,
Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may find information in this
manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could
affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems resulting from modifications may
not be covered under NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those
in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and
distributes them in 170 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth larg-
est automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery, forklift
trucks, marine engines, boats and other products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan MotorManufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply Nissan and Nis-
san dealers with materials and services ranging
from the operation of port facilities and transpor-
tation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts
and accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZX
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with
your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist
you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions,
please contact our (NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs De-
partment using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canada customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following infor-
mation:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dashboard)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questionsOR
you may write to NISSAN with the information on the
left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
ZX
The seating system allows great flexibility.
Proper usage is important to your safety.
WARNING
cDo not slide the seat while the ve-
hicle is moving.
cAfter adjustment, gently rock in the
seat to be sure it is securely locked.
c
After sliding the seat, check that both
sides of the seat are locked securely
by attempting to move each side of
the seat forward and backward. This
must be done before the vehicle isput into motion in order to prevent
unintended movement of the seat and
passenger injuries.
cDo not attempt to use the seats
placed into a storage position for
passengers because in this position
the seat belts will not protect the
occupants. Be sure to use the proper
seat belts for each seat location.
Improper seat belt usage will in-
crease the risk of severe injury in an
accident.
c
When the vehicle is being used to
carry cargo, properly secure all cargo
to help prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
cBe careful not to damage the seat
belt. Never allow anyone to ride in the
cargo area or on a seat that is in a
storage position. It is not designed
for passengers. They could be in-
jured in sudden braking or a collision.
cTo prevent luggage or packages
from sliding forward during braking,do not stack anything in the cargo
area higher than the seatbacks.
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
cBe sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt prop-
erly.
cBe sure to replace and reposition
floor mats as discussed in ``Floor
mat positioning'' in this section.
cThe three-passenger sliding bench
seat is not intended to be removed
from the vehicle by consumers.
However, if it must be removed, have
a qualified person remove it. That
person should refer to the instruc-
tions in the Service Manual. When
seat is reinstalled, the attaching
bolts must be tightened to the appro-
priate torque specifications. Failure
APD0126
1-16Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing and
should be taken to your nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds
and then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System Air Bag may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired.
Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag light remains illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of the supplemental air
bag system should be done only by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
system must be inspected 10 years after
the date of manufacture as noted on the
certification label located on the driver
side front pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the
hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
should be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The supplemental air
bag module cannot be repaired.cThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
1-24Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
minimum mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
ABSorAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function turns off, but the brakes
continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer for repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for
two seconds each time the ignition key is
turned ON. This shows the light is function-
ing properly.
If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have an authorized NISSANdealer check the transmission and repair it if
necessary.
The automatic transmission is equipped
with an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This sys-
tem allows the vehicle to be driven even in
the event of damage to the electrical cir-
cuits. If this occurs, the gears automatically
engage and lock into third gear.
NOTE: See ``Fail-safe'' in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual before visit-
ing an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX
cvehicle ran out of fuel, which caused
the engine to misfire.
cfuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced such a
condition, drive the vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealer and have the vehicle in-
spected. Avoid any unnecessary diagnosis
during the service by informing the dealer of
the condition that may have occurred.
The theft warning system provides audio
and visual alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
How to activate the theft warning
system
1. Close all windows.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors and the hood. Lock all
doors by pressing the
button on the
multi-remote controller. At this time, the
parking lights blink and the horn chirps to
indicate all doors are locked.The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY light, lo-
cated under the hazard warning switch,
illuminates. The SECURITY light illumi-
nates for about 30 seconds and then
begins to flash once every three sec-
onds. The system is now activated.
The theft warning system is NOT activated if
one of the following occurs:
cA door is unlocked or opened, the hood is
opened, or the ignition key is turned to
the ACC or ON position during the 30
seconds in which the SECURITY light
stays on.
cThe SECURITY light blinks at a steady
1/2 second on - 1/2 second off rate
because a door or the hood is open and
the key is not in the ACC or ON position.
When the ignition key is turned to the
ACC or ON position, the SECURITY light
turns off.
IC0005
THEFT WARNING
(if so equipped)
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX
Servicing air conditioning
The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant de-
signed with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the
earth's ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant
are required when servicing your NISSAN
air conditioner. Using improper refrigerants
or lubricants causes severe damage to your
air conditioning system. See ``Air condition-
ing system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendations'' in the ``Technical and con-
sumer information'' section of this manual.
An authorized NISSAN dealer is able to
service your environmentally ``friendly'' air
conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains
refrigerant under high pressure. To
avoid personal injury, any air condi-
tioner service should be done by an
experienced technician with proper
equipment.To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
ACC or ON. If you listen to the radio with the
engine not running, turn the key to the ACC
position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
Clock
For information on setting the clock, refer to
the section ``Instruments and controls''.
AM-FM RADIO WITH CASSETTE
PLAYER
Radio operation
Push the VOL-PUSH ON knob to turn the
radio on. Push the VOL-PUSH ON knob
once more to turn the radio off.
Turn the knob to adjust the volume.
Inserting a cassette tape into the cassette
player while the radio is on turns the radio
off and turns the cassette player on.
AUDIO SYSTEM
4-14Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX