Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator lightPassenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light.
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened thelight will not come on.
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
These lights flash when the turn signal
switch or hazard switch is turned on.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch 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
I
Your 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 carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise have your vehicle towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
IIf the level is below the minimum
mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has
been checked at an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds five times and the light illuminates.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental restraint system needs ser-
vicing and your vehicle must be taken to an
authorized authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
IWhen parking the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and always make sure
to shift the transfer control levers
into the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
IFailure to engage the transfer lever
in 2H, 4H or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, which
in turn could result in serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Automatic transmission park
warning light
(
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control is not secured in any
drive position while the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever is in the P position, the
transmission will disengage and the wheel
will not lock.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H or
4L position when the warning light comes
on.
IWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer lever is in H or 4L and the
parking brake is set.
IIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P position will
not function and the transfer lever is in N
(neutral).
IFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in H or 4L could result in the vehicle
moving unexpectedly, resulting in serious
personal injury or property damage.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
(
model)
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
Continued vehicle operation when the
A/T oil temperature warning light is on
may damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
Cruise indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a potential problem
with the anti-lock brake system. Have the
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX
Lighting
Turn the switch to theposition:
The front combination, rear combination,
license plate and instrument panel lights
come on.
Turn the switch to the
position:
The headlights come on and all the other
lights remain on.
To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come
on and the
light illuminates. Pull it back
to select the low beam.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT
SYSTEM (Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch
to theposition for full illumination
when driving at night. If the parking brake is
applied before the engine is started, the
daytime running lights do not illuminate. The
daytime running lights illuminate once the
parking brake is released. The daytime run-ning lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you turns on the
headlight high beam.
AIC1038
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-15
ZX
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..................................................5-2
On-pavement and off-road driving precautions......5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Manual transmission...............................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-5
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Driving with automatic transmission (if so
equipped) ...............................................................5-6
Driving with manual transmission.........................5-12
Starting the engine ...............................................5-14
Parking brake operation .......................................5-14Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-16
Break-in schedule ................................................5-18
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-18
Transfer case shifting procedures for 4-wheel
drive vehicles........................................................5-19
Auto-lock free-running hubs .................................5-20
Manual-lock free-running hubs.............................5-22
Driving your four-wheel drive safely .....................5-24
Tires of four-wheel drive ......................................5-26
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-27
Power steering system .........................................5-28
Brake system........................................................5-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..............................5-29
Cold weather driving ............................................5-30
ZX
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ig-
nition lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the key:
1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged. The shift
lever can also be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a²1²on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-
tion. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running. The shifter can be moved if the
ignition switch is in ACC position.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
ASD1014
Starting and driving5-5
ZX
The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmission
control module to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal to ensure the ve-
hicle is at a complete stop before at-
tempting to shift the selector lever.
IKeep the foot brake pedal depressed
and shift the selector lever into a driving
gear.
IRelease the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned toLOCK or if the key is removed.
If the battery charge is low, the shift lever
can be moved if the ignition switch is in
the ACC position.
Shifting with automatic transmission
(KA24DE engine)
Pull the selector lever rearward to shift into
P (Park), or R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to
2or1.
P (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or
when starting the engine. Always be sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop. For maximum
safety, depress the brake pedal, then move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift the
ASD1008
Starting and driving5-7
ZX
selector lever into the P (Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park), use the following procedure:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it clockwise to
the ACC position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the shift
selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Shift into this
position only after the vehicle has com-
pletely stopped.N (Neutral):
Neither forward or reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position.
You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use for moderate uphill grades engine brak-
ing on downhill grades or starting on slip-
pery surfaces.
Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
above 62 MPH (100 km/h), and do not exceed
62 MPH (100 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position for steep uphill grades,
driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
Do not downshift into the 1 position at
speeds above 30 MPH (48 km/h), and do
not exceed 30 MPH (48 km/h) in the 1
position.
5-8Starting and driving
ZX