before operating the vehicle. For details,
see ``Changing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use on all four
wheels of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEA-
SON tires. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according tolocation. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are
installed according to the chain manufac-
turer's suggestions.Use only SAE
Class ``S'' chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tire chain
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be se-
cured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or undercarriage. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected. Never install tire chains on a
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
IWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow, or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
IWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
I
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
IAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
Starting and driving
5-31
ZX
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9
Changing engine oil .............................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid (atf) .........................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking atf..............8-13
Power steering fluid..............................................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ...........................................8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................8-15
Battery ..................................................................8-16
Jump starting ........................................................8-17
Drive belts ............................................................8-18Spark plug replacement .......................................8-19
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-21
Wiper blades ........................................................8-23
Parking brake check.............................................8-24
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-24
Brake booster .......................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Light bulbs ............................................................8-28
Headlights ............................................................8-28
Bulb replacement .................................................8-29
Front fog light bulb replacement (if so
equipped) .............................................................8-31
Wheels and tires...................................................8-32
Four-wheel drive models ......................................8-35
Clutch housing .....................................................8-37
ZX
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-11
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-14
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch .............................................. 3-10
Theft warning ............................................. 2-13
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks.......................................... 3-12
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-13
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-36
Tire chains ............................................ 8-33
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-32
Tire rotation........................................... 8-34
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-35
Types of tires ........................................ 8-32
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-26
Wheels and tires................................... 8-32
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-23
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-21Transfer case ............................................. 5-19
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-12
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) .................................................... 10-12
Truck - camper loading ............................ 10-17
Tuning ........................................................ 4-12
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-15
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-26
V
Vanity mirror............................................... 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number).................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-17
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Theft warning ........................................ 2-13
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-17
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-32
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................ 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-15
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-22
Power windows..................................... 2-22
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-23
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
Wiper blades......................................... 8-23
11-5
ZX