cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each
time you check engine oil).
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON position.
See ``Warning/Indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to: R (Reverse), D (Drive),
2 or 1. Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed.
Failure to do so could cause you to
lose control and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brakes should be used for
this purpose.
cOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmission
control module to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for this
transmission. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before shifting the selec-
tor lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral),
D (Drive), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop before at-
tempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any other position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
ACC, LOCK, or if the key is removed
from the switch.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Starting and driving5-5
ZX
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for a wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodÐ Check that all doors
and the hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, rollers and links if neces-
sary. Make sure the secondary latch keeps
the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesÐ
Make sure all warning lights and
buzzers/chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions. Check that the seat
leg latches lock securely in every anchor
position for the folding down rear seat and
detachable rear seat (if so equipped).
Seat beltsÐ Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalÐ Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Ð Check the
pedal for smooth operation and make sure it
has the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
Maintenance
9-3
ZX
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................... 2-4
Tachometer............................................. 2-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-4
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glove box................................................... 3-13
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-16
Head restraints ............................................ 1-6
Headlight control switch............................. 2-13
Headlights .................................................. 8-22
Heater
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Homelink Transceiver
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped) ................ 2-27
Hood release ............................................. 3-12I
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 ............................................... 3-24
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-16
Integrated child safety seats...................... 1-61
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver
(If so equipped).......................................... 2-27
Interior lights .............................................. 2-24
J
Jump starting ...................................... 6-8, 8-12
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-9
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-11
Emission control information label...... 10-10Engine serial number ......................... 10-10
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) ..................... 1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-11
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-24
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-23
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-23
Cornering light ...................................... 2-15
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-13
Headlights ............................................. 8-22
Interior lights ......................................... 2-24
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-22
Luggage compartment lights ................ 2-24
Map lights ............................................. 2-25
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Lock
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 3-6
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-20
Power door lock...................................... 3-7
Rear door lock ...................................... 3-15
Luggage compartment lights ..................... 2-24
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-19
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ............................................... 10-12
11-3
ZX
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-40
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-40
Seat belts.............................................. 1-26
Three-point type with retractor .... 1-29, 1-32
Two-point type without retractor ........... 1-38
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-7
Seat positions ............................................ 1-73
Seating arrangements ............................... 1-68
Seats
Five passenger seating ........................ 1-70
Five passenger seating with cargo
room...................................................... 1-71
Flexible seating....................................... 1-8
Integrated child safety seats ................ 1-61
Manual front seat adjustment ................. 1-3
Power support front seat ........................ 1-4
Seat positions ....................................... 1-73
Second row bench seat........................ 1-73
Second row bucket seats ..................... 1-77
Seven passenger seating ..................... 1-69
Sliding three-passenger seat................ 1-15
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 1-71
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position ................................................. 1-69
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 1-68
Selector lever lock release .......................... 5-6
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-19
Service manual order form ...................... 10-21
Seven passenger seating .......................... 1-69
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-6Shift lock release ......................................... 5-6
Sliding three-passenger seat ..................... 1-15
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-12
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Spotlights (See map lights) ....................... 2-25
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-24
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............................ 3-21
Stop light .................................................... 8-23
Storage
Overhead storage compartment........... 2-20
Under seat storage tray.......................... 1-7
Storage compartment for garage door
transmitter .................................................. 2-25
Sun shade.................................................. 2-23
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-22
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-24
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 ..................................... 5-7Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-13
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-13
Turn signal switch................................. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-12
T
Tabletop seats ............................................. 1-7
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Theft warning ............................................. 2-10
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 1-37
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 1-71
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 1-69
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-21
Timing belt ................................................. 10-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-31
Tire chains ............................................ 8-29
Tire placard......................................... 10-11
Tire pressure .......................................... 5-6
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-27
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-29
Tool kit .................................................... 6-2
Types of tires ........................................ 8-28
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires ......................... 10-8, 8-27
11-5
ZX
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-8
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-12
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-14
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-13
Transceiver
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped) ................ 2-27
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-5
Selector lever lock release ..................... 5-6
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 10-9
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Tuning............................................... 4-17, 4-23
Turn signal switch ...................................... 2-15
U
Under seat storage tray ............................... 1-7
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-24
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-8
Vehicle identification .................................. 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) ........... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ....................................... 10-9Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .. 10-9
Vehicle loading information ..................... 10-12
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-14
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-16
Theft warning ........................................ 2-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-24
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-8
Wheels and tires .............................. 10-8, 8-27
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .......................................... 10-9
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-10
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-22
Manual vent windows ........................... 2-23
Power vent windows............................. 2-23
Power windows..................................... 2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-12
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-13
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-12
Wiper blades......................................... 8-17
11-6
ZX