
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake fluid specification informa-
tion, refer to the ``Technical and Consumer
Information'' section in this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or
contaminated fluid may damage the
brake system. The use of improper flu-
ids can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. To check the fluid level, look
down the fill tube of the washer fluid reser-
voir in the engine compartment.
To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and
refill the reservoir.
This reservoir serves both the front and rear
washer systems.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
ADI1087ADI1088
BRAKE FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

From the released position, push the park-
ing brake foot lever down. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed above, see
an authorized NISSAN dealer.With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes also self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. If the brake
pedal goes down farther than normal, see
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
See an authorized NISSAN dealer and
have it checked if the brake pedal
height does not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it makes a high pitched scrap-
ing or screeching sound when the vehicle is
in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator sound
is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. If you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear
drum brakes, have them inspected as soon
as possible by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
ADI1089ADI0027
PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL
Do-it-yourself8-19
ZX

Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance'' section of this manual.Check the brake booster function as fol-
lows:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to the
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, turn the
engine off. Keep the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds; the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Engine compartment
(headlight fuses)
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 a headlight does not come on, check for
an open fuse:
The left headlight (driver's side) and right
headlight (passenger side) fuses are lo-
ADI1090
BRAKE BOOSTER FUSES AND FUSIBLE LINKS
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX

Tire wear and damage
WARNING
cTires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If
excessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
cThe original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the wear
indicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.cImproper service for a T-type spare
tire may result in serious personal
injury. If it is necessary to repair the
T-type spare tire, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of this manual.
WARNING
c
The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, snow chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.cIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking effi-
ciency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear.
cDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
cThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balanc-
ing the front wheels on the vehicle could
lead to transmission damage.
DI1035M
8-30Do-it-yourself
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

11 Index
A
After an accident........................................ 6-11
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-19
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-24
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-13
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-14
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Air filter
Cabin air filter ....................................... 8-14
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-7
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-10
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-57
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Armrests....................................................... 1-6
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-17Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-16
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-22
Compact disc (CD) player ........... 4-28, 4-30
Autolamp switch......................................... 2-14
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-21
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-5
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................... 5-6
B
Battery........................................................ 8-11
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-5
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-15
Brake booster ....................................... 8-20
Brake fluid ................................... 10-2, 8-10
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-23
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-19
Brake system ........................................ 5-14
Brake warning light ................................. 2-7
Brake wear indicators ............................. 2-9
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ......................... 5-9Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-19
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-11
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-23
C
Cabin air filter ............................................ 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo net ................................................... 3-16
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-12
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-16
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-33
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-51
Child restraints ........................................... 1-41
Child safety sliding door lock....................... 3-6
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock................................................. 4-16, 4-22
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-16
Compact disc (CD) player ................ 4-28, 4-30
ZX

Controls
Audio controls (rear) ............................. 4-33
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-32
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) ............................................ 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner controls ........ 4-14
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Cornering light ........................................... 2-15
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................... 5-9
Cup holder ................................................. 2-19
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-14
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-13
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-8
Door ajar warning light ................................ 2-7
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-12Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-16
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-12
Emission control information label........... 10-10
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Changing engine oil................................ 8-6
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-5
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-4
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2F
Five passenger seating ............................. 1-70
Five passenger seating with cargo room .. 1-71
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-16
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Flexible seating ............................................ 1-8
Floor mat positioning ........................ 1-69, 1-72
Floor mat positioning aid ........................... 1-72
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Brake fluid ................................... 10-2, 8-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-5
Power steering fluid ...................... 10-2, 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-10
Front seat convenience net ....................... 3-14
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-12
Fuel filler lid and cap ............................ 3-20
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-20
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-2
Fuses ......................................................... 8-20
11-2
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