Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake, fasten seat belts,
and turn the ignition key to ON without start-
ing the engine. The following lights come on
and stay on until the engine is started:
,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
ABS or
,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have thesystem repaired promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
AIC1093
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
2-6Instruments and controls
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
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-3
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Before starting the engine ......................................5-5
Driving with an automatic transmission .................5-5
Overdrive switch .....................................................5-7
Starting the engine .................................................5-8Parking brake operation .........................................5-9
Cruise control (if so equipped) ...............................5-9
Break-in schedule ................................................5-11
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-13
Power steering system .........................................5-14
Brake system........................................................5-14
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so equipped) ....5-15
Cold weather driving ............................................5-16
ZX
WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidently injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage for any
longer than is absolutely necessary.c
Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
cKeep the rear door and flip-up rear
window closed while driving, other-
wise exhaust gases could be drawn
into the passenger compartment. If
you must drive in this manner for
some reason, take the following
steps.
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculate switch to off
and the fan control dial at four
(high) to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through a seal on the body, follow
the manufacturer's recommendation
to prevent carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate
at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
(The speeds vary according to road condi-
tions.) When the anti-lock system senses one
or more wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies and
releases hydraulic pressure (like pumping the
brakes very quickly). While the actuator isworking, you may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration from the
actuator under the hood. This is normal and
indicates the anti-lock system is working prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the ve-
hicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
``clunk'' noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the com-
puter senses any malfunction, it switches
the anti-lock brake system OFF and turns
on the ABS brake warning light in the dash-
board. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test, or
while driving, take the vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-15
ZX
cRemove the cabin air filter element by
pulling forward on the top surface of the
filter and lifting.4. Install the new cabin air filter element
into the filter retaining frame, ensure that
you insert the three retaining tabs in the
bottom of the filter frame.
5. Install the filter top cover and the four
screws.
6. Feed the windshield washer hose from
the cowl cover through the hole in the
sheet metal.
cEnsure that you fully seat the rubber
grommet into the sheet metal hole.
7. Reconnect the windshield washer hose.8. Position the cowl cover in place.
9. Reinstall the four screw anchors and the
four screws.
10. Close the hood.
11. Install the six screws in the cowl cover.
12. Install the windshield wiper arms.
cPush the wiper arm downward onto the
wiper arm pivot until the small retaining
clip snaps into the locked position.
cLower the wiper arm blade onto the
windshield surface.
ADI1108ADI1109
8-16Do-it-yourself
ZX
be properly distributed. For more informa-
tion regarding vehicle and trailer loading,
refer to The NISSAN Towing Guide, avail-
able from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. Information on trailer towing
and required towing equipment should
be obtained from dealers who special-
ize in providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue load:
Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11%
of the total trailer load. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al-
low for proper tongue load.Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD3,500 (1,588)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD350 (159)
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer
(Canada only). Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle to help
avoid personal injury or property damage
due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
TI1012M
10-14Technical and consumer information
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