
Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, forklift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America, starting with the open-
ing of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in 1960 and
continuing with the production of some cars and
trucks at one of the world's most modern manu-
facturing facilities, Nissan Motor Manufacturing
Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna, Tennessee, ve-
hicle styling at Nissan Design International in
San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Research and Development in Farmington Hills,
Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers employ about 60,000
Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 150 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services, to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, doz-
ens of checks were made to ensure that only the
best job was being done in producing and deliver-
ing your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to
ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your
dealer for maintenance, the service technician will
perform his work according to the quality standards
that have been established by the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
ZX 

2 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................2-2
Speedometer and odometer ..................................2-3
Tachometer (if so equipped) ..................................2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge........................2-3
Fuel gauge .............................................................2-4
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................2-5
Theft warning (if so equipped) ...............................2-9
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-11
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-11
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-12
Daytime running light system (Canada only) .......2-12Instrument brightness control ...............................2-13
Front fog light switch (if so equipped)..................2-13
Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-14
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray ............2-14
Cup holder ............................................................2-15
Manual windows ...................................................2-16
Power windows (if so equipped) ..........................2-16
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................2-18
Interior light...........................................................2-18
Trunk light (if so equipped) ..................................2-19
ZX 

Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
Odometer
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the reset
button.The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear. Oper-
ating the engine in the red zone may
cause serious engine damage.The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
AIC0643AIC0644AIC1036
SPEEDOMETER AND
ODOMETERTACHOMETER (if so equipped) ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
Instruments and controls2-3
ZX 

CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for the
immediate action required.The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position, even after the ignition
key is turned to OFF.
The warning indicator light comes on when
the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (Empty).CAUTION
cIf the vehicle is driven with the fuel
level very low, the malfunction indi-
cator light may come on. Refuel as
soon as possible. After driving for a
while, the light should remain off. If
the light remains on, have the ve-
hicle inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator light (MIL)''
later in this section.
AIC1035AIC0606
FUEL GAUGE
2-4Instruments and controls
ZX 

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Air bag warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Seat belt warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lightLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)Door ajar warning light
(if so equipped)Engine oil pressure warning light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,,or,,,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened thelight will not come on.
If equipped, 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 opencircuit in the electrical system. Have the
system 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 a problem with the
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-5
ZX 

charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
This warning light comes on when the fuel in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
E (Empty).
Door ajar warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition key is turned to ON, and re-
mains illuminated until the driver's seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver seat belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
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 air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle must be taken to an
authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
may not function properly. For additional
details see ``Supplemental restraint system''
in the ``Seats, restraints and supplemental
air bag systems'' section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX 

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 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
cIf 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.
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light ison. 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 because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
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.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Instruments and controls
2-7
ZX 

Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver side door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on (ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,
it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The malfunction indicator light may also
come on steady or blink if the fuel filler cap
has not been closed tightly or if the fuel tank
is nearly empty. Check to make sure the fuel
cap is secure and that you have at least three
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After driving for a while, the light should
remain off if no other potential emission
control system problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator light blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected whichmay damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b)
avoid hard acceleration or decelera-
tion.
c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX