
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the in-
stalled seat belts. The extender adds ap-
proximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position. See an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
cPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result
in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpet. Then wipe with a cloth and allow
the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
c
Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and metal components,such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible
wires and anchors, work properly. If loose
parts, deterioration, cuts or other damage
on the webbing is found, the entire seat
belt assembly should be replaced.
WARNING
cInfants and small children should
always be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
cInfants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed
between the adult and parts of the
vehicle. Also, do not put the same
seat belt around both your child and
yourself.
c
Never install a rear-facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating air
bag could seriously injure or kill your
child. A rear facing child restraint
must be used only in the rear seat.
cNISSAN recommends that the child
restraint system be installed in the
rear seat. According to accident sta-
tistics, children are safer when prop-
erly restrained in the rear seat than
in the front seat.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-21
ZX 

After the child restraint is removed and the
seat belt is fully retracted, the automatic
locking mode (child restraint mode) is can-
celed.
TOP STRAP CHILD RESTRAINT
If your child restraint has a top strap, it must
be secured to the provided anchor point.
Anchor bracket hardware must be installed.
The top strap anchor bracket hardware is
available through an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
U.S. Part #88894-89900
Canadian Part #88894-89902
Secure the child restraint with the center lap
belt or the lap portion of the outboard Three-
point belt and latch the top strap hook onto
the anchor bracket.To install the anchor bracket, a metric bolt of
the dimensions listed below must be used.
Bolt diameter: 8.0 mm
Bolt length: at least 1.18 in (30 mm)
Thread pitch: 1.25 mm
Secure the top strap to the attaching bolt
which provides the straightest installation of
the top strap.
WARNING
Child restraint anchor points are de-
signed to withstand only those loads
imposed by correctly fitted child re-
straints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seat belts or
harnesses.
ARS1015
1-30Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX 

After 10 seconds, the radio or cassette tape
display reappears. Once the sound quality
is set to the desired level, press the AUDIO
button repeatedly until the radio or cassette
tape display appears.
CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON, and
carefully insert a cassette tape into the tape
door. The cassette tape automatically pulls
into the player.
The word TAPE and moving digital squares
illuminate on the right side of the display
window.
If the radio is already operating it automati-
cally turns off and the cassette tape begins
to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape automatically changes
directions to play the other side when the
first side is complete. At this time, the mov-
ing digital squares illuminate on the left side
of the display window.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
dust, moisture and magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes with labels
which are peeling and loose. If used,
the label could jam in the player.
c
If a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly around
the hubs. Loose tape may cause tape
jamming and wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as thetape is played. This residue accumu-
lation can cause weak or wavering
sound, and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape. If
the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either theorbutton for
the desired direction.
The FF or REW symbol illuminates in the
display.
To stop the FF or REW function, press the
oragain, or thebutton.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either theorbutton
while the cassette tape is playing. The tape
runs quickly, stops, then plays the next
selection from the beginning. Either the FF
or REW symbol flashes in the display while
searching for the selection.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-13
ZX 

CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
dust, moisture or magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have peel-
ing or loose labels. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassettehubs and rewind the tape firmly.
Loose tape may cause jamming and
wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape is played. This residue accumu-
lation can cause a weak or wavering
sound and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape. If
the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.
PLAY/STOP TAPE button
When thebutton is pushed with the
system turned off and a tape loaded, the
system comes on and the tape plays.
The word TAPE illuminates in the display.
When the
button is pushed with either
the radio or compact disc turned on and a
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
turns off and the tape plays.
FF (fast forward) and REW (rewind)
buttons
Push thebutton to fast forward the
tape. Push the
button to rewind the
tape. Either REW or FF illuminates in the
display. To stop the FF or REW function,
press the
,,orbuttons.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
FF and REW buttons
When thebutton is pushed while the
tape is being played, the tape runs quickly,
stops, then plays the next selection from the
beginning. Push the
button several
times to skip several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the tape fast forwards
one additional selection. This number ap-
pears in the display window. The tape can
be fast forwarded through up to nine selec-
tions. (for example: 7 in the display indi-
cates that the
button has been pushed
seven times to skip forward through seven
selections).
When the
button is pushed, the selec-
tion being played starts again from the
beginning. Push the
button several
4-24Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX 

WARNING
cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally 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.
cClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked, with the
trunk closed, when not in use, and
prevent children's access to car keys.
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.
c
If you suspect that exhaust fumes areentering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in a closed
space such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation button (if
so equipped) off and the fan con-
trol dial to four (high) to circulate
the air.
3.
Be sure the rear seats are secured
and latched in the upright position.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
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
c
The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX 

ModelGA16DE SR20DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 4-cylinder in-line
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 2.992 ý 3.465 (76.0 ý 88.0) 3.386 ý 3.386 (86.0 ý 86.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 97.45 (1,597) 121.92 (1,998)
Firing order1-3-4-2 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.) at idle speed
degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Platinum-tipped type
(Standard for SR20DE)Conventional type
Spark plug Hot BKR4E-11 BKR5E
Standard BKR5E-11 PFR5B-11 BKR6E
Cold BKR6E-11 PFR6B-11, PFR7B-11 BKR7E
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing chain
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 to 0.043 (1.0 to 1.1) Ð 0.031 to 0.035 (0.8 to 0.9)
Generator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm)0.843 x 32.28, (21.4 x 820)
0.843 x 44.09, (21.4 x 1,120)*10.559 x 32.68, (14.2 x 830)
0.843 x 40.75, (21.4 x 1,035)*1
*1: With air conditioner
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
ENGINE
10-8Technical and consumer information
ZX 

Wheel
DimensionOffset in
(mm)
Road wheel
139steel w/full cover XE 13 ý 5J 1.38 (35)
149steel w/full cover GXE 14 x 5.5JJ 1.47 (40)
149aluminum alloy GLE 14 x 5.5JJ 1.57 (40)
159aluminum alloy SE 15 ý 6JJ 1.57 (40)
Conventional tire size
P175/70R13 XE 13 x 5J
P175/65R14 GXE, GLE 14 x 5.5JJ
P195/55R15 SE 15 x 6JJ
Spare tire size
T115/70D14 XE, GXE, GLE 14 ý 4T
T135/70D15 SE 15 x 4TSENTRA
Overall length in (mm) 171. (4,342)
Overall width in (mm) 66.6 (1,692)
Overall height in (mm) 54.5 (1,384)
Front tread
13-inch in (mm) 58.3 (1,481)
14/15-inch in (mm) 57.9 (1,471)
Rear tread
13-inch in (mm) 56.9 (1,445)
14/15-inch in (mm) 56.5 (1,435)
Wheelbase in (mm) 99.8 (2,535)
Gross vehicle weight
rating lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S. certification
label'' on the driver's side door
pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
WHEEL/TIRE SIZE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Technical and consumer information10-9
ZX 

cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the oil in
the transmission more frequently. For
additional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent a tire's ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions,
on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does notin-
clude acceleration cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteris-
tics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
10-18Technical and consumer information
ZX