
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................3-2
Door locks ..............................................................3-2
Manual door lock ....................................................3-2
Power door lock (if so equipped) ...........................3-3
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped).........3-4
Battery replacement ...............................................3-7
Child safety rear door lock .....................................3-8
Hood release ..........................................................3-9Glove box .............................................................3-10
Trunk lid lock operation ........................................3-10
Fuel filler lid lock operation ..................................3-12
Fuel filler cap ........................................................3-12
Tilting steering wheel ...........................................3-14
Outside mirror remote control ..............................3-14
Inside mirror .........................................................3-15
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)...............................3-15
ZX

Tilt operation
Push the lock lever down and adjust the
steering wheel up or down to the desired
position. Pull the lock lever up firmly to lock
the steering wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror control operates only
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Push the right or left end of the switch to
select the right or left side mirror, then adjust
using the control lever.
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
PD1238MAPD0646
TILTING STEERING WHEEL OUTSIDE MIRROR REMOTE
CONTROL
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

Manual control type
The outside mirror can be moved in any
direction for a better rear view.
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear.The night position reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.WARNING
Use the night position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.To access a vanity mirror, pull the sun visor
down and lift the mirror cover.
PD1183MAPD0612APD1076
INSIDE MIRROR VANITY MIRROR (if so
equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
ZX

1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the shift selector lever cannot be moved from
P (Park).The shift selector lever can be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged.
The shift selector lever can also be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a ``1'' on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in OFF, the steering
wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-
tion. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotatingthe steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.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.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Starting and driving5-5
ZX

Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.cBe certain your rear view mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local regula-
tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
c
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P position.
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
position before blocking the wheels andapplying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine temperature coolant rises
to an extremely high temperature when
the air conditioning system is on, turn off
the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be
additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high
and setting the temperature control to
the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
Technical and consumer information
10-17
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-12
Headlights .................................................. 8-26
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-15
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-5
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-13
Interior light ................................................ 2-18
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Emission control information label...... 10-12
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-11
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-11, 2-6
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-5
Charge warning light .............................. 2-5
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-13
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 8-27
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Headlights ............................................. 8-26
Interior light ........................................... 2-18
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-26
Trunk light ............................................. 2-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-8
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Trunk lid lock opener lever ................... 3-10Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ................. 2-8
Manual windows ........................................ 2-16
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-14
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
11-3
ZX

Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Opener lever for trunk lid........................... 3-10
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-14
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-8, 5-9
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-21
Owner's manual/service manual order
forms ........................................................ 10-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-22
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Power windows..................................... 2-16
Rear power windows ............................ 2-17
Power Lock
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-27
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-20
Rear power windows ................................. 2-17
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-5
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-11
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-8
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-19
Seat adjustment ........................................... 1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-21
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Seat belts.............................................. 1-13Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-16
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-6
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-5
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ......................................... 5-5
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Manual transmission............................. 5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-18
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-18
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-11
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-14
Stop light .................................................... 8-27
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-18
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-17
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
11-4
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch.............................. 5-8, 5-9
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-3
Theft warning ............................................... 2-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-2, 8-36
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-33
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-34
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-16
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-9
Selector lever lock release ..................... 5-5Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-19
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-10
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-11, 2-6
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
Theft warning .......................................... 2-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-11
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-33
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-14
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-16
Manual windows ................................... 2-16
Power windows..................................... 2-16
Rear power windows ............................ 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
Wiper blades......................................... 8-21
11-5
ZX