
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items marked with an ``*'' is found in the
``Do-it- yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause rapid clog-
ging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
EVAP vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. If leaks are found, replace
them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated
under extremely adverse weather condi-
tions or in areas where ambient tempera-
tures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filter might become clogged. In
such an event, replace the filter immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant* ÐDrain and flush the
cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance Ð
Check the valve clearance if valve noise
increases.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
ÐCheck the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, inspection should be performed
more frequently.
Exhaust system ÐVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
9-10Maintenance
ZX 

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refillcAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPI
grade SJ, Energy Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-1 & GF-II *2 *3 With oil filter change 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter change 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir 7-3/8 qt 6-1/8 qt 7.0 50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 5/8 qt 1/2 qt 0.6 50% Demineralized water or Distilled water
Manual transaxle gear oil 9-1/2 to 10-1/8 pt 7-7/8 to 8-1/2 pt 4.5 to 4.8 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 only
Automatic transaxle fluid 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid . *4
Power steering fluid 1 qt 3/4 qt 0.9 Genuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent. *8
Brake and clutch fluidRefill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Genuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant Ð Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recomendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label.''
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX 

Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Cornering light ........................................... 2-18
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................. 5-14
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-17
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-15
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-7
Drive belts .................................................. 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-16
Emission control information label........... 10-12Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Enhanced immobilizer security system ..... 2-12
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .............. 9-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-5Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-10
Brake fluid............................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-12
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-18
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-21
Fusible links ............................................... 8-21
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
11-2
ZX 

Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-14
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-5
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-23
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ......................................... 2-12, 3-2, 5-6
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
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
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-14
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-11
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10Owner's manual/service manual order
information ............................................... 10-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power socket ........................................ 2-19
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Power windows..................................... 2-26
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-24
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-6
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-15
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment.................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ............................. 1-6
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-28
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-28
Seat belts.............................................. 1-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-27
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-24
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-7
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-6
Security systems (see theft warning) ........ 2-10
11-4
ZX