
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to P (Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
INever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
INever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts, and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and bat-
tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should
beserviced by an authorized NISSANdealer because the fuellines are un-
der high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
IAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed engine oil and/
or other vehicle fluids can damage
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see ``Jump
starting'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be re-
placed. Contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
ADI0710
Do-it-yourself8-17
ZX

HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb.
CAUTION
IHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
IWhen handling the bulb, do not
touch the glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery
cable.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
4. Push down the spring retainer.
5. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake
or rotate the bulb when removing it.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
IBe sure the lip of the bulb socket
contacts the headlight body.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
CAUTION
IUse the same number and wattage
as originally installed:
Wattage 65/45
Bulb No. HB1/9004*
*: Always check with the Parts De-
partment at an authorized NISSAN
dealer for the latest parts informa-
tion.
IAiming is not necessary after replac-
ing the bulb. When aiming adjust-
ment is necessary, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
IDo not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture, and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
IWhen aiming adjustment is neces-
sary, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
ADI1037
LIGHT BULBS
Do-it-yourself8-29
ZX

Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission Park position
mechanismCheck that the lock release
button on the selector lever operates prop-
erly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately havethe exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the ve-
hicle.
If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a not ready condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, drive the
vehicle through the following pattern to set
the vehicle to the ready condition.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (85 to 97 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps one through eight at least
one more time.
If step one through seven interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step seven is completed. If you
cannot or do not want to perform the drivingpattern, an authorized NISSAN dealer can
conduct it for you.
Dynamometer testing for Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some
states/areas, your vehicle may be tested for
emissions on a dynamometer. The transfer
control lever (if so equipped) MUST be in
the 2H position for I/M testing on a two
wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
IIf the transfer control lever is not in
the 2H position during the dyna-
mometer I/M testing, the vehicle
could come off the dynamometer
and cause serious personal injury
and/or body damage to the vehicle.
ISerious damage will occur to the
4WD system if the transfer control
lever is not in the 2H position
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-28Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-10
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-18
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-14
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-46
Antenna...................................................... 4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-29
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-30
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-12
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-19
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
FM-AM radio with compact disc
player ................................................... 4-15AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-21
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-22
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-12
B
Battery........................................................ 8-16
Battery replacement (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-29
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-30
Brake booster ....................................... 8-24
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-23
Brake system ........................................ 5-28
Brake warning light ................................. 2-9
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-12, 8-24
Parking brake check ............................. 8-23Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-20
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-8
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . 10-15
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-28
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-10
Check engine indicator light (See malfunction
indicator light) ............................................ 2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-45
Child restraints ........................................... 1-30
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray . 2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-25
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-30
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
ZX

Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-22
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-24
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-8
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-16
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-18
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-22
J
Jack
Pantograph type ..................................... 6-5
Jump seat .................................................... 1-9
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote control
system) ........................................................ 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Emission control information label...... 10-14
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 10-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-18
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-18
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-8
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-22
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-23
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-8
Lock
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Luggage rack (See roof rack)...................... 3-9M
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.......................... 1-29
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp ......................... 2-12
Manual windows ........................................ 2-23
Manual-lock free-running hubs .................. 5-24
Map light .................................................... 2-23
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-16
Vanity mirror.......................................... 3-17
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-27
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
11-3
ZX