Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these maintenance procedures
regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed under peri-
odic maintenance in this section are re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance
will be required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists who and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehicles
beforethey work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that an authorized
NISSAN dealer's service department per-
forms the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a reliable
and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have an authorized NISSAN
dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should
notify an authorized NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precau-
tions in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance
ZX
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached to the underside of the hood as
shown.
TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the inside of the glove box
lid.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABEL
The label is attached to the underside of the
hood as shown.
ATI1011ATI1019ATI1013
10-14Technical and consumer information
ZX
Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.ITo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use. Remove receiver
when not in use. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.
IRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (af-
fixed to the inside of the glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chainsshould be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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
IBe 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
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................. 5-18
Cup holder ................................................. 2-21
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-22
Cold weather driving............................. 5-30
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-14
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-12
Manual-lock free-running hubs ............. 5-24
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-20
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-27
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......... 2-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-16
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-19
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14Window washer fluid ............................ 8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-7
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-20
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-26
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-16
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
11-2
ZX
Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental
air bag system) .......................................... 1-10
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-13
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch .............................................. 3-13
Theft warning ............................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks.......................................... 3-14
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-37
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-33
Tire rotation........................................... 8-35
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-36
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-27
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-23
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-21
Transfer case ............................................. 5-21
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-14
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) .................................................... 10-12
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Truck - camper loading ............................ 10-17
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-16
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-26
V
Vanity mirror............................................... 3-17
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number).................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Theft warning ........................................ 2-14
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-18
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-8
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-31
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................ 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-15
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-23
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
Wiper blades......................................... 8-22
11-5
ZX
Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91)
For further details such as gasohol or diesel
fuel grade, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in
the ``Technical and consumer information''
section.
CAUTION
Using fuel other that specified could
adversely effect the emissions control
system, and may also affect warranty
coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Recommended engine oil:
IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II
See²Engine oil and filter recommendatio-
n²in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard affixed to the inside of
the glove box lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ``BREAK-IN SCHEDULE''
found in the ``Starting and Driving'' section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.(page)
IIn case of emergency ...................... 6-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start, overheat-
ing, towing)
IHow to start the engine ................... 5-1
IHow to read the meters and
gauges ............................................. 2-1
IMaintenance schedule ..................... 9-1
IDo-it-yourself operations.................. 8-1
ITechnical and consumer
information ..................................... 10-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX