
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove the splash shield.
IRemove the six push pins.
IRemove the six bolts and the splash
shield.
4. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
5. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
6. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
7. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with engine oil.8. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
ADI1065ADI1066
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line.
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash the surface with
water.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
IDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solu-
tion. This may result in damage to
the paint.
IDo not fill the window washer reser-
voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
ADI0716ADI1034
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front disc-type brakes self-adjust every
time the brake pedal is applied. The rear
drum-type brakes on two-wheel drive trucks
self-adjust every time the parking brake is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes on four-
wheel drive trucks self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied. If the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, it may be
due to a lack of adjustment of the rear drum
brakes. Apply the parking brake several
times.
WARNING
If the brake pedal height does not re-
turn to normal, see an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer and have it checked.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakeschecked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.Check the brake booster function with the
following steps:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER
8-24Do-it-yourself
ZX

IImproper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheel/tire size'' in the ``Technical and con-
sumer information'' section of this manual.
WARNING
I
The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause pre-mature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteris-
tics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking effi-
ciency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to²Wheel/tire size²in the
²Technical and consumer informa-
tion²section of this manual for wheel
off-set dimensions.
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have unknown
structural damage and could fail
without warning.
IThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
MODELS
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted
or radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer
case and differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked
and corrected as necessary. Contact an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
8-36Do-it-yourself
ZX

sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links as necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and otherlights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. toensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Maintenance
9-3
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

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

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