
or speak directly into the microphone when
calling.
To do so could detract from the driving
operation and cause an accident.
See the manual for car phone operation.
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone.
In addition, the same model has the phone
antenna built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB ham radio, a car
phone or other transmitters in your NISSAN,
be sure to observe the following cautions,
otherwise the new equipment may ad-
versely affect the MFI (Multiport Fuel Injec-
tion) system and other electronic parts.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be
used while driving so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the use
of cellular telephones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recom-
mended. Exercise extreme caution
at all times so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.cIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop
your vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as
possible from the Electronic Control
Module (ECM).
cKeep the antenna wire more than 8
in. (20 cm) away from the Multiport
Fuel Injection harness. Do not route
the antenna wire next to any har-
ness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
CB radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
AHA1049
4-36Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-3
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Key positions ..........................................................5-4
Before starting the engine ......................................5-5
Starting the engine .................................................5-5
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-6
Parking brake .........................................................5-9
Cruise control .........................................................5-9
Break-in schedule ................................................5-11
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-12Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-13
Power steering .....................................................5-14
Brake system........................................................5-14
Braking precautions .............................................5-14
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..............................5-15
Cold weather driving ............................................5-16
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................5-16
Anti-freeze ............................................................5-16
Battery ..................................................................5-16
Draining of coolant water .....................................5-16
Tire equipment .....................................................5-16
Special winter equipment .....................................5-17
Driving on snow or ice .........................................5-17
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................5-18
ZX

CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline seriously
reduce the three way catalyst's abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollut-
ants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires,
or if noticeable loss of performance
or other unusual operating condi-
tions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, loss of
control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to roll over, particularly if the
loss of control causes the vehicle to
slide sideways.Be attentive at all times,
and avoid driving when tired. Never drive
when under the influence of alcohol or
drugs (including prescription or over-the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness). Always wear your seat belt as out-
lined in the ªSeats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section of
this manual, and also instruct your passen-
gers to do so.
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident alcohol can increase the se-
verity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is alcohol affects
all people differently and most people un-
derestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
Starting and driving5-3
ZX

Accelerator downshift--
In D position--
For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into third gear, second gear
or first gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the Fail-safe operation occurs, the
next time the key is turned to the ON
position, the O/D OFF light blinks for ap-
proximately 8 seconds after coming on for 2
seconds. While the vehicle can be driven
under these circumstances, please note
that the transmission will remain in 3rd gear.
NOTE: If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur even
if all electrical circuits are functioning properly.
In this case, turn the ignition key OFF and wait
for 3 seconds. Then turn the key back to the
ON position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not re-
turn to its normal operating condition, have an
authorized NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission and repair, if necessary.
Overdrive switch
Each time your vehicle is started, the trans-
mission is automatically ``reset'' to overdrive
ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive
switch is engaged. The transmission
is upshifted into overdrive as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has reached operating tempera-
ture.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary,push the overdrive switch once. The
O/D OFF indicator light illuminates at
this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable
shift shocks as the transmission shifts be-
tween 3rd gear and overdrive repeatedly. In
this case, press the overdrive switch.
When driving conditions change, press the
overdrive switch to turn the overdrive on.
The O/D OFF indicator light goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the O/D OFF
light illuminated. This reduces the fuel
economy.
ASD0561
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

cMove the selector lever to N (Neutral).
The CRUISE light goes out.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push and release the RES/ACCEL
switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods.
a) Tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push and release the COAST/SET
switch. Each time you do this, the setspeed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RES/ACCEL switch. The ve-
hicle resumes the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48
km/h).
Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The CRUISE
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cWhen the CRUISE light blinks, turn the
CRUISE main switch OFF and have the
system checked by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
cThe CRUISE light in the instrument panel
may blink when the CRUISE main switch
is turned ON while pushing either the
RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or the CAN-
CEL switch (located on the steering
wheel). To properly set the cruise control
system, perform the steps in the order
indicated.During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and fuel economy of your new
vehicle. Failure to follow these recommen-
dations may result in vehicle damage or
shortened engine life.
cDo not drive over the legal speed limit
and do not run the engine over 4,000
RPM. Avoid driving for long periods at
constant speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
Starting and driving5-11
ZX

cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated at the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
cKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment causes not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
SD1001M
INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-12Starting and driving
ZX

The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to aid steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit develops a problem
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal is required to stop the
vehicle, and the stopping distance is longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
wears out the brake linings and pads faster
and reduces fuel economy.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As aresult, your braking distance is longer and
the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-14Starting and driving
ZX

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 RPM)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is run-
ning. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair
or clothing to come into contact with,
or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time when the
coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down completely,
check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant
to the reservoir tank, if necessary. Have
your vehicle repaired at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Inertia fuel shut-off switch
When the vehicle is involved in a collision,
the inertia fuel shutoff switch is designed to
automatically stop the flow of fuel to the
engine. The impact forces needed to trigger
the switch do not have to be great. Parking
lot bumping or road impacts (such as driving
over potholes) may trigger the switch.
Once the inertia fuel shutoff switch is trig-
gered, it must be reset before the engine
can be started. If your engine cranks but
does not start after a collision, take the
following steps to correctly reset the switch:
ACE1020
AFTER AN ACCIDENT
In case of emergency6-11
ZX