
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

chain manufacturer's suggestions. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed, other-
wise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains.
In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not
exceed the maximum speed suggested by
the tire chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your
vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be ad-
versely affected.Never install tire chains on TEMPORARY
USE ONLY and small size spare tires. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have much less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
Starting and driving
5-17
ZX

cMake sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and
let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other ve-
hicle at about 2,000 RPM, and start the
engine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped).
Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission models cannot
be push or tow started. This may cause
transmission or other vehicle damage.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
gearshift lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open
all the windows, move the temperature
control dial to warm and fan control dial
to four.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

you in choosing the proper product.
cWax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
cDo not use a wax containing any abra-
sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
cIf the surface does not polish easily, use
a ``road tar'' remover and wax again.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning prod-
ucts are available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer or any automotive accessory store.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This prevents dirt and salt from building up
and causing underbody and suspension
corrosion. Before the winter period andagain in the spring, the underseal must be
checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor-
mal for glass to become coated with a film
after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun.
Glass cleaner and a soft cloth easily remove
this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could dam-
age the electrical conductors, radio an-
tenna, or rear window defogger ele-
ments.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash regularly, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used.
Salt could discolor the wheel if not removed.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a
non-abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
Appearance and care
7-3
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-5
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-5
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-6
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-7
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................8-8
Temperature conditions for checking .....................8-8
Power steering fluid................................................8-9
Brake fluid ..............................................................8-9
Window washer fluid ............................................8-10
Battery ..................................................................8-10
Jump starting ........................................................8-11
Drive belts ............................................................8-12
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-12
Replacing spark plugs ..........................................8-12
Air cleaner ............................................................8-13Cabin air filter .......................................................8-14
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-17
Cleaning ...............................................................8-17
Replacing .............................................................8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-19..........................................8-19
Checking parking brake .......................................8-19
Checking brake pedal ..........................................8-19
Brake booster .......................................................8-20
Fuses ....................................................................8-20
Engine compartment ............................................8-20
Passenger compartment ......................................8-21
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-22
Lights ....................................................................8-23
Headlights ............................................................8-23
Exterior and interior lights ....................................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-28
Tire pressure ........................................................8-28
Types of tires........................................................8-29
Tire chains ............................................................8-30
Changing tires and wheels...................................8-30
ZX

WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior, or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
To check the fluid level, look down the fill tube
of the washer fluid reservoir in the engine
compartment. Add fluid when the low washer
fluid warning light (Canada only) comes on.
To add fluid, remove the reservoir cap and
refill the reservoir.
This reservoir serves both the front and rear
washer systems.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ)
battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charging.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention
cWhen working on or near the battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
ADI1088
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

Rear window wiper blade
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-
shield.
2. Push the tab, then move the wiper blade
down the wiper arm to remove.
3. Insert a new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm and press down until the blade clicks
into place.
ADI1114
8-18Do-it-yourself
ZX

11 Index
A
Accident
Interia fuel shut-off switch .................... 6-11
After an accident........................................ 6-11
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-31
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-37
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-13
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-15
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Air filter
Cabin air filter ....................................... 8-14
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-7
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-10
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Armrests..................................................... 1-11
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-19Audio system
Compact disc (CD) player ........... 4-28, 4-30
FM-AM radio with cassette player ........ 4-16
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-22
Autolamp switch......................................... 2-15
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-28
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................... 5-6
B
Battery........................................................ 8-10
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-5
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-15
Brake booster ....................................... 8-20
Brake fluid ..................................... 10-2, 8-9
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-24
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-19
Brake system ........................................ 5-14
Brake warning light ................................. 2-7
Brake wear indicators ........................... 2-10Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ......................... 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-19
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-11
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-24
C
Cabin air filter ............................................ 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-35
Cargo net ................................................... 2-24
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-67
Child restraints ........................................... 1-54
Child safety sliding door lock....................... 3-5
Cigarette lighter (accessory)
and ashtray ................................................ 2-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock................................................. 4-18, 4-24
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-16
Compact disc (CD) player ................ 4-28, 4-30
ZX