If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An authorized NISSAN dealer can change
the engine coolant. The service procedure
is found in NISSAN's service manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
cTo avoid danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill.
6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
ADI1084ADI0009
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*Ð When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for a wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodÐ Check that all doors
and the hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, rollers and links if neces-
sary. Make sure the secondary latch keeps
the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
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.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesÐ
Make sure all warning lights and
buzzers/chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions. Check that the seat
leg latches lock securely in every anchor
position for the folding down rear seat and
detachable rear seat (if so equipped).
Seat beltsÐ Check 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 pedalÐ Check 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.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Ð Check the
pedal for smooth operation and make sure it
Maintenance
9-3
ZX
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section of this
manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause rapid clogging of the
element. Consequently, the element may
have to be replaced more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. If leaks are found, replace
them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant* ÐChanging engine cool-
ant can be performed by your NISSAN
dealer or procedures can be found in the
Service Manual. Improper air relief after
changing coolant can result in reduced
heater performance and overheating.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Timing belt ÐReplace the timing belt for
driving the camshaft.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may
have to be inspected more frequently.
Automatic transmission fluid* ÐCheck
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs
of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive axle shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage of
oil or grease. Under severe driving condi-
tions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.
Exhaust system ÐVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag system ÐCheck
the supplemental air bag system compo-
nents for proper attachment, damage, de-
formities, cracks, rust, etc. Work around and
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-10Maintenance
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
Controls
Audio controls (rear) ............................. 4-33
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-32
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) ............................................ 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Cornering light ........................................... 2-17
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................... 5-9
Cup holders ............................................... 2-21
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-15
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-14
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-7
Drive belts .................................................. 8-12
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-16Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-12
Emission control information label........... 10-11
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Changing engine oil................................ 8-6
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-5
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-4
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Starting the engine ................................. 5-5
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2F
Five passenger seating ............................. 1-28
Five passenger seating with cargo room .. 1-29
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-17
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Flexible seating .......................................... 1-12
Floor mat positioning ........................ 1-27, 1-30
Floor mat positioning aid ........................... 1-30
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-8
Brake fluid ..................................... 10-2, 8-9
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-5
Power steering fluid ...................... 10-2, 8-9
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front Seat Convenience Net ..................... 2-23
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-12
Fuel filler lid and cap ............................ 3-11
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-2
Interia fuel shut-off switch .................... 6-11
Fuses ......................................................... 8-20
11-2
ZX
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................... 2-4
Tachometer............................................. 2-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-4
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glove box................................................... 2-22
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-17
Head restraints .......................................... 1-10
Headlight control switch............................. 2-14
Headlights .................................................. 8-23
Heater
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Homelink Transceiver
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped) ................ 2-32
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Horn ........................................................... 2-18I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Important vehicle information label.......... 10-11
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-12
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-6
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-14
Integrated child safety seats...................... 1-72
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver
(If so equipped).......................................... 2-32
Interia fuel shut-off switch.......................... 6-11
Interior lights .............................................. 2-31
J
Jump starting ...................................... 6-8, 8-11
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-6
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Emission control information label...... 10-11
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-36
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-12
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-37
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-24
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-24
Cornering light ...................................... 2-17
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-14
Headlights ............................................. 8-23
Interior lights ......................................... 2-31
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-23
Luggage compartment lights ................ 2-31
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-32
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Lock
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 3-5
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Power door locks ............................ 3-2, 3-4
Rear door lock ...................................... 3-10
Luggage compartment lights ..................... 2-31
Luggage rack ............................................. 2-27
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
11-3
ZX