CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten seat belts, and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on and
stay on until the engine is started:
,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
ABS or
,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an opencircuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Usethe dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
WIC0018
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
mains on, see an authorized NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds for approximately 6 seconds and
the light illuminates.Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual for precautions on
seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the Air Bag Supple-
mental Restraint System is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle should be taken to an
authorized NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Air Bag Supple-
mental restraint system may not function
properly. For additional details, see ``Supple-
mental restraint system'' in the ``Seats, re-straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag will not operate in
an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
Instruments and controls
2-7
ZX
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
ABSorAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function turns off, but the brakes
continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for
two seconds each time the ignition key is
turned ON. This shows the light is function-
ing properly.
If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have an authorized NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair it if
necessary.
The automatic transmission is equipped
with an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This sys-
tem allows the vehicle to be driven even in
the event of damage to the electrical cir-
cuits. If this occurs, the gears automatically
engage and lock into third gear.
NOTE: See ``Fail-safe'' in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual before visit-
ing an authorized NISSAN dealer.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX
CHIMES
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened with the headlight control switch on
(ignition switch is turned OFF).
The chime will not sound when the Auto-
lamp (if so equipped) shut-off delay is acti-
vated. Refer to the ``Autolamp Switch'' in-
structions later in this section.
Turn the headlight control switch to OFF
when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.The theft warning system provides audio
and visual alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
Security indicator light
This light will illuminate for the theft warning
system.
This light blinks whenever the ignition
switch is in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC posi-
tion. This function indicates the security
systems equipped on the vehicle are opera-
tional.
IC0005LIC0004
THEFT WARNING
(if so equipped)
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you turns the head-
light high beam on. Release it and the
headlight high beam goes off.
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch to
theposition for full illumination when
driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
do not illuminate. The daytime running lights
illuminate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned OFF.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
The autolamp system allows the headlights
to be set so they turn on and off automati-
cally. The autolamp system can turn on the
headlights automatically when it is dark,
turn off the headlights when it is light, and
keep the headlights on for up to three
minutes after you turn the key to OFF.
To set the autolamp system:
1. Make sure the headlight switch is in the
AUTO1 or AUTO2 position.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON.
3. The autolamp system automatically turns
the headlights on and off.
AIC1058
AUTOLAMP SWITCH
(if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-15
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
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device. The key can only be
removed when the ignition switch in the
LOCK position.
The ignition lock is designed so the key
cannot be turned to LOCK and removed
until the shift lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to LOCK, or if the key is removed
from the switch.The shift lever can be moved out of P
(Park) only after the ignition switch is in
the ON position, and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
OFF
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel, if the key is left in the
ignition.ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
WSD0002
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX
cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each
time you check engine oil).
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON position.
See ``Warning/Indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) (P is recommended).
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P and into any of the
other gear positions under the follow-
ing conditions:
cThe ignition key is turned to the
LOCK position.
cThe ignition key is turned to the ON
position without depressing the
foot brake pedal.
The starter will not operate if the shift
selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it to help start the
engine.Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal slightly depressed while start-
ing.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speeds for a short distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINESTARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-5
ZX