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
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan
Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska)
or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid. Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM
or equivalent may also be used. Out-
side the continental United States and
Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for
more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked by looking
at the MAX and MIN lines at fluid tempera-
tures of 32ÉF to 86ÉF (0ÉC to 30ÉC).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add auto-
matic transmission fluid type F up to the
MAX line.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cThe recommended fluid is type F
automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake fluid specification informa-
tion, refer to the ``Technical and Consumer
Information'' section in this manual.
ADI1086ADI1087
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX
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.
Parking brake*Ð Check that the pedal is
adjusted to specification and confirm that
your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
steep hill with only the parking brake ap-
plied.
Automatic transmission P mechanismÐ
On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle
is held securely with the selector lever in the
P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself section'' of this manual.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oilto drain back into the oil pan.
Brake fluid level*Ð Make sure the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX
lines on the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) with the engine idling at
operating temperature.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot, or loose connections.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are nocracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. See the car-
bon monoxide warning in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual.
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, in those areas where mud
and dirt may have accumulated. See the
``Appearance and care'' section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-4Maintenance
ZX
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal16-5/8
gal75.7Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 87 AKI (RON 91)(1)
Engine oil (7)
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
cAPI Certification Mark (2) (3)
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIor
API grade SJ, Energy Conserving (2) (3)
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II (2) (3)
Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
Cooling system
With reservoir tank 11-1/4 qt 9-3/8 qt 10.650% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant
or equivalent
50% Demineralized water or Distilled water Reservoir 1-1/8 qt 1 qt 1.1
Automatic transaxle fluid 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4NISSAN matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid.(4)
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level
according to the instructions
in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Type F automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent
Brake fluid
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid(5) or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrig-
erantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)(6)
(1): For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
(2): For further detail, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recomendations.''
(3): For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
(4): DexronTIII/MerconTor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact
a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of
DexronTIII/MerconTAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
(5): Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
(6): For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
(7): For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this
will damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
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
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-54
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ................. 2-9
Manual front seat adjustment ...................... 1-3
Manual vent windows ................................ 2-29
Map lights .................................................. 2-32
Map pocket ................................................ 2-20
Mirror
Outside mirrors ..................................... 3-15
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-12
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-6
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-22
O
Odometer ..................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-6
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-7
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-5Engine oil ................................................ 8-5
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-4
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Overdrive switch .......................................... 5-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual/service manual order
information ............................................... 10-22
P
Parcel Shelf ............................................... 2-25
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ......................... 5-9
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-13
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Personal reading light ................................ 2-31
Power
Power door locks ............................ 3-2, 3-4
Power steering fluid ...................... 10-2, 8-9
Power support front seat ........................ 1-4
Power vent windows............................. 2-29
Power windows..................................... 2-27
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-39
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-35
FM-AM radio with cassette player ........ 4-16
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-22
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-21
Rear door ................................................... 3-10
Rear door lock ........................................... 3-10
Rear power socket..................................... 2-18
Rear seat air conditioner ........................... 4-14
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-14
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ..................................................... 2-13
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-6
Removing and installing the second row
bench seat ................................................. 1-12
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-20
S
Safety
Child safety sliding door lock ................. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-20
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-39
11-4
ZX
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-53
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-54
Seat belts.............................................. 1-39
Three-point type with retractor .... 1-42, 1-45
Two-point type without retractor ........... 1-51
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-7
Seat positions ............................................ 1-20
Seating arrangements ............................... 1-19
Seats
Five passenger seating ........................ 1-28
Five passenger seating with cargo
room...................................................... 1-29
Flexible seating..................................... 1-12
Integrated child safety seats ................ 1-72
Manual front seat adjustment ................. 1-3
Power support front seat ........................ 1-4
Seat positions ....................................... 1-20
Second row bench seat........................ 1-20
Second row bucket seats ..................... 1-24
Seven passenger seating ..................... 1-27
Sliding three-passenger seat.................. 1-7
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 1-29
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position ................................................. 1-27
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 1-19
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-19
Seven passenger seating .......................... 1-27
Shift lock release ......................................... 5-6
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Sliding three-passenger seat ....................... 1-7Spark plug replacement............................. 8-12
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-32
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-36
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Jump starting................................. 6-8, 8-11
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-5
Steering
Power steering fluid ...................... 10-2, 8-9
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-12
Stop light .................................................... 8-24
Storage
Overhead storage compartment........... 2-20
Under seat storage tray........................ 1-11
Storage compartment for garage door
transmitter .................................................. 2-36
Sun shade.................................................. 2-30
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-30
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-36
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 2-15
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-28
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-17
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-14
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 5-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-14Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-13
Turn signal switch................................. 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-12
T
Tabletop seats ........................................... 1-18
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Theft warning ............................................. 2-10
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 1-50
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 1-29
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 1-27
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-12
Timing belt ................................................. 10-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-32
Tire chains ............................................ 8-30
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ................................. 5-6, 8-28
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-30
Tool kit .................................................... 6-3
Types of tires ........................................ 8-29
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-19
Wheels and tires ......................... 10-9, 8-28
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-12
11-5
ZX