
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Door open warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on:
,,,or,
If the driver's seat belt is fastened before the
ignition key is turned to the ON position, the
light will not come on briefly and then
go off.
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

OThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
OThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal restraint system may not function properly.
For additional details on the supplemental
restraint system (supplemental air bag sys-
tem), see the ``Seats, Restraints and Supple-
mental Air Bag Systems'' section of this
manual
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the air
bag will not operate in an accident.
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.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an authorized NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is in the ON position.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See ``Window washer fluid'' in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Turn the cap counter clockwise to
remove. Tighten the cap clockwise until
ratcheting clicks are heard.
WARNING
OGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. You could be burned or se-
riously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.OFuel may be under pressure. Turn
the cap one-half turn and wait for
any ``hissing'' sound to stop to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out and
causing possible personal injury.
Then remove the cap.
ODo not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly fire.
OUse only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury.
ONever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
OIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.
OTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illu-
minate. If the
lamp illuminates
because the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap
and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
OFor additional information, see the
(Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)(in
the(Instruments and Controls(sec-
tion earlier in this manual.
APD1082
FUEL FILLER CAP
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

During the first 1,000 miles (1,609 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
ODo not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
O
Do not drive over the following speed limits:two-wheel drive models and four-
wheel drive models (2H position):
Do not exceed the legal speed limit.
four-wheel drive models
(4H position):
55 MPH (88 km/h)
four-wheel drive models
(4L position):
30 MPH (48 km/h)
ODo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
OAvoid quick starts.
OAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
ODo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).OAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelera-
tor position.
ODrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speeds lowers fuel
economy.
OAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
OUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
OAvoid unnecessary engine idling.OKeep your engine tuned up.
OFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
OKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
OKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
OAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
OWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
O
Use 4H or 4L position only when neces-
sary. Four-wheel drive operation lowers
fuel economy.
SD0001
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-18Starting and driving
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
OPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to P (Park).
OBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
ONever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
ONever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.O
If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts, and any other moving parts.
OIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
OAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
OIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
ONever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
OKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
OOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
ODo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
ONever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
OAvoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed engine oil
and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
OMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The service procedures can be
found in the appropriate NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual.
OImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
OTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
ONever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Open the radiator drain valve. Open the
drain plugs on the engine block.
2.
Open the radiator cap to drain the coolant.
3. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
4. Close the radiator drain valve and drain
plug on the engine block securely.5. See ``Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section for cool-
ing system capacity. Fill the radiator
slowly with the proper mixture of coolant
and water. Fill the reservoir tank slowly
up to the MAX level.
8-6Do-it-yourself
ZX

Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cover
Tonneau cover ...................................... 2-22
Cruise control............................................. 5-16
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-14
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-18
Dimensions and weights .......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-18
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-20
Cold weather driving............................. 5-26
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-18
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-26Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Engine serial number ......................... 10-13
Engine specifications ............................ 10-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
First aid kit
First aid kit .............................................. 6-2
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-15Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-15
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 10-13
Front seats
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-18
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-14
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-4
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-4
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer ............................................. 2-5
Gear Basket (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-11
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
11-2
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91)
For further details such as gasohol or diesel
fuel grade, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in
the ``Technical and consumer information''
section.
Recommended engine oil:
OAPI Certification Mark
OAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ, Energy Conserving
OILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II
See9Engine oil and filter recommendatio-
n9in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard affixed to the inside of
the glove box lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ``BREAK-IN SCHEDULE''found in the ``Starting and Driving'' section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.(page)
OIn case of emergency ...................... 6-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start, overheat-
ing, towing)
OHow to start the engine ................... 5-1
OHow to read the meters and
gauges ............................................. 2-1
OMaintenance schedule ..................... 9-1
ODo-it-yourself operations.................. 8-1
OTechnical and consumer
information ..................................... 10-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX