
Maintenance for off-road driving
(
only)
Whenever you drive off-road through sand,
mud or water as deep as the wheel hub,
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired of the following items:
¶Brake pads and rotors
¶Brake linings and drums
¶Brake lines and hoses
¶Wheel bearing grease and free-running
hub grease
¶Differential, transmission and transfer oil
¶Steering linkage
¶Propeller shafts and front drive shafts
¶Air cleaner filter
These items should be checked frequently
to assure safe and proper operation of your
vehicle.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed 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.
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) fil-
terUnder normal driving conditions, the
filter should be replaced in accordance with
the maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is
operated under extremely adverse weather
conditions or in areas where ambient tem-
peratures are either extremely low or ex-
tremely high, the filter may become cloggedmore rapidly. In such an event, replace the
filter immediately.
EVAP Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness, or dete-
rioration. If leaks are found, replace the
lines.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deterio-
ration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterIf 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*Flush and refill the cooling
system.
Engine oil and oil filter*Under 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*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
9-10Maintenance
ZX

Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines and cablesCheck 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 and linings
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.
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer and differential gear oilVisually
inspect for signs of leakage and replace oil
for limited-slip differential. Under severe
driving conditions, the oil should be re-
placed at the specified interval.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts and drive shaft boots
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, they may have to be inspected more
frequently.Propeller shaft(s)Check the propeller
shaft(s) for damage, looseness and grease
leakage under severe driving conditions
(
only).
Front wheel bearing grease and free-
running hub greaseCheck the wheel
bearing for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule (4x2).
Check the wheel bearing and free-running
hub for grease leakage around grease
seals, axial end play and smooth turning.
Repack these in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule. In case of frequent driv-
ing in muddy water, the bearing grease and
free-running hub grease inspection should
be performed more frequently (
).
Exhaust systemVisually 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 systemCheck the
supplemental air bag system components
for proper attachment, damage, deformities,cracks, rust, etc. Work around and on the
supplemental air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance
9-11
ZX

MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis avail-
able from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
This guide includes information on trailer
towing ability and the special equipment
required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
10-22Technical and consumer information
ZX

trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either con-
dition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
10-26Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-17
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-14
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-14
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-8
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-12
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-41
Antenna...................................................... 4-39
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) ....... 5-26
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-25
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-38
Auto-lock free-running hubs ...................... 5-21
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-24
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-12
B
Battery........................................................ 8-17
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-19
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-26
Anti-lock brake system, rear (R-ABS) .. 5-26
Brake booster ....................................... 8-25
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-16
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-33
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-24
Brake system ........................................ 5-25
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-12, 8-25
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-19
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-33
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-39
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-41
Child restraints ........................................... 1-32
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-27
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-38
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-7
ZX

Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-30
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-24
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-24
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Power windows..................................... 2-23
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-22
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-39FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-25
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-38
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-29
Rear sliding window................................... 2-25
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-28
Roof rack (see luggage rack) ...................... 3-9
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-28
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-8
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-22
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-31
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-31
Seat belts.............................................. 1-22
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-25
Two-point type without retractor ........... 1-29
Seat belt warning light ............................... 2-10Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Bench seat.............................................. 1-6
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-30
Shifting
Automatic transmission ........................ 5-10
Manual transmission............................. 5-15
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-20
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-29
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-20
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch .......... 4-38
Step rail...................................................... 3-11
Stop light .................................................... 8-33
Sun shade.................................................. 2-26
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-25
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................. 1-10
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
11-4
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-17
Overdrive switch.......................... 5-13, 5-14
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-17
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch ............................................. 3-15
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks ......................................... 3-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-12
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-40
Tire chains ............................................ 8-37
Tire placard......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-36
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-38
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-39
Types of tires ........................................ 8-36
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-27
Wheels and tires................................... 8-36
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10
Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-11
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-24Trailer towing ...................................... 10-22
Transfer case ............................................. 5-21
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-15
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-12
Truck - camper loading............................ 10-17
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-27
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information ..................... 10-15
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-20
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-36
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-16
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-25
Power windows..................................... 2-23
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
Wiper blades......................................... 8-23
11-5
ZX