
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
orBrake warning light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning light
High beam indicator lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Passenger supplemental air bag
OFF indicator light (except crew cab
models)
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Automatic transmission oil tempera-
ture warning light (model)
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)Door open warning light (if so
equipped)
Low fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,,,or,
,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened thelight will not come on.
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 

Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON or
START, and remains illuminated until the
driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same
time, the chime sounds for about seven
seconds unless the driver seat belt is se-
curely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº section
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 system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag and pre-tensioner
seat belt systems need servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to an authorized
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.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemen-
tal air bag system and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belts may not function properly. For
additional details, see the ``Seats, restraints
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.
Passenger supplemental air
bag OFF indicator light (ex-
cept Crew Cab models)
The passenger supplemental air bag is
equipped with an ON/OFF switch. The
switch is located in the center of the instru-ment panel, near the ashtray. When the
switch is turned to the ON position, the
passenger supplemental air bag is enabled
and could inflate in a frontal collision. When
the switch is turned to the OFF position, the
passenger supplemental air bag is disabled
and will not inflate in a frontal collision. The
passenger supplemental air bag OFF indi-
cator light on the instrument panel illumi-
nates when the passenger supplemental air
bag ON/OFF switch is turned to the OFF
position. The driver's side supplemental air
bag always remains enabled and is not
affected by the passenger supplemental air
bag ON/OFF switch. The key for the pas-
senger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch should not be left in the switch.
Remove the key after turning the switch in
the desired position. Do not leave a key in
the switch. See ªPassenger supplemental
air bag ON/OFF switch and lightº in the
9Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems9section for details.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX 

when the main switch is pushed again.
While the cruise main switch indicator light
comes on, the cruise control system is
operational.
Cruise set indicator light (if
so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the light blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate the cruise control system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
4-wheel drive indicator light
This light comes on when the transfer shift
control lever is in the 4H or 4L position.
WARNING
cWhen parking always make sure the
transfer control lever is in the 2H, 4H
or 4L position and the parking brake
is applied.cFailure to engage the transfer con-
trol lever in 2H, 4H or 4L could result
in the vehicle moving unexpectedly,
which could cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beams are on and goes out when the
low beams are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady þ
An emission control system malfunction
has been detected. Check the fuel filler
cap. If 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 NIS-
SAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking þ An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
cdo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
c
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
cavoid steep uphill grades.
cif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
Instruments and controls2-11
ZX 

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................................5-2
On-pavement and offroad driving
precautions ........................................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...........................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................5-4
Driving safety precautions .................................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-6
Automatic transmission .....................................5-6
Manual transmission..........................................5-7
Key positions .....................................................5-7
Before starting the engine ......................................5-8
Starting the engine .................................................5-8
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-9
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ...........5-9
Manual transmission........................................5-15
Parking brake .......................................................5-16
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-17
Precautions on cruise control ..........................5-17
Cruise control operations ................................5-18Break-in schedule ................................................5-19
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-20
Using four-wheel drive .........................................5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures ...................5-21
Auto-lock free-running hubs ............................5-21
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-24
Power steering .....................................................5-25
Brake system........................................................5-25
Braking precautions .........................................5-25
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .........................5-26
Cold weather driving ............................................5-27
Freeing a frozen door lock ..............................5-27
Anti-freeze .......................................................5-27
Battery .............................................................5-27
Draining of coolant water ................................5-27
Tire equipment.................................................5-28
Special winter equipment ................................5-28
Driving on snow or ice.....................................5-28
Engine block heater (if so equippped) ............5-29
ZX 

To apply:pull the lever out.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. While pulling out on the parking brake
lever slightly, push and hold the releasebutton, turn the lever and push it in
completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cThe cruise control system cancels auto-
matically if it is not functioning properly.
The SET indicator light in the instrument
panel then blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,
ASD1010WSD0013
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-17
ZX 

COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
use the cruise control system, use the
following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions.
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
c
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,
depress the clutch pedal and turn the-
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERA-
TIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 90 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in
the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light
in the instrument cluster goes out.b) Tap the brake pedal; the SET light goes
out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the
CRUISE indicator on the main switch and
SET light in the instrument cluster go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the SET light in the instrument
panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal
while pushing the RES/ACCEL or
COAST/SET switch.
cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift selector
lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmis-
sion).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods.
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
5-18Starting and driving
ZX 

cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equippped)
An engine block heater to assist extreme
cold temperature starting is available
through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
5-29
ZX 

Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-17
Cup holders ............................................... 2-21
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-18
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Dimensions and weights.......................... 10-11
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-19
Driving
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-21
Cold weather driving............................. 5-27
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-20
Emission control information label........... 10-14
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-28
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2Changing engine coolant........................ 8-7
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-6
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
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 ................................. 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-19
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................... 10-3, 8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-6
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-13
Front seats
Bench...................................................... 1-6
Separate ................................................. 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-20
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-5
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
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-17
11-2
ZX