8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-6
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-7
Engine oil .............................................................8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir ........................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting ...................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-20
Replacing spark plugs
(except supercharger) .....................................8-20Replacing spark plugs
(with supercharger)..........................................8-21
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-23
Cleaning ..........................................................8-23
Replacing .........................................................8-23
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-24
Checking parking brake...................................8-24
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-24
Brake booster ..................................................8-25
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Passenger compartment .................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights ....................................................................8-29
Headlights ........................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-32
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-36
Tire pressure ...................................................8-36
ZX
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
Use ONLY NIS-
SAN Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Dexron
TM
III/MerconTMor equivalent may also
be used. Outside the continental
United States and Alaska contact an
authorized NISSAN dealership for
more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMau-
tomatic transmission fluid.
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 fluid level cannot be read
accurately. You should wait until the
fluid has cooled down (about 30 min-
utes).The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD MAX
range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to
30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSFII or equivalent.
ADI1116ADI1120
POWER STEERING FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX
for smooth operation and make sure it 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*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operates
properly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level afterparking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
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*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck 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*Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe 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 leaksCheck 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.
9-4Maintenance
ZX
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission gear oil KA24DE 4x2 4-1/4 pt 3-1/2 pt 2.0 API GL-4*1 Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
VG33E/
VG33ER4x2 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
4x4 10-3/4 pt 9 pt 5.1
Final drive gear oil KA24DE 2-3/4 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.3 API GL-5*1
VG33E/
VG33ER4x4 Front 3-1/8 pt 2-5/8 pt 1.5
Rear 5-7/8 pt 4-7/8 pt 2.8
Transfer fluidKA24DE 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid or API GL-4. *4
VG33E/VG33ER 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according
to the instructions in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid. *4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent *7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant lb (kg) 1.32 - 1.54 (0.60 - 0.70) HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant 6.8 oz 7.0 oz 200 ml Nissan A/C System Lubricant PAG Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*2: SAE 90 is acceptable in temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
*3: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
*7: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
Technical and consumer information10-3
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
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
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