Page 225 of 304

FLOOR MATS
The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior.No
matter what mats are used, be sure they
are fitted for your vehicle and are prop-
erly positioned in the footwell to prevent
interference with pedal operation.Mats
should be maintained with regular cleaning
and replaced if they become excessively
worn.
Front floor mat positioning aid
(Driver side only)
This model includes a front floor mat
bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid.
NISSAN floor mats, specially designed for
your vehicle, incorporate grommets. To in-
stall, simply position the mat using the floor
mat bracket hook through the floor mat
grommet hole while centering the mat in the
footwell.
Periodically check to make certain the mat
is properly positioned.
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mildsoap solution. Allow the belts to dry com-
pletely before using them.
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye,
or chemical solvents to clean the seat
belts, since these may severely weaken
the seat belt webbing.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining
dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN-
FLUENCE THE RATE OF COR-
ROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate cor-
rosion. Wet floor coverings do not dry com-
pletely inside the vehicle, and should be
removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated:
cin areas of high relative humidity.
CORROSION PROTECTION
7-4Appearance and care
ZX
Page 226 of 304

cin areas where the temperatures stay
above freezing.
cwhere atmospheric pollution exists.
cwhere road salt is used.
Temperature
A temperature increase accelerates the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not
well ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use accelerates the corrosion process.
Road salt also accelerates the disintegra-
tion of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION
cwash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
calways check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as possible.
ckeep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors open to avoid water accumulation.
ccheck the underbody for accumulation ofsand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with
water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
cNEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner
or broom.
cNever allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic com-
ponents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan
and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be
cleaned periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, consult an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Appearance and care
7-5
ZX
Page 227 of 304
MEMO
7-6Appearance and care
ZX
Page 228 of 304

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 ............................................................8-13
Cabin air filter ..................................................8-14Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-17
Cleaning ..........................................................8-17
Replacing .........................................................8-17
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................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
Fog lights .........................................................8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-25
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-29
Tire pressure ...................................................8-29
Types of tires ...................................................8-30
Tire chains .......................................................8-31
Changing tires and wheels ..............................8-31
ZX
Page 229 of 304

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
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the gear-
shift lever to P (park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or Lock position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.
c
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.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
cNever 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.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn 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
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle 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
Page 230 of 304
ADI1082
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3
ZX
Page 231 of 304

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine Nissan
anti-freeze coolant (green) or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture ratio of
50% anti-freeze and 50% demineralized
or distilled water. The use of other
types of coolant solutions or coolant
colors, such as orange, may damage
the engine cooling system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toGenuine
NISSAN
Anti-freeze
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or Dis-
tilled water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
c
Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1083
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself
ZX
Page 232 of 304

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
An authorized NISSAN dealer can change
the engine coolant. The service procedure
is found in NISSAN's service manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING
cTo avoid danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill.
6. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
ADI1084ADI0009
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX