ANTENNA
The manual antenna on your vehicle re-
mains in the up position at all times. The
antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
removed. When you need to remove the
antenna, turn the antenna rod counterclock-
wise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna
clockwise. Tighten the antenna rod to speci-
fication using a suitable tool such as a
open-end wrench. The antenna rod tighten-
ing specification is 3.4 - 3.6 Nzm(30-32
in-lb). Do not use pliers to tighten the an-
tenna as they can leave marks on the an-
tenna surface. The antenna rod can not be
hand tightened to the proper specification.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna
rod during installation or the antenna
rod may break during vehicle operation.
WARNING
cThe AutovisionTFamily Entertain-
ment System (FES) is designed for
rear seat passenger viewing only.
cThe driver must not attempt to oper-
ate the FES while the vehicle is in
motion so that full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CAUTION
cThe glass screen on the liquid crys-
tal display may break if hit with a
hard or sharp object. If the glass
breaks, do not touch the liquid crys-
talline material, which contains a
small amount of mercury. In case of
contact with skin, wash immediately
with soap and water.
cAvoid pinching fingers when remov-
ing and reinstalling the player.
cDo not insert foreign objects into the
video player.
cTo prevent damage when reinstall-
ing the player, be sure of proper
alignment when inserting. Do not
force.
cUse a damp, soft cloth when clean-
ing the AutovisionTFamily Enter-
tainment System components. Do
not use solvents or cleaning solu-
tions.
cDo not attempt to use the system in
extreme temperature conditions (be-
low 30É or above 113É F).
LHA0088
AUTOVISIONTFAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
(FES) (if so equipped)
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-37
ZX
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................5-2
Three-way catalyst ............................................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover ...........................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................5-3
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Key positions .....................................................5-4
Before starting the engine ......................................5-5
Starting the engine .................................................5-5
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-6
Parking brake .........................................................5-9
Cruise control .......................................................5-10
Precautions on cruise control ..........................5-10
Cruise control operations ................................5-10
Break-in schedule ................................................5-11Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-13
Power steering .....................................................5-14
Brake system........................................................5-14
Braking precautions .........................................5-14
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .........................5-14
Cold weather driving ............................................5-16
Freeing a frozen door lock ..............................5-16
Anti-freeze .......................................................5-16
Battery .............................................................5-16
Draining of coolant water ................................5-16
Tire equipment.................................................5-16
Special winter equipment ................................5-17
Driving on snow or ice.....................................5-17
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..............5-18
ZX
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device. The key can only be
removed when the ignition switch in the
LOCK position.
The ignition lock is designed so the key
cannot be turned to LOCK and removed
until the shift lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to LOCK, or if the key is removed
from the switch.The shift lever can be moved out of P
(Park) only after the ignition switch is in
the ON position, and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
OFF
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel, if the key is left in the
ignition.
WSD0002
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each
time you check engine oil).
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON position.
See ``Warning/Indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) (P is recommended).
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P and into any of the
other gear positions under the follow-
ing conditions:
cThe ignition key is turned to the
LOCK position.
cThe ignition key is turned to the ON
position without depressing the
foot brake pedal.
The starter will not operate if the shift
selector lever is in one of the driving
positions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it to help start the
engine.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINESTARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-5
ZX
The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK, or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The shift lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC position. This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
1. Keep the brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal, then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
Shifting
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine. Al-
ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete
stop. For maximum safety, depress the
brake pedal, pull the lever toward you, and
move the lever to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the lever into the P (Park) position.Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park), follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the first position (ACC).
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gear-
shift lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. Depress
the brake pedal, then pull the shift lever
toward you and move it to the R (Reverse)
position.
ASD0552
Starting and driving5-7
ZX
WARNING
Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.WARNING
cSafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and
the transmission placed into P (Park)
position. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly or roll away and result in an
accident. Make sure the shift lever
has been pushed up as far as it can
go and cannot be moved without
pulling it towards you.
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.c
Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on a sloping
driveway, it is a good practice to turn the
wheels as illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels toward the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.
ASD0007
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-13
ZX
The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to aid steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you still have control of the vehicle. How-
ever, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal is required to stop the
vehicle, and the stopping distance is longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
wears out the brake linings and pads faster
and reduces fuel economy.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As aresult, your braking distance is longer and
the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS)
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-14Starting and driving
ZX
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate
at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
(The speeds vary according to road condi-
tions.) When the anti-lock brake system
senses one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or vibration from the actuator under the hood.
This is normal and indicates the anti-lockbrake system is working properly. However,
the pulsation may indicate road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the ve-
hicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
``clunk'' noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the com-
puter senses any malfunction, it switches
the anti-lock brake system OFF and turns
on the ABS brake warning light in the dash-
board. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test, or
while driving, take the vehicle to an authorized
NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock brake system. Stopping distances
may also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
Starting and driving
5-15
ZX