Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these maintenance procedures
regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an authorized NISSAN dealer.Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed under peri-
odic maintenance in this section are re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance
will be required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists who and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehicles
beforethey work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that an authorized
NISSAN dealer's service department per-
forms the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a reliable
and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have an authorized NISSAN
dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should
notify an authorized NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precau-
tions in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONSGENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance
ZX
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodCheck that all doors and
the hood operate properly. Also ensure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.
When driving in areas using road salt orother corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in thesteering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
Maintenance
9-3
ZX
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached to the underside of the hood as
shown.
TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the inside of the glove box
lid.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABEL
The label is attached to the underside of the
hood as shown.
ATI1011ATI1019ATI1013
10-14Technical and consumer information
ZX
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
OSpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
OThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
ODo not use axle-mounted hitches.ODo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
OTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
OAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
ORegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
OWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (affixed
to the inside of the glove box lid).
OTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
10-22Technical and consumer information
ZX
Steering wheel audio control switch .......... 4-37
Step rail...................................................... 3-12
Sun shade.................................................. 2-28
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-17
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-6
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Theft warning ............................................. 2-12
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-3
Tie down hooks.......................................... 2-24
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Tire chains ............................................ 8-35
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-34
Tire rotation........................................... 8-36
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-37
Types of tires ........................................ 8-34
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-25
Wheels and tires................................... 8-34
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-13
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-21
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-19
Transfer case ............................................. 5-18
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-9
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-13
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-12
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-25
V
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 ........................................ 6-14
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Theft warning ........................................ 2-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-12
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-16
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-27
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
Wiper blades......................................... 8-22
11-5
ZX
Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI (RON
91). For further details such as gasohol or
diesel fuel grade, see ``Fuel recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Recommended engine oil:
OAPI Certification Mark
OAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ, Energy Conserving
OILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II
See9Engine oil and filter recommendatio-
n9in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard affixed to the inside of
the glove box lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ``BREAK-IN SCHEDULE''
found in the ``Starting and Driving'' section ofthis Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
ZX