CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,or,,,
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 LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stopthe engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
See ``Engine oil'' in the ``Maintenance and
do-it-yourself'' section.
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning lightLow fuel warning light
High beam indicator lightMalfunction indicator lamp
(emission system)Trunk open warning light
Charge warning lightEngine oil pressure warning lightTraction control off indicator light
Door open warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Seat belt warning light and chimeCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX
Low washer fluid warning
light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Maintenance and Do-it-
yourself'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and also warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine
is running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch
fluid'' in the ``Maintenance and do-it-
yourself'' section of this Owner's Manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be danger-
ous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock portion
of the brake system is not functioning prop-erly. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your ve-
hicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Traction control off indicator
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the light will illuminate. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
traction control system (TCS) is operational.
If the light stays on or comes on when you
are driving, it may indicate the traction con-
trol system is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.The light comes on when the traction control
off switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates
the traction control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or
restart the engine and the system will oper-
ate normally. See ªTraction controlº in the
ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheelspin. Slip-
pery road conditions may exist if the slip
indicator blinks on. If this happens, adjust
your driving accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when
you turn the ignition key to ON. The light will
turn off after about 2 seconds if the system
is operational. If the light does not come on
or go off, have the traction control system
checked by your NISSAN dealer. The sys-
tem operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the indicated
shift lever position.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is depressed.
Have the brakes checked as soon as pos-
sible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
a chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened with the headlight switch on.
Turn the headlight switch OFF when leaving
the vehicle.
2-12Instruments and controls
ZX
NOTE: The top few rows of wires on the rear
window are not part of the rear window
defogging system. These wires make up the
antenna for the audio system.XENON HEADLIGHTS
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
cWhen xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent
an electric shock, never attempt to
modify or disassemble. Always have
your xenon headlights replaced at
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cXenon headlights provide consider-
ably more light than conventional
headlights. If they are not correctly
aimed, they might temporarily blind
an oncoming driver or the driver
ahead of you and cause a serious
accident. If headlights are not aimed
correctly, immediately take your ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer
and have the headlights adjusted
correctly.When the xenon headlight is initially turned
on, its brightness or color varies slightly.
However, the color and brightness will soon
stabilize.
cThe life of xenon headlights will be
shortened by frequent on-off opera-
tion. It is generally desirable not to
turn off the headlights for short inter-
vals, (for example, when the vehicle
stops at a traffic signal). Even when
the daytime running lights are active
(Canada only), the xenon headlights
do not turn on. This way the life of the
xenon headlights is not reduced.
cIf the xenon headlight bulb is close to
burning out, the brightness will dras-
tically decrease, the light will start
blinking, or the color of the light will
become reddish. If one or more of the
above signs appear, contact a
NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
2-18Instruments and controls
ZX
cfor maximum cooling when using the air
conditioner
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
This button is provided only on vehicles
equipped with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioner.
The indicator light comes on when the air
conditioner is operating. To stop the air
conditioner, push the switch again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the
foot outlets. Some air also flows from the
defroster outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position
for normal heating.
2.
Turn the air control dial to theposition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Turn the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1.
Turn the air control dial to theposition.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from thewindows, turn on the fan control dial to 4
and the temperature control dial to the
full HOT position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The air recir-
culation mode automatically turns off,
allowing outside air to be drawn into the
passenger compartment which helps de-
fog the windshield.
Bi-level heating/cooling
This mode directs air from the side, center
and foot outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2.
Turn the air control dial to theposition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1.
Turn the air control dial to theposition.
4-4Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX
Setting RDS Mode
Press and hold the MENU button (>2 sec-
onds) until the radio beeps to start the
editing mode. Press the MENU button until
the display showsªRDS TRAFFICº. This
display will last 2 seconds and then change
toªTRAFFIC-OFFº. Press TUNE/FF-REV
(
or) to toggle the RDS traffic mode
from ªOFFº to ªONº. Press the RDS button
again to set your RDS mode selection.
The display changes toªRDS DISPLAYº.
This display will last 2 seconds and then
change to ªSHOWº. Press TUNE/FF-REV
(
or) to switch between the follow-
ing RDS display modes:
cªFM & RDSº: the radio display will show
the station's broadcast frequency and the
station's name.
cªRDS ONLYº: the radio display will show
the station's name only.
cªRDS TEMPº: the radio display will show
the station's name for 5 seconds and
then display only the radio station's
broadcast frequency.PTY (Program Type)
PTY can be used to search for a certain
program type. Certain areas have a limited
number of stations that transmit RDS. Many
stations transmit call letters and frequencies
only. Searching or scanning by program
type may yield a limited number of selec-
tions.
1. Press the MIXzPTY button. The display
changes fromªRDS PTY SEARCHºto
ªSELECT BY TUNEº.
2. Press TUNE/FF-REV (
or)
up/down button to choose a specific pro-
gram type:
ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK, SOFT ROCK,
TOP 40, COUNTRY, JAZZ, CLASSICAL,
OLDIES, NEWS, SPORTS, TALK, ANY
3. Press the SEEK (
or) or SCAN
button to search for the next station with
the selected PTY. The SCAN icon
flashes when the SCAN button is
pressed. If SCAN is selected, push the
PTY or SCAN buttons to stop on a station.
If SEEK is selected, the radio automati-
cally stops on the next radio station
matching the selected program type.4. Press the PTY button again to cancel the
PTY mode.
Speed Sensitive Control Volume (SCV)
Your vehicle has Speed Sensitive Control
Volume (SCV) for audio. The audio volume
changes as the driving speed changes.
Press and hold the MENU button (>2 sec-
onds) until the radio beeps to start the
editing mode. Press the MENU button until
the display showsªSpeed comp volº. This
display will last 2 seconds and then change
toªSCV-offº. Press TUNE/FF-REV
(
or) to change between:
Off!Low!Mid!High
Compact disc (CD) operation
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position.
CAUTION
cDo not force a compact disc (CD)
into the CD insert slot. This could
damage the CD and/or CD changer.
cTrying to load a CD with the CD door
closed could damage the CD and/or
CD changer.
4-24Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust-
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline seriously
reduce the three way catalyst's abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollut-
ants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires,
or if noticeable loss of performance
or other unusual operating condi-
tions are detected. Have the vehicleinspected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, loss of
control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause thevehicle to roll over, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs (in-
cluding prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
Starting and driving5-3
ZX
1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.)
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to OFF or if the key is
removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift selector lever is in any of
the driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral), and
depress the clutch pedal to the floor while
cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
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 and hold the accelerator pedalto help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not
start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially
in cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 3,
2 or 1. Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed.
Failure to do so could cause you to
lose control and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
c
When stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-7
ZX