Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill
grade, place the shift lever in the 1st
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into the street when parked on an incline,
it is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into 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.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you
will 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 brakes
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 will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings and pads faster,
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-25
ZX
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the
front wheels raised, always use tow-
ing dollies under the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device.
Never secure the steering wheel
by turning the ignition key to the
LOCK position. This may damage
the steering lock mechanism.cIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the
ground:
cAlways release the parking
brake.
cMove the transmission shift le-
ver to the N (Neutral) position.
cObserve the following re-
stricted towing speeds and dis-
tances for manual transmis-
sion models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles
(805 km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before
towing to prevent damage to the transmis-
sion.
Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the
vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
ACE0705
6-12In case of emergency
ZX
CAUTION
c
Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the front
wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
cTo disengage auto-lock free-
running hubs see the ªStarting
and drivingº section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift le-
ver to the 2H position.
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steer-
ing wheel in a straight ahead
position with a rope or similar
device. Never secure the steer-
ing wheel by turning the igni-
tion key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steeringlock mechanism.
cIf you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies) or four wheels on the
ground:
cTo disengage auto-lock free-
running hubs see the ªStarting
and drivingº section for details.
cMove the transfer case shift le-
ver to the 2H position.
cMove the transmission shift le-
ver to the N (Neutral) position.
cAlways release the parking
brake.
cObserve the following re-
stricted towing speeds and dis-
tances for manual transmis-
sion models only:
Speed: Below 60 MPH (97 km/h)
Distance: Less than 500 miles
(805 km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the front and rear propellershafts before towing to prevent damage to
the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
In case of emergency
6-13
ZX
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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
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.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. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the selector
lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZX
cIf 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.
c
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from 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 fuellines are un-der high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is on.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected 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 ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.A genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. See `Owner's Manual/Service
Manual order information'' in the ``Technical
and consumer information'' section.
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.
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see ``Jump
starting'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be re-
placed. Contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.''
ADI1073
DRIVE BELTS
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
ADI1074
WDI0068
SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
ZX
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
If the electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
ADI1128
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
ZX