
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equippped)
An engine block heater to assist extreme
cold temperature starting is available
through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
5-29
ZX

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse), or the automatic
transmission into P (Park).
WARNING
c
The transfer control lever
must be in the 2H, 4H or 4L position.
c
Do not leave the transfer control le-
ver in the N (Neutral) position. Other-
wise, the vehicle could roll unexpect-
edly even if the manual transmission
is in any gear or the automatic trans-
mission is in the P (Park) position.
This could result in serious personal
injury or property damage.
4. Turn off the engine.5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you require assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Reverse),
or the automatic transmission into P
(Park).
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling
when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
MCE0001
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
ZX

For King Cab models:
a. Move the driver's seatback fully forward.
b. Remove the jack and wheel nut wrench
from the tool case located behind the
driver's seat and below the jump seat.
c. Remove the jack rod located behind the
driver's seat.For Crew Cab models:
a. Tilt the rear bench seat forward
b. Remove the jack, jack rod, and tool case
located behind the rear bench seat.
2. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the
square hole of the wheel nut wrench to
form a handle.
3. Find the oval-shaped opening under the
middle of the tailgate. Pass the T-shaped
end of the jack rod through the opening
and direct it towards the spare tire winch,
located directly above the spare tire.4. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod
into the T-shaped opening of the spare
tire winch. Apply pressure to keep the
jack rod engaged in the spare tire winch
and turn the jack rod counterclockwise to
lower the spare tire.
ACE1017ACE1039
WCE0013
In case of emergency6-3
ZX

Jacking up the vehicle and remov-
ing the wheel
Always refer to the proper illustrations for
the correct placement and jack-up points for
your specific vehicle model and jack type.
WARNING
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by the jack.
cUse only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles. The jack is de-
signed for lifting only your vehicle
during a tire change.
cUse the correct jack up points; Never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
cNever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
cNever use blocks on or under the
jack.
cDo not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
cDo not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack. It may cause
the vehicle to move. This is espe-
cially true for vehicles with limited
slip differential carriers.
WCE0014
In case of emergency6-5
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

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 this ``Maintenance and do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
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 at
least once a month and always prior to longdistance trips, including the spare, and ad-
just to the specified pressure if necessary.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or exces-
sive 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.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to ``Important Tire Safety Information''
in the Warranty Information Booklet (US) or
``Tire Safety Information'' in the Warranty
and Roadside Assistance Information book-
let (Canada).
WindshieldClean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield every
six months for cracks or other damage.Have a damaged windshield repaired by a
qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links as necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. 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.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZX

Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
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 the
steering 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
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operatesproperly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX