
WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside the vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
c
Be sure everyone in the vehicle is in a
seat with their seat belt properly fas-
tened.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
c
Curb Weight (actual weight of your ve-
hicle) - vehicle weight including: standard
and optional equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does notinclude passengers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of pas-
sengers and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
cGross combined weight - GVW plus the
total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a luggage rack, bike
carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment
does not increase load carrying capacity of
your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1)
Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.3) After loading (cargo & passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is
exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift
the load or remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR specified on the F.M.V.S.S. Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
c
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information9-13
ZX

be properly distributed. For more informa-
tion regarding vehicle and trailer loading,
refer to The NISSAN Towing Guide, avail-
able from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
example, on slippery boat ramps).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special
equipment may be obtained from an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Tongue load:
Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11%
of the total trailer load. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al-
low for proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD3,500 (1,588)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD350 (159)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer (USA
only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid per-
sonal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information9-15
ZX

Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and it is properly
installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, first block the wheels
and apply the parking brake, and then
move the transmission shift selector le-
ver into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lowergear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn the air
conditioner off. Coolant heat can be ad-
ditionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control dial to
high and setting the temperature control
dial to the WARM position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km) of the vehicle's life.
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule in the
``NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide''.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
9-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change fluid in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.''Department of Transportation (DOT) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions, on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-19
ZX

WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For US
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emission Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty Information Booklet that comes with
your NISSAN. If you did not receive a
Warranty Information Booklet, or it has be-
come lost, you may obtain a replacement by
writing to:
cNissan North America Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty Information Booklet that comes with
your NISSAN. If you did not receive a
Warranty Information Booklet, or it has be-
come lost, you may obtain a replacement by
writing to:cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTY
9-20Technical and consumer information
ZX

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at (888) 327-
4236. If you reside in Hawaii, please call
(808) 836-0888. You may also write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii, call (808) 836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a not ready condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, an authorized
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h)
for at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle (shift lever in the ``P'' or
``N'' position).
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and
REPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (US only)READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZX

10 Index
A
Accident
Inertia fuel shut-off switch .................... 6-11
After an accident........................................ 6-11
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 1-31
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-37
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-15
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-7
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-12
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-14
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-10
Armrests..................................................... 1-11
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-23Audio system
Compact disc (CD) player ........... 4-30, 4-32
FM-AM radio with cassette player ........ 4-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-26
Autolamp switch......................................... 2-18
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-31
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................... 5-7
B
Battery........................................................ 8-14
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-5
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-14
Brake booster ....................................... 8-22
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-13, 9-2
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-27
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-21
Brake system ........................................ 5-14
Brake warning light ................................. 2-9
Brake wear indicators ........................... 2-12Parking brake check ............................. 8-21
Parking brake operation ......................... 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-21
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-11
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-8
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-27
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-46
Cargo net ................................................... 2-27
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-68
Child restraints ........................................... 1-54
Child safety sliding door lock....................... 3-5
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray .. 2-23Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock................................................. 4-21, 4-27
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-16
Compact disc (CD) player ................ 4-30, 4-32
Controls
Audio controls (rear) ............................. 4-35
Audio controls (steering wheel) ............ 4-34
ZX

Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) ............................................ 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 4-3
Rear seat air conditioner ...................... 4-14
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Cornering light ........................................... 2-19
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-4
Cruise control............................................. 5-10
Cup holders ............................................... 2-25
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-17
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-9
Drive belts .................................................. 8-16
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-16
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-12
Emission control information label............. 9-11
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-9
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-8
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-4
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Starting the engine ................................. 5-5
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Family entertainment system..................... 4-37
Five passenger seating ............................. 1-28
Five passenger seating with cargo room .. 1-29Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-19
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Flexible seating .......................................... 1-12
Floor mat positioning ........................ 1-27, 1-30
Floor mat positioning aid ........................... 1-30
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-12
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-13, 9-2
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-8
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid ...................... 8-13, 9-2
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-12
Fuel filler lid and cap ............................ 3-10
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-10
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-2
Inertia fuel shut-off switch .................... 6-11
Fuses ......................................................... 8-22
10-2
ZX