
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 is 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 operates
properly 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
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 level*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.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner housing
5. Battery
6. Fuse and relay box
7. Radiator cap
8. Fuse and relay box
9. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Spark plug wires
12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
13. Engine coolant reservoir
WDI0104
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ZX

WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cCheck the fluid level using the HOT
range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
Ð The engine is warmed up to operating
temperature.
Ð The vehicle is driven at least 15 minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid is
warmed to between 150ÉF and 170ÉF
(66ÉC and 77ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 70ÉF to 95ÉF (21ÉC to 35ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine, then move the shift
selector lever through the range of gears,
ending in P (Park).3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with a lint-free cloth.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick
tube as far as it goes.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid through the dipstick tube.
ADI1085WDI0004
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan
Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska)
or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid. Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM
or equivalent may also be used. Out-
side the continental United States and
Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for
more information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked by looking
at the MAX and MIN lines at fluid tempera-
tures of 32ÉF to 86ÉF (0ÉC to 30ÉC).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add auto-
matic transmission fluid type F up to the
MAX line.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cThe recommended fluid is type F
automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake fluid specification informa-
tion, refer to the ``Technical and Consumer
Information'' section in this manual.
ADI1086ADI1087
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal16-5/8
gal75.7Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 87 AKI (RON 91)(1)
Engine oil (7)
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
cAPI Certification Mark (2) (3)
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIor
API grade SJ, Energy Conserving (2) (3)
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II (2) (3)
Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
Cooling system
With reservoir tank 11-1/4 qt 9-3/8 qt 10.650% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant
or equivalent
50% Demineralized water or Distilled water Reservoir 1-1/8 qt 1 qt 1.1
Automatic transaxle fluid 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4NISSAN matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid.(4)
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level
according to the instructions
in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Type F automatic transmission fluid or
equivalent
Brake fluid
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid(5) or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrig-
erantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)(6)
(1): For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
(2): For further detail, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recomendations.''
(3): For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
(4): DexronTIII/MerconTor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact
a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of
DexronTIII/MerconTAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
(5): Available in mainland U.S.A. through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
(6): For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label''.
(7): For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used since this
will damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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

Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seat positions ............................................ 1-20
Seating arrangements ............................... 1-19
Seats
Five passenger seating ........................ 1-28
Five passenger seating with cargo
room...................................................... 1-29
Flexible seating..................................... 1-12
Heated seats ........................................ 2-20
Integrated child safety seats ................ 1-73
Manual front seat adjustment ................. 1-3
Power support front seat ........................ 1-4
Seat positions ....................................... 1-20
Second row bench seat........................ 1-20
Second row bucket seats ..................... 1-24
Seven passenger seating ..................... 1-27
Sliding three-passenger seat.................. 1-7
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 1-29
Three-passenger bench seat in
storage position .................................... 1-27
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 1-19
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-21
Seven passenger seating .......................... 1-27
Shift lock release ......................................... 5-7
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Sliding three-passenger seat ....................... 1-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-16
Speedometer ............................................... 2-5
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-35
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-37Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Jump starting................................. 6-8, 8-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-5
Steering
Power steering fluid ...................... 8-13, 9-2
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-11
Stop light .................................................... 8-27
Storage
Overhead storage compartment........... 2-24
Under seat storage tray........................ 1-11
Sun shade.................................................. 2-33
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-33
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-37
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 2-18
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight control switch ....................... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 5-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 2-16
Turn signal switch................................. 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15T
Tabletop seats ........................................... 1-18
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 1-50
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 1-29
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 1-27
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-11
Timing belt ................................................... 9-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-35
Tire chains ............................................ 8-33
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-31
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-33
Tool kit .................................................... 6-3
Types of tires ........................................ 8-32
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-19
Wheels and tires ........................... 8-31, 9-9
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-12
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-15
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-14
10-5
ZX