
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (empty).
CAUTION
cIf the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)''
later in this section.
The message center only works with the
ignition in the ON position.
The message center displays the following
information:
cOutside air temperature
cAverage fuel economy
cDistance to empty
You can select the different features by
pushing the message center reset button.
Outside air temperature
Press the message center reset button until
the outside air temperature is displayed.
The outside air temperature sensor is
located in front of the radiator. The sen-
sor may be affected by road or engine
heat, wind direction and other driving
conditions. The display may differ from
the actual outside temperature or the
temperature displayed on various signs
or billboards.
Average fuel economy
Press the message center reset button until
fuel economy is displayed. Fuel economy is
displayed in liters/100 km or miles/gallon.
Your vehicle must be moving to calculate
fuel economy. Fuel economy is averaged
from the last reset. To reset, hold down the
reset button momentarily.
Distance to empty
This will display how many kilometers or
miles you can drive until you run out of fuel.
To ensure accuracy, turn the ignition off
when you fill the fuel tank.
WIC0083
MESSAGE CENTER (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsCharge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
Brake warning lightLow fuel warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
High beam indicator lightLow washer fluid warning lightAnti-lock brake warning light
Seat belt WARNING light and chimeCRUISE main switch indicator lightSupplemental air bag warning light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise SET switch indicator lightDoor open warning light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten seat belts, and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on and
stay on until the engine is started:
,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
,,
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, stop
the 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 of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine
as soon as it is safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system
is not functioning properly. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
mains on, see an authorized NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds for approximately 6 seconds and
the light illuminates.Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual for precautions on
seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the Air Bag Supple-
mental Restraint System is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag and pre-tensioner
seat belt systems need servicing and your
vehicle should be taken to an authorized
NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the air bag supple-
mental restraint system and/or pre-tensioner
seat belts may not function properly. Foradditional details, see ``Supplemental re-
straint system'' in the ``Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag will not operate in
an accident.
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 of this manual.
Brake 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
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour 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 care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or 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.
Anti-lock brake warning light
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.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function turns off, but the brakes
continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, 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).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation (4th gear).
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for
two seconds each time the ignition key is
turned ON. This shows the light is function-
ing properly.
If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have an authorized NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair it if
necessary.
The automatic transmission is equipped
with an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This sys-
tem allows the vehicle to be driven even in
the event of damage to the electrical cir-
cuits. If this occurs, the transmission may
default to third gear in drive range.
NOTE: See ``Fail-safe'' in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual before visit-
ing an authorized NISSAN dealer.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again.
While the cruise main switch indicator light
comes on, the cruise control system is
operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it mayindicate the cruise control system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. Ifthe fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
lamp should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
lamp does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b)
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled or towed.
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.
Instruments and controls
2-11
ZX

Push and hold the rear washer switch to
operate the rear washer. The wiper cycles
continuously until the switch is released.
Push the rear wiper switch to operate the
wiper. The wiper cycles intermittently. Push
again to cancel.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.To defog the rear window glass, start the
engine and push the switch on. The indica-
tor light on the switch comes on. Push the
switch again to turn the defogger off.
The rear window defogger switch is also
used to defrost, defog, or de-ice the power
outside heated mirrors (if so equipped).
It automatically turns off in approximately 15
minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window defogger.
HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH
Lighting
Turn the dial to theposition:
The front parking, side marker, tail, license
plate and instrument lights come on.
Turn the dial to the
position:
Headlights come on and all of the previously
listed lights remain on.
To select the high beam, push the turn signal
lever away from you. The lever latches in
place. Pull it back to select the low beam.
AIC1056AIC1057AIC1073
REAR WINDOW WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCHESREAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
SWITCHHEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
2-16Instruments and controls
ZX

To turn the interior lights on push the head-
light switch. The interior lights come on.
Push the headlight switch again to turn the
interior lights off.
Instrument brightness control
The instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in theorposition, or when the autolamp system
is operating.
Pressing the
side of the switch bright-
ens the instrument panel lights; pressing the
side of the switch dims the instrument
panel lights.
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you turns the head-
light high beam on. Release it and the
headlight high beam goes off.
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch to
theposition for full illumination when
driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
do not illuminate. The daytime running lights
illuminate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned OFF.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
AIC1059
Instruments and controls2-17
ZX

CAUTION
Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
cDo not put anything on the seat
which insulates heat, such as a blan-
ket, cushion, seat cover, etc. Other-
wise, the seat may become over-
heated.
cDo not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.
cAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.
cWhen cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, thinner, or any similar ma-
terials.
cIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn
the switch off and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.cThe battery could run down if the
seat heater is operated while the
engine is not running.
Instruments and controls
2-21
ZX