
following steps to correctly reset the switch:
1. Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push down
the red reset button on the inertia fuel
shut-off switch.
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few sec-
onds, then turn it OFF.
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again. If no fuel is detected,
try to start your vehicle again.
WARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. You
could injure yourself or others. Have all
the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
authorized NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are generally familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing.
To assure proper towing and to prevent
accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN
recommends having a service operator tow
your vehicle. It is advisable to have the
service operator carefully read the following
precautions.WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12In case of emergency
ZX

CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the front 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
rear wheels raised always use tow-
ing dollies under the front wheels.
cWhen towing with the front wheels
on towing dollies:
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 steering
lock mechanism.
cMove the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.cWhen towing with the rear wheels on
the ground (if you do not use towing
dollies): Always release the parking
brake.
cNever use a tow bar that attaches to
the bumper when you tow your ve-
hicle. It may damage the bumper and
cause damage to the transmission.
cDo not tow with a sling type truck,
either from the front or rear. It may
cause body damage.
cNever utilize the rear tie down brack-
ets or slots to tow another vehicle as
this may cause body damage.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must only be at-
tached to the main structual 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 pullthe 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.
6-14In case of emergency
ZX

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-7
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-9
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-12
Power steering fluid..............................................8-13
Brake fluid ............................................................8-13
Window washer fluid ............................................8-14
Battery ..................................................................8-14
Jump starting ...................................................8-15
Drive belts ............................................................8-16
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-16Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-19
Cleaning ..........................................................8-19
Replacing .........................................................8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-21
Checking parking brake...................................8-21
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-21
Brake booster ..................................................8-22
Fuses ....................................................................8-22
Engine compartment .......................................8-22
Passenger compartment .................................8-23
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-24
Lights ....................................................................8-25
Headlights ........................................................8-25
Fog lights .........................................................8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-27
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-31
Tire pressure ...................................................8-31
Types of tires ...................................................8-32
Tire chains .......................................................8-33
Changing tires and wheels ..............................8-33
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 repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the ``Mainte-
nance precautions'' later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' can be found later in
this section.
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 long
distance 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 a wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ``Important Tire Safety Informa-
tion'' in the Warranty Information Booklet
(US) or ``Tire Safety Information'' in the
Warranty and Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation booklet (Canada).
WindshieldClean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repairedby a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodCheck that all doors and
the hood operate properly. Also ensure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure the secondary latch keeps the hood
from opening 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 the headlights, stop lights,
tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all operating properly and installed se-
curely. Also check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZX

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

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