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
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
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
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
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