
Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine
engines, boats and other diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN's commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some of
the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle stylingdesign at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San
Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Technical Center North America in Farmington
Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs
nearly 18,000 people throughout the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional
71,000 people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from the operation of port facilities and
transportation services, to the supply of lubri-
cants, parts and accessories.NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
ZX 

2 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................2-4
Speedometer and odometer .............................2-5
Tachometer........................................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...................2-6
Fuel gauge ........................................................2-6
Message center (if so equipped) ...........................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders................................................................2-8
Checking bulbs ..................................................2-8
Warning lights ....................................................2-8
Indicator lights .................................................2-10
Audible reminders............................................2-12
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) .............2-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-15
Rear window wiper and washer switches ............2-16
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-16
Headlight control switch ..................................2-16
Autolamp switch (if so equipped) ....................2-18
Turn signal switch............................................2-19
Cornering light .................................................2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-19Horn ......................................................................2-20
Heated seats (if so equipped) ..............................2-20
Rear power socket ...............................................2-22
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) ............2-23
Storage .................................................................2-24
Map pockets ....................................................2-24
Conversation mirror .........................................2-24
Cup holders .....................................................2-25
Glove box ........................................................2-26
Cargo net .........................................................2-27
Parcel shelf (if so equipped) ...........................2-28
Luggage rack ...................................................2-30
Windows ...............................................................2-30
Power windows................................................2-30
Power vent windows (if so equipped) .............2-32
Manual vent windows ......................................2-32
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................2-33
Interior lights .........................................................2-34
Luggage ...........................................................2-34
Personal reading light ..........................................2-34
Map lights .............................................................2-35
Illuminated entry system ......................................2-35
ZX 

1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Reset button for trip odometer
6. Odometer/trip odometer
7. Message center
8. Message center button
WIC0149
METERS AND GAUGES
2-4Instruments and controls
ZX 

ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
This gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature. The engine coolant tempera-
ture varies with the outside air temperature
and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature above the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle mayseriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for
immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
This gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position even when the ignition
key is turned OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when
the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
WIC0080WIC0081
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX 

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 

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