INSIDE MIRROR
The night position reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
WARNING
Use the night position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.
OUTSIDE MIRROR REMOTE
CONTROL
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror control operates only
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Select the right or left side mirror, then
adjust using the control lever.
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
Heated Mirrors (Canada only)
The electric control type outside mirrors (if
so equipped) can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility.
Press the rear window defogger switch to
activate the heating function. Press the
switch again to deactivate, or the heating
function will automatically turn off after ap-
proximately 15 minutes.APD0612WPD0104
MIRRORS
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX
START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to start
without the use of a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference
caused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring. Restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders'' in the ``Instrument and con-
trols'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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 that 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 ``*'' is found later in this sec-
tion.
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 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 repaired
by a qualified repair facility.Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors, hood and tailgateCheck that the
doors, hood and tailgate operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links as necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing 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 that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. 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.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZX
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 it 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
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 levels*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
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (lo-
cated on the driver's side rear door
pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloadedtrailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local regula-
tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Technical and consumer information
9-17
ZX
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Head restraints ............................................ 1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-37
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-16
Headlights .................................................. 8-36
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Horn ........................................................... 2-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Immobilizer system ..................... 2-11, 3-2, 5-6
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .................................................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-16
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light ................................................ 2-27
Interior trunk lid release ............................. 3-12
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Emission control information label........ 9-12
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
Children) System ....................................... 1-32
License plate
Installing the license plate .................... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-16, 2-9
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-40
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-40
Charge warning light .............................. 2-8
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 8-37
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Headlights ............................................. 8-36
Interior light ........................................... 2-27Light bulbs ............................................ 8-36
Low washer fluid warning light ............... 2-9
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-27
Trunk light ............................................. 2-28
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ................................................ 2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-13
Power door locks .................................... 3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever ................... 3-10
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-3
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-5
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-3
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-10
Manual windows ........................................ 2-25
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system) .................................. 3-5
10-3
ZX
Service manual order form ........................ 9-22
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ....................................... 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-8
Manual transmission............................. 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-23
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-23
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-27
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-16
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-15
Stop light .................................................... 8-40
Storage ...................................................... 2-21
Sunglasses case........................................ 2-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-11
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Turn signal switch................................. 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-3, 8-47
Tire chains ............................................ 8-45
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-43
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-45
Types of tires ........................................ 8-44
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-19
Wheels and tires................................... 8-43
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-11
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle inanother country)......................................... 9-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-28
Turn signal switch ...................................... 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-19
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .. 9-10
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-14
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-11
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-16, 2-9
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16
10-5
ZX
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ................................................ 2-7
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ...... 9-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-43
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-19
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-24
Manual windows ................................... 2-25
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Rear power windows ............................ 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
Wiper blades......................................... 8-28
10-6
ZX