
WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
cDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
cDo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
cPositioning of the heater and air con-
ditioner controls should not be done
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
This dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control dial
This dial allows you to select the air flow
outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
Ð Air flows from defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
The air flow control dial also has intermedi-
ate positions which allow the air flow to be
distributed between two of the icon posi-
tions on the air flow control dial.
Temperature control dial
This dial allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
WHA0038
HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-3
ZX

Air recirculation button
(if so equipped)
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
OFF position (indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlets.
Use the OFF position for normal heater or
air conditioner operation.
ON position (indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the
button to the on position
when:
cdriving on a dusty road.
cto avoid traffic fumes.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air
conditioner.
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to
the desired (one to four) position, and push
the
button to turn on the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light comes on when
the air conditioner is operating. To turn off
the air conditioner, push the
button
again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct hot air mainly
from the foot outlets. A small amount of air
also flows from the defrost outlets.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position for normal heating.
2. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to thedesired position between the middle and
the hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side
and center vents.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.
2. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
4-4Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn on the fan control dial to 4
and the temperature control lever to the
full HOT position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center vents and warmer air from the
floor outlets. When the temperature control
dial is moved to the full hot or full cool
position, the air between the vents and the
floor outlets is the same temperature.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.
2. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
the desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
cWhen the
position is selected the
function automatically cancels.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the wind-
shield. This improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (one to four) position, and push
in the
button to activate the air condi-
tioner. When the air conditioner is on, cool-
ing and dehumidifying functions are added
to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify
the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
For quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-5
ZX

the on position. Be sure to return theto the off position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify
the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows
and dehumidify the air.
1. Move the air flow control dial to the
position.
cWhen the
position is selected thefunction automatically cancels.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.cWhen the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Operating tips
cKeep windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately ten min-
utes at least once a month. This helps
prevent damage to the system due to
lack of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turnthe air conditioner off. See ``If your
vehicle overheats'' in the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and
dial positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting.The air recir-
culation button should always be in the
OFF position for heating and defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

WARNING
cDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
cClosely supervise children when
they are around cars to prevent them
from playing and becoming locked
in the trunk where they could be
seriously injured. Keep the car
locked, with the trunk closed, when
not in use, and prevent children's
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless car-bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
dangerous. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions.
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to off and the
fan control dial to 4 (high) to cir-
culate the air.cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three-way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
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

cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
WARNING
Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials such as dry grass, waste pa-
per or rags. They may ignite and cause
a fire.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the selector lever in the R (Re-
verse) position. When parking on an up-
hill grade, place the selector lever in 1
(First) gear.Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
WARNING
cSafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and
the transmission placed into P (Park)
for automatic transmission models
or in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-17
ZX

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have much less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
c
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
cDo not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
(if so equipped)
An engine block heater to assist extreme
cold temperature starting is available
through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
5-22Starting and driving
ZX