3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................3-2
Doors ......................................................................3-2
Locking with key ................................................3-2
Locking with inside lock knob............................3-3
Locking with power door lock switch.................3-3
Child safety rear door lock ................................3-4
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped)......3-4
How to use remote keyless system ..................3-4
Battery replacement ..........................................3-7
Hood .......................................................................3-8
Rear door ...............................................................3-9
Tubular roof rack with gear basket ......................3-10Tubular step rail (if so equipped) .........................3-12
Fuel filler lid ..........................................................3-13
Fuel filler cap ...................................................3-13
Steering wheel .....................................................3-14
Tilt operation (if so equipped) .........................3-14
Sun visors.............................................................3-14
Vanity mirror ....................................................3-14
Mirrors ..................................................................3-15
Inside mirror.....................................................3-15
Outside mirrors ................................................3-15
Outside mirror remote control
(if so equipped)................................................3-16
ZX
Put the fuel filler cap in the cap holder while
refueling.TILT OPERATION (if so equipped)
Pull the lock lever down and adjust the
steering wheel up or down to the desired
position.
Push the lock lever up firmly to lock the
steering wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
VANITY MIRROR
A vanity mirror is located on the rear side of
the passenger sunvisor.
WPD0064PD1238MAIC0710
STEERING WHEEL SUN VISORS
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX
INSIDE MIRROR
The night position reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you.
WARNING
Use the night position only when nec-
essary because it reduces rear view
clarity.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
The outside mirror can be moved in any
direction for a better rear view.
AIC0703APD1090APD1096
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
ZX
Foldable outside mirrors
Push the mirror backward to fold it.
OUTSIDE MIRROR REMOTE
CONTROL (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.
WPD0056LPD0065
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as
the engine has started, release the key. It
automatically returns to the ON position.OMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
OCheck fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake and clutch fluid, and win-
dow washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible, at least whenever you refuel.
OCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
OVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
OLock all doors.
OPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
OAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
OFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
OCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See9Warning/Indicator lights and au-
dible reminders9in the9Instruments and
controls9section.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). P (Park) is preferred.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned
to OFF or if the key is removed from
the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the selector lever is in one of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to N (Neutral),
and fully depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3.With your foot off the accelerator
pedal,turn the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts.
If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINESTARTING THE ENGINE
5-8Starting and driving
ZX
4) Connect the tow harness connector
(SAE J1239) to your trailer.
5) Confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation.
6) When towing is completed, disconnect
the tow harness from the trailer and the
vehicle. Store the tow harness in the
glove box. Reinstall the connector cap to
the vehicle harness.
If you need further assistance in wiring
a trailer to your NISSAN, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Always confirm proper vehicle and
trailer stop/turn lamp operation every
time the trailer light circuits are con-
nected for use.
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
OBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer 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 possible causes of either condi-
tion.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
OBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. 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 will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
O
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
OAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
OAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
OAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
OWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
OIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
9-24Technical and consumer information
ZX
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
Hubs
Auto-lock free-running hubs ................. 5-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-6
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .................................................. 2-10
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-21
Interior light and cargo light ....................... 2-33
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-4L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-14
Emission control information label........ 9-14
Engine serial number ........................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-12
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-14
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 1-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ................ 2-10
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-20
Headlights ............................................. 8-32
Interior light and cargo light .................. 2-33
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-32
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-34
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................. 2-10
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Rear door lock ........................................ 3-9
Luggage rack ............................................. 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack) .................... 3-10
Luggage rack (see roof rack with gear
basket) ....................................................... 3-10
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-15M
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) ............... 2-14
Manual windows ........................................ 2-31
Map lights .................................................. 2-34
Meters and gauges .............................. 2-2, 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system) .................................. 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-5
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14
Checking engine oil level ...................... 8-11
Engine oil .............................................. 8-11
10-3
ZX
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-6
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-29
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-27
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-24
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Power windows..................................... 2-30
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-16
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-31
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-18
Steering wheel audio control switch ..... 4-30
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-27
Rear anti-lock brake warning light ............. 2-11
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-9
Rear seat .............................................. 1-3, 1-5
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-20
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ..................................................... 2-19
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-12
Remote keyless entry system ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-27
Roof rack with gear basket........................ 3-10
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-27Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-16
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-23
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Seat belts.............................................. 1-16
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-19
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 1-21
Seat belt warning light ............................... 2-12
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Rear seat......................................... 1-3, 1-5
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ........................ 9-29
Shifting
Manual transmission............................. 5-13
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-21
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-34
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-14
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-25
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-14
10-4
ZX