Page 138 of 321

Black plate (136,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SPA2336
OPENING THE FUEL-FILLER DOORTo open the fuel-filler door, pull the release
handle located below the instrument panel. To
lock, close the fuel-filler door securely.
SPA2610
FUEL-FILLER CAPThe fuel-filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise
*1
to remove. To tighten,
turn the cap clockwise
*2
until ratcheting clicks
are heard.
Put the fuel-filler cap on the cap holder
*A
while refueling.
WARNING
.Gasoline is extremely flammable
and highly explosive under certain
conditions. You could be burned or
seriously injured if it is misused ormishandled. Always stop engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.
.Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle
shuts off automatically. Continued
refueling may cause fuel overflow,
resulting in fuel spray and possibly
a fire.
.Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It
has a built-in safety valve needed
for proper operation of the fuel
system and emission control sys-
tem. An incorrect cap can result in a
serious malfunction and possible
injury. It could also cause the mal-
function indicator light to come on.
.Never pour fuel into the throttle
body to attempt to start your vehi-
cle.
.Do not fill a portable fuel container
in the vehicle or trailer. Static elec-
tricity can cause an explosion of
flammable liquid, vapor or gas in
any vehicle or trailer. To reduce the
risk of serious injury or death when
FUEL-FILLER DOOR3-24
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ProCarManuals.com
Page 221 of 321

Black plate (219,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
TIRE EQUIPMENTSUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy
roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
.A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
.A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
.Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 08C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
.Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheelswill lose even more traction.
.Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
.Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
.Watch 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 steering maneuvers.
.Do not use cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
.Snow 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)Engine block heaters are used to assist in cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 208F( 78C) or lower.
Starting and driving
5-31
ProCarManuals.com
Page 276 of 321

Black plate (274,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
HEADLIGHTSFog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is
not a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.ReplacingHalogen headlight model:
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb.
CAUTION
.Do not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time. Dust, moisture, smoke, etc.
entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance.
.High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
.Only touch the base when handling
the bulb. Never touch the glass
envelope. Touching the glass envel-
ope could significantly affect bulb
life and/or headlight performance..Aiming is not necessary after repla-
cing the bulb. When aiming adjust-
ment is necessary, contact a
NISSAN dealer.
Use the same number and wattage as originally
installed as shown in the chart.
SDI2396
Disconnect the battery negative cable before
replacing bulbs.
1. Remove the connector
*A
and the back
cover
*B.
2. Unlock the retaining spring
*C, and then
remove the bulb.
8-26
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com
Page 295 of 321
Black plate (293,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
ENGINEModel MR18DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder, in-line
Bore6Stroke in (mm) 3.30763.193 (84.0681.1)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 109.65 (1,798)
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
No adjustment is necessary.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
Spark plug Standard FXE20HR-11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation
Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheelType Size Offset in (mm)
Steel 1566J 1.65 (42)
Aluminum 1666J 1.65 (42)
T-type 1564T
1.38 (35)TireType SizePressure PSI
(kPa) [Cold]
ConventionalP195/60R15
87H
33 (230)
P195/55R16
86V
T-typeT125/70D15
60 (420)
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information
9-7
ProCarManuals.com