NISSAN MAXIMA 1997 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques
and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of driving
pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle maintenance
schedules.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the extensive
resources available to him.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a
safe and complete trip for you and your passengers!
INEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
IALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
IALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child
restraint systems.
IALWAYS provide information about the proper use of
vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
IALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating instruc-
tions for all systems, features and optional equipment that might
appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destination in
North America, including the continental United States, Canada
and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find information in this
manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and may even violate govern-
mental regulations. In addition, damage or performance prob-
lems resulting from modification may not be covered under
NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those
in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the
following ways:
This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could
cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce
the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.
This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could
cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to
your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures
must be followed carefully.
If you see this symbol, it means ªDo not do thisº or ªDo not let this
happenº.
1996 NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
TOKYO, JAPAN
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced or
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
SIC0697
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries 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 textile machinery,
fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 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 Nis-
san dealers with materials and services ranging
from operation of port facilities and transportation
services, to the supply of lubricants, 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 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.
AFW0001
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your
vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all
your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer
can not assist you with or you would like to provide
NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please
contact our (NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department
using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland customers
1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808)836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canada customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information:
ÐYour name, address, and telephone number
ÐVehicle identification number (on dashboard)
ÐDate of purchase
ÐCurrent odometer reading
ÐYour NISSAN dealer's name
ÐYour comments or questionsYou can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
P.O. Box 1709, Station ªBº
Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4H6
OR
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
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1 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................... 1-3
Warning/indicator light and buzzer............................ 1-6
Theft warning (If so equipped) ................................ 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 1-12
Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch ....................................................... 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 1-14
Instrument brightness control .................................. 1-15
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) .................... 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 1-16
Heated seats (If so equipped)................................. 1-16Cigarette lighter and ash trays ................................ 1-17
Pocket ..................................................................... 1-18
Cup holder............................................................... 1-19
Power window ......................................................... 1-19
Sunroof (If so equipped) ......................................... 1-21
Clock ....................................................................... 1-22
Interior light ............................................................. 1-22
Front personal light ................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light .................................................... 1-23
Trunk light ............................................................... 1-23
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped) ....................................................... 1-24
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Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.1-12)
Instrument brightness control switch (P.1-15)
Meters/gauges (P.1-3)
Theft warning light (P.1-10)
Cruise control main switch (P.4-13)
Headlight, fog light and turn signal
switch (P.1-14)
Hood release handle (P.2-8)
Outside mirror remote control (P.2-39)
Fuse box cover (P.7-22)
Tilting steering wheel lock lever (P.2-38)
Driver supplemental air bag (P.2-17)
Ignition switch/steering lock (P.4-4)
Cruise control set switch (P.4-13)
Cigarette lighter (accessory) (P.1-17)Hazard warning flasher switch (P.1-16)
Ventilator (P.3-2)
Heater/air conditioner control (P.3-3)
Clock (P.1-22)
Radio/cassette player (P.3-11)/CD player (P.3-26)
Rear window and outside mirror defogger switch (P.1-13)
Passenger supplemental air bag (P.2-17)
Glove box (P.2-8)
Ash tray
(P.1-17)
Heated seat switch (P.1-16)
SIC0692
See the page indicated in parentheses for operating details.
1-2
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SIC0711
METERS AND GAUGES
1-3
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SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
ODOMETER
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
TRIP ODOMETER
The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the RESET but-
ton.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the coolant temperature.
The coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
SIC0171SIC0172SIC0173
1-4
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If the gauge indicates over the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible. If the engine is overheated,
continued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See ªIn
case of emergencyº section for immedi-
ate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE fuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to remain in
approximately the same position, even when
the ignition key is turned ªOFFº.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters Empty.The indicator light comes on when the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the gauge
reaches ªEº. There should be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches ªEº.
SIC0174
1-5
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