NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

ForewordWelcome 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 under-
stand 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 Mainte-
nance 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.
READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable
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 condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and ap-
propriate child restraint systems.
Preteen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
IAlways provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR
VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
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 at any time without
notice.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS MANUALYou 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 meansDo not do
thisorDo not let this happen.
1997 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 trans-
mitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, me-
chanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
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Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come 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 somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern 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
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities andtransportation services to the supply of lubri-
cants, 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 tech-
nician 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 seat 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.
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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 cannot assist you with or you
would like to provide NISSAN directly with
comments or questions, please contact our
(NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department us-
ing 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
1-800-387-0122The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone
number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dash-
board)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questions
ORYou 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.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
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Table of
Contents
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careDo-it-yourselfMaintenanceTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systemsSeats ......................................................................... 1-2
Supplemental restraint system .................................. 1-7
Seat belts ................................................................ 1-17
Child restraints ........................................................ 1-25
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IDo not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident
you could be thrown into it and re-
ceive neck or other serious injuries.
You could also slide under the lap
belt and receive serious internal
injuries.
IFor most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat
should be upright. Always sit well
back in the seat and adjust the seat
belt properly. See ªPrecautions on
seat belt usageº later in this section.
FRONT MANUAL SEAT
ADJUSTMENTIDo not adjust the driver's seat while
driving. The seat may move suddenly
and could cause loss of control of the
vehicle.
IAfter adjustment, gently rock in the
seat to make sure it is securely
locked.
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SEATS1-2
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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Forward and backwardPull the lever up while you slide the seat
forward or backward to the desired position.
Release the lever to lock the seat in position.
RecliningTo recline the seatback, pull the lever up and
lean back. To bring the seatback forward
again, pull the lever and move your body
forward. The seatback moves forward.
Seat lifter (Driver's seat)Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height
of the seat cushion to the desired position.
SPA0097
SPA0099
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-3
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