light NISSAN MAXIMA 1996 A32 / 4.G Repair Manual

threads behind the finisher, apply only light
pressure to the drill.
2. Mount the license plate bracket.
3. Mount the license plate with the 0.24 in (6
mm) bolts. The bolts used to fasten the
license plate to the bracket are not included
in the attaching hardware that comes with
the bracket.
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.
Terms
It is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
ICurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and
optional equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does notinclude passengers and cargo.
IGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified
for the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle.
Determining vehicle load capacity
The load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator,
or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
9-12
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IRegularly check that all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid.)
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. When wiring the ve-
hicle for towing, connect the stop and tail light
pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit at a
point between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
IBe 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 pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways 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 parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift lever into
the ªPº position. If you move the shift lever
to the ªPº position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
9-15
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag warning light ....................................... 2-21
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 3-5
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-11
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Air flow chart ..................................................... 3-6
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) .................... 3-16
Antenna........................................................... 3-22
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-17
Automatic
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-3
B
Battery............................................................. 7-12
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 4-6
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-20Brake pedal ............................................... 7-19
Brake wear indicators ........................ 1-8, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-13
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Caution and warning labels ............................ 2-21
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-23
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine coolant level .......................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-6
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
29
Child safety ..................................................... 2-23
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clock ............................................................... 1-21
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving cautions ........................ 4-18
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-21
Controls............................................................. 3-3
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Cornering light ................................................ 1-14
Corrosion protection ......................................... 6-5
Cruise control.................................................. 4-12
Cup and card holders ..................................... 1-18
DDefogger switch
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-8
Door lock operation .......................................... 2-6
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ...................................... 2-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-13
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-18
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ............... 4-9
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-14
Emission control information label .................. 9-10
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-18
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Engine ............................................................... 9-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-10
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-10
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-36
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-22
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
Fusible links .................................................... 7-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-3
Glove box lock .................................................. 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-15
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-13
Headlights ....................................................... 7-22
Heated seat .................................................... 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4
Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-36
Installing license plate .................................... 9-11
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-14
Interior light ..................................................... 1-21J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-6, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ash trays .................. 1-17
Cornering light ........................................... 1-14
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Headlights.................................................. 7-22
Interior light................................................ 1-21
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-22
Trunk light.................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Clock.......................................................... 1-21
Door lock operation ..................................... 2-6
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ................................. 2-6
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock............................................. 2-8
10-2
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Trunk lid lock ............................................... 2-9
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Foldable outside mirrors............................ 2-36
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-36
Outside mirror remote control ................... 2-36
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Multi-remote control system.............................. 2-5
O
Odometer .......................................................... 1-4
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Opener cancel lever for trunk lid .................... 2-10
Opening the driver's and front passenger's
window .............................................................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control ......................... 2-36Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-8
P
Panic alarm operation ....................................... 2-6
Parking
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 4-15
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Pocket ............................................................. 1-17
Power
Power antenna .......................................... 3-22
Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Power window ........................................... 1-19
Precautions ....................................................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ..................................................... 5-8
R
Radio............................................................... 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ............ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) ............... 3-16
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-23
Radio operation ......................................... 3-17
Rear seat ........................................................ 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 1-12
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-5Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-6
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety................................................ 2-23
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-18
Seat belt
2-point type without ................................... 2-27
3-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 2-25
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-28
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Seat belts .................................................. 2-23
Seats ............................................................... 2-12
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-14
Speedometer .................................................... 1-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Jump starting ..................................... 5-6, 7-13
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-8
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-35
Sunroof ........................................................... 1-20
Supplemental restraint system (Air bag
system) ........................................................... 2-17
Switch
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
10-3
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-11
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 1-4
Theft warning .................................................... 1-9
Three way catalyst ............................................ 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 2-35
Timing chain ..................................................... 9-7
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 5-2
Tire chains ................................................. 7-30
Tire placard ............................................... 9-11
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-15
Wheels and tires ................................ 7-29, 9-8
Tow truck towing ............................................... 5-9
Towing
Tow truck towing ......................................... 5-9
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-14
Trailer towing ............................................. 9-13
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-13
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ............... 4-9
Trip odometer ................................................... 1-4
Trunk lid lock .................................................... 2-9
Trunk lid opener operation ............................... 2-6
Trunk light ....................................................... 1-23U
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-17
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 1-22
Vehicle identification ......................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ....................................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification number plate ............. 9-9
Vehicle loading information............................. 9-12
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck
vehicle)............................................................ 5-10
Ventilator ........................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Caution and warning labels....................... 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
Theft warning............................................... 1-9
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Wheels and tires ..................................... 7-29, 9-8
Window washer fluid ....................................... 7-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 1-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-11
Wiper blades ............................................. 7-17
10-4
Z01.2.1/A32-DX