warning NISSAN MAXIMA 1997 A32 / 4.G Owner's Manual

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the selector lever to ªPº
(Park).
IBe sure the ignition key is ªOFFº or
ªLOCKº when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the ªOFFº
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
IThe fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil
and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section gives
instructions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
is below the Min. line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the Max. line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NIS-
SAN dealer.
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. The use of im-
proper fluids can damage the brake sys-
tem and affect the vehicle's stoppingability.
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash with water.
Type A
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio.
SDI0119SDI0189
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

may result in serious personal injury. If
it is necessary to repair the T-type spare
tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in ªWheels and tiresº in the
ªTechnical informationº section.
IThe use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheelswhich have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without
warning.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
Care of wheels
IWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (T-type spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your ve-
hicle could be damaged or involved in an
accident.
IThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
IDrive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge peri-
odically when at a service station, including the
spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if
necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesMake
sure that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck that it has the specified
play. Be sure to check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive play,
hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to make
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and
retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and
are installed securely. Check the belt webbing
for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only
the parking brake is applied.
Automatic transaxle ªParkº mechanismCheck that the brake pedal must be depressed
for the selector lever to be moved from the ªPº
position. On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in the ªPº position without applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, dete-
rioration or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between
the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level on thedipstick after parking the vehicle on a level
spot and turning off the engine. Be sure to wait
a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back into
the sump.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transaxle fluid level*Check the
level on the dipstick after putting the selector
lever in ªPº with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. (See the carbon monox-
ide warning in the ªStarting and drivingº sec-
tion)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. See the ªAppearance and interior
careº section for additional information.
8-4
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag system (See ªSupplemental restraint
systemº) .......................................................... 2-17
Air bag warning light (See ªSupplemental air bag
warning lightº) ................................................. 2-22
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 3-5
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-12
Automatic air conditioner (If so equipped) .. 3-9
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................. 9-6
Air flow chart ..................................................... 3-6
Antenna........................................................... 3-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so equipped) .. 4-
18
Audio main operation ...................................... 3-23
Automatic
Automatic air conditioner (If so equipped) .. 3-9
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 7-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-3
B
Battery............................................................. 7-13
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 4-6Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so
equipped)................................................... 4-18
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-12
Brake booster ............................................ 7-21
Brake pedal ............................................... 7-20
Brake system............................................. 4-17
Brake wear indicators ........................ 1-9, 7-20
Parking brake ................................... 4-12, 7-19
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-15
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Cargo (See ªVehicle loading
information) ..................................................... 9-13
Cassette tape player operation....................... 3-25
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-29
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level .......................... 7-5
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-7
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
31
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clearing the programming information ........... 1-26Clock ............................................................... 1-22
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-21
Cold weather driving ....................................... 4-19
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-26
Controls............................................................. 3-3
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Corrosion protection ......................................... 6-5
Cruise control.................................................. 4-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 1-19
D
Defogger switch
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-13
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-9
Door lock operation .......................................... 2-6
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ...................................... 2-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 4-19
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-15
Emission control information label .................. 9-11
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-19
Engine ............................................................... 9-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-5
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 4-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 7-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-12
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-12
FM/AM radio with cassette player .................. 3-12
FM-AM radio with cassette player .................. 3-16FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player ........................................ 3-22
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-11
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-39
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) ............ 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-23
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-21
Fusible links .................................................... 7-23
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........................ 1-16
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-14
Headlights ....................................................... 7-23
Heated seats (If so equipped) ........................ 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle is ever stolen ........................... 1-26
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Injured persons ............................................... 2-26
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-40
Installing license plate .................................... 9-12
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-15
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped).......................................... 1-24
Interior light ..................................................... 1-22
J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-7, 7-14
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-12
Light
Front fog light switch (If so
equipped)................................................... 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-23
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-14
Headlights.................................................. 7-23
Interior light................................................ 1-22
10-2
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Light bulbs ................................................. 7-23
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-22
Trunk light.................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-23
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Lock
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so
equipped)................................................... 4-18
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
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
Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Trunk lid lock ............................................... 2-9
Luggage (ªSee Vehicle loading informationº) . 9-13
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 7-2
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (For U.S.A.) ........................................ 9-19
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-31
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Foldable outside mirrors............................ 2-39
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-40
Outside mirror remote control ................... 2-39Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-13
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-23
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ... 2-5
O
Odometer .......................................................... 1-4
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
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
Operating the transmitter ................................ 1-25
Outside mirror remote control ......................... 2-39
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-9
P
Panic alarm operation ....................................... 2-6
Parking
Parking brake ................................... 4-12, 7-19
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 4-16
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Pocket ............................................................. 1-18
Power
Power antenna .......................................... 3-29
Power door lock .......................................... 2-4Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-17
Power support seat (If so equipped)......... 2-14
Power window ........................................... 1-19
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ............................ 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-24
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Pregnant women............................................. 2-26
Programming problem diagnosis .................... 1-25
Programming the HomeLink
transmitter .................................................. 1-24Push starting ..................................................... 5-9
R
Radio............................................................... 3-11
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-29
FM/AM radio with cassette player............. 3-12
FM-AM radio with cassette
player ......................................................... 3-16
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player .................................. 3-22
Radio operation ......................................... 3-23
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(For U.S.A.)..................................................... 9-19
Rear seat ........................................................ 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 1-13
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-6
Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-6
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-19
Rolling codes (If so equipped) ........................ 1-26
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-19
Seat adjustment .............................................. 2-12
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor .................... 2-29
3-point type seat belt with ......................... 2-26
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-24
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-30
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-31
Seat belts .................................................. 2-24
Seats ............................................................... 2-12
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-15
Speedometer .................................................... 1-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Jump starting ..................................... 5-7, 7-14
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 4-6
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-38
Sunroof (If so equipped) ................................. 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light ................ 2-22
Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental air
bag system) .................................................... 2-17
Switch
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) ...... 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-14Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-13
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-12
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 1-4
Theft warning (If so equipped)........................ 1-10
Three way catalyst ............................................ 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 2-38
Timing chain ..................................................... 9-8
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 5-2
Tire chains ................................................. 7-31
Tire placard ............................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ............................................. 7-30
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-18
Wheels and tires ................................ 7-30, 9-9
Tow truck towing ............................................. 5-10
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 5-10
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-15
Trailer towing ............................................. 9-14
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 7-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-10
Trip odometer ................................................... 1-4
Trunk lid lock .................................................... 2-9
Trunk lid opener operation ............................... 2-6
Trunk light ....................................................... 1-23U
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-18
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 1-23
Vehicle identification ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ..................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate ........... 9-10
Vehicle loading information............................. 9-13
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck
vehicle)............................................................ 5-12
Ventilator ........................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-16
Supplemental air bag warning labels ........ 2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-22
Theft warning (If so equipped) .................. 1-10
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Wheels and tires ..................................... 7-30, 9-9
Window washer fluid ....................................... 7-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 1-12
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-12
Wiper blades ............................................. 7-18
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX