fuel NISSAN MAXIMA 1997 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

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

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
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

(ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
it will make a high pitched scraping sound
when the vehicle is in motion whether or not
the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
orMalfunction
indicator light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The Malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator light on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.IMalfunction indicator light blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
* do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72
km/h).
* avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
* avoid steep uphill grades.
* if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system, which may
affect your warranty coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunctionindicator light to come on steady or blink.
Examples are as follows:
Ivehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
Ifuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the vehicle
to an authorized NISSAN dealer and have the
vehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary di-
agnosis during the service by informing the
dealer of the conditions listed above that may
have occurred.
1-9
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

2 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key ............................................................................ 2-2
Door locks ................................................................. 2-2
Multi-remote control system (If so equipped) ........... 2-5
Hood release ............................................................. 2-8
Glove box lock .......................................................... 2-8
Trunk lid lock ............................................................. 2-9
Fuel filler lid lock ..................................................... 2-10
Seats ....................................................................... 2-12
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) ............................... 2-17
Supplemental air bag warning labels ...................... 2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light......................... 2-22
Seat belts ................................................................ 2-24
Child restraints for infants and small children......... 2-31
Tilting steering wheel .............................................. 2-38
Outside mirror remote control ................................. 2-39
Foldable outside mirrors.......................................... 2-39
Inside mirror ............................................................ 2-40
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

OPENER CANCEL LEVER FOR
TRUNK LID
When the lever is in the ªCANCELº position,
the trunk lid cannot be opened with the trunk
lid release lever or handle. It can be opened
only with the key.
Opener lever
Type A
To open the fuel filler lid, pull the opener lever.
To lock, close the fuel filler lid securely.
Type B
To open the fuel filler lid, push the opener lever
down. To lock, close the fuel filler lid securely.
FUEL FILLER CAP
The fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratcheting
clicks are heard.
IGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames or
SPA0095SPA0096SPA0119
FUEL FILLER LID LOCK
2-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

sparks near the vehicle when refuel-
ing.
IFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn and wait for any
ªhissingº sound to stop, to prevent
fuel from spraying out and possible
personal injury. Then remove the cap.
IUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper opera-
tion of the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap can
result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury.
If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
If the fuel filler cap is not tightened prop-
erly, the malfunction indicator light (MIL)
may come on.Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
SPA0120
2-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

When installing a CB, ham radio or a car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe the
following cautions, otherwise the new equip-
ment may adversely affect the MFI (Multiport
Fuel Injection) system and other electronic
parts.
IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule.
IAlso keep the antenna wire more than
8 in (20 cm) away from the MFI har-
ness. Do not route the antenna wire
next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-
tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
IConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
IFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
3-29
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the converter, caus-
ing it to overheat. Do not keep driving
if the engine misfires, or if noticeable
loss of performance or other unusual
operating conditions are detected.
Have the vehicle inspected promptlyby an authorized NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden steer-
ing maneuvers, because these driving prac-
tices could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss of con-
trol could result in a collision with other
vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle to
rollover, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways.Be
attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as
outlined in the ªSeat Beltsº section of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers to
do so.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
4-3
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

feel uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd and
overdrive repeatedly. In this case, set
the overdrive switch in the ªOFF
º
position. The indicator light will come
on at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch in the ªON
º position.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the ªOFF
º position. This
reduces the fuel economy.
Fail-safe
When the Fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ªONº position, the
O/D OFF light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the
automatic transmission will be locked in third
gear.If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the Fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
ªOFFº and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn
the key back to the ªONº position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have your NIS-
SAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the shift lever. After shifting,
release the clutch slowly.
On the 5-speed transmission model, you can-
not shift directly from 5th gear into Reverse.
First shift into Neutral, then into Reverse.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
Reverse or 1st, shift into Neutral, then release
the clutch pedal and shift into Reverse or 1st
again.
SSD0002
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
4-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of con-
trol.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into reverse.
IWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,
shift to Neutral and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.
Suggested shift-up speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle speedsfor shifting into a higher gear. These sugges-
tions relate to fuel economy and vehicle per-
formance. Actual shift-up speeds will vary ac-
cording to road conditions, the weather and
individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeACCEL shift
point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE shift
point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 13 (24) 13 (24)
2nd to 3rd 23 (40) 16 (29)
3rd to 4th 33 (58) 27 (48)
4th to 5th 39 (64) 36 (63)
For quick acceleration when the engine is cold
or in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road
driving, use the highest gear suggested for
that speed. Always observe posted speed
limits, and drive according to the road condi-
tions, which will ensure safe operation. Do not
overrev the engine when shifting to a lower
gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of
vehicle control.
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (50)
2nd 55 (90)
3rd 80 (130)
4th Ð
5th Ð
4-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX