parking brake NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G User Guide

Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials such as dry grass, waste pa-
per or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual transmission models:Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear)
position.
ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual trans-
mission models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-expectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS5-16
Starting and driving
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CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse) position (automatic
transmission in P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.IMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re-
verse), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).INever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
INever change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is
jacked up.Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and could cause personal
injury.
MCE0001
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency
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Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever tothe N (Neutral) position (On automatic
transmission models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated.
IAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. Ð not to the battery).
IMake sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let
it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in
the normal manner.Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
SCE0154A
6-8
In case of emergency
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7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
IAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
IThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
INever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum hot
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
6-9
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IAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSANNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
IAlways release the parking brake
when towing with the rear wheels on
the ground.
IWhen towing manual transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground (If you do not use a towing
dolly):
Turn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never place
the ignition key in the LOCK position.
This will result in damage to the
steering lock mechanism.
Move the gearshift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
SCE0202
In case of emergency
6-11
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-8
Automatic transaxle fluid ......................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-13
Battery ..................................................................... 8-14
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-18
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-20
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-21
Fuses....................................................................... 8-21
Lights ....................................................................... 8-24
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-31
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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
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement 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 OFF
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.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work 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.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer becausethe 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 ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by warranty.
SDI0115
SDI0534
ENGINE OIL8-8
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the oil filler cap.6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in ªEngine
oilº for changing engine oil filter.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N×m)
Do not use excessive force.
8. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for refill ca-
pacity.9. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11.Dispose of waste oil in the proper manner.
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
SDI0139
Do-it-yourself
8-9
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(Depending on the engine model, a special
cap typewrench may be required. See
your NISSAN dealer if in doubt.) Remove
the oil filter by turning it by hand.
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten additionally more than
2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
10.85 to 15.19 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.6 N×m)
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry and clothing away from any
moving parts such as cooling fan and
drive belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
SDI0140
SDI0748
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
8-10
Do-it-yourself
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