NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:
IEmission Defects Warranty
IEmissions Performance Warranty
For Canada:
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation and Maintenance Log Booklet that
comes with your NISSAN. If you did not re-
ceive a Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet, or it has become lost, you
may obtain a replacement by writing to:
INissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena. CA. 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario,
L4W 4Z5
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA)
in addition to notifying
NISSAN.
If
NHTSA
receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA
cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or NISSAN.
To contactNHTSA
, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Wash-
ington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA
,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting
our Consumer Affairs Department, toll-
free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ready condition can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a not ready condition. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
(US only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)10-18
Technical and consumer information
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01.1.31/A32-D
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2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 7 is completed.
Technical and consumer information
10-19
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A Genuine Nissan Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for
your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illus-
trations and step-by-step diagnostic and ad-
justment procedures, this manual is the same
one used by the factory trained technicians
working at your Nissan dealership. Also avail-
able are Genuine NISSAN Owner's Manuals.
For current pricing and availability of a Genu-
ine NISSAN Service Manual or Genuine
NISSAN Owner's Manual, contact:In the U.S.A.:
See your NISSAN dealer or contact:
Dyment Distribution Services
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
In a hurry? Call 1-800-247-5321 and charge
your purchase to Visa/Master Card.
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please
contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the
phone number and location of a NISSAN
Dealer in your area call the Nissan Satis-
faction Center at 1-800-387-0122 and abilingual NISSAN representative will assist
you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner's Manuals for older Nissan models.10-20
Technical and consumer information
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01.1.31/A32-D
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11 Index
A
ABS ................................................................. 5-18
Adjusting the time ........................................... 2-25
Adjustment
Front manual seat ....................................... 1-2
Front power seat ......................................... 1-4
Head restraint .............................................. 1-5
Shoulder belt ............................................. 1-22
Air bag
System....................................................... 1-12
System, Side ............................................. 1-13
Warning label ............................................ 1-15
Warning light ...................................... 1-15, 2-8
Air cleaner....................................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Automatic..................................................... 4-9
Manual ......................................................... 4-3
Operation, Manual ....................................... 4-5
Servicing .................................................... 4-12
Specification label ................................... 10-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-6
Aluminum alloy wheels, Cleaning ..................... 7-4
Anchor point location, Top strap..................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-25
Anti-freeze, Cold weather ............................... 5-19
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-18Appearance care
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-6
Ashtray ............................................................ 2-19
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Operation, Air conditioner ......................... 4-10
Sunroof, Operation .................................... 2-24
Transaxle fluid ........................................... 8-10
Transmission, Driving .................................. 5-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
Maintenance .............................................. 8-14
Replacement, Multi-remote control ............. 3-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-6
Belt
Drive .......................................................... 8-15
Extender, Seat........................................... 1-25
Height adjustment, Shoulder ..................... 1-22
Maintenance, Seat .................................... 1-25
Seat ........................................................... 1-17
Brake
Booster ...................................................... 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12Parking ...................................................... 5-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-20
System....................................................... 5-17
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-14
Bulb
Checking...................................................... 2-7
Indicator ....................................................... 2-9
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Warning light ............................................... 2-7
Buzzer ............................................................. 2-11
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricant .. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Carbon monoxide, Exhaust gas ....................... 5-2
Cassette tape player operation....................... 4-15
Cassette tape player operation, with compact disc
(CD) player type ............................................. 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-2
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-25
Ceiling light ..................................................... 2-25
Certification label, F.M.V.S.S. ....................... 10-10
Chain, Tire ...................................................... 8-33
Changing
A flat tire ...................................................... 6-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-6
Engine oil..................................................... 8-9
Engine oil filter........................................... 8-10
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Tire and wheel........................................... 8-33
Checking
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Bulb ............................................................. 2-7
Engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Engine oil level ............................................ 8-8
Parking brake ............................................ 8-20
Seat belt operation, Three-point ............... 1-21
Child restraint.................................................. 1-25
Installation on front seat ............................ 1-35
Installation on rear seat center ................. 1-27
Installation on rear seat outboard ............. 1-30
Precaution ................................................. 1-25
Top strap ................................................... 1-34
Child safety
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-4
Seat belt .................................................... 1-18
Chrome parts, Cleaning .................................... 7-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-19
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaner, Air ..................................................... 8-18
Cleaning
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Adjusting .................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-19
Compact disc (CD)
Player operation ........................................ 4-23
Player operation, with cassette player
type ............................................................ 4-23Console box .................................................... 2-22
Controls, Heater and manual air conditioner.... 4-3
Cooling system, Engine .................................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-12
Operation ................................................... 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-21
D
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror............................................................... 2-14
Dimensions and weights, Vehicle ................... 10-8
Door .................................................................. 3-2
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 5-3
Drive belt......................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
On snow or ice .......................................... 5-20
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
The vehicle .................................................. 5-7
Drugs ................................................................ 5-3
EEconomy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control
Information label ...................................... 10-10
System warranty...................................... 10-18
Engine
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Compartment check location....................... 8-4
Coolant heater ........................................... 5-21Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Cooling system ............................................ 8-5
Oil ................................................................ 8-8
Oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 10-4
Overheat ...................................................... 6-9
Serial number .......................................... 10-10
Specifications ............................................ 10-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .......... 9-3, 9-10
Exterior and interior light, Replacement ......... 8-26
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-10
Fastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-20
Two-point ................................................... 1-23
Filling, Fuel filler lid ......................................... 3-11
Filter, Air ......................................................... 8-18
Flasher switch, Hazard warning ..................... 2-17
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mats, Cleaning ........................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transaxle ................................... 8-10
Brake ......................................................... 8-12
Engine ......................................................... 8-8
Power steering .......................................... 8-12
Window washer ......................................... 8-13
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-16
Front
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-16
Interior light................................................ 2-26
Manual seat adjustment .............................. 1-2
Power seat adjustment................................ 1-4
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11-2

Fuel
Economy.................................................... 5-15
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-11
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Recommendation ...................................... 10-2
Fuse ................................................................ 8-21
Fusible link ...................................................... 8-22
GGarage door opener, Integrated
HomeLink
...................................................... 2-27
Gas cap, Fuel filler ......................................... 3-12
Gas economy, Fuel ........................................ 5-15
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature ........................ 2-5
Fuel.............................................................. 2-5
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ................................ 9-2, 9-3
Glass, Cleaning ................................................ 7-3
Glove box........................................................ 2-22
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-17
Head restraint adjustment ................................ 1-5
Headlamp, Replacement ................................ 8-25
Headlight
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Switch ........................................................ 2-15
Heated seat .................................................... 2-18Heater and air conditioner
(Manual) ...................................................... 4-3
(Automatic) .................................................. 4-9
Heater operation
Manual air conditioner ................................. 4-4
HomeLink
...................................................... 2-27
Hood ................................................................. 3-9
Horn ................................................................ 2-17
How to stop alarm, Theft warning .................. 2-13
How to use multi-remote control system .......... 3-6
I
Identification, Vehicle ...................................... 10-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Indicator light .................................................... 2-9
Infants and small children, Seat belt .............. 1-19
Information label, Emission........................... 10-10
Injured persons, Seat belt .............................. 1-19
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-13
Installing front license plate .......................... 10-11
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter .................. 2-27
Interior light ..................................................... 2-25
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
KKey .................................................................... 3-2
Position, Ignition switch ............................... 5-6Key operation, Trunk lid ................................. 3-11
Keyless entry, Multi-remote control .................. 3-5
L
Label, Air bag warning .................................... 1-15
Lamp, Replacement ........................................ 8-24
Larger children, Seat belt ............................... 1-19
License plate, Installing ................................ 10-11
Light
Air bag warning ......................................... 1-15
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-16
Headlight replacement .............................. 8-25
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-15
Indicator ....................................................... 2-9
Interior ....................................................... 2-25
Personal .................................................... 2-26
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Trunk ......................................................... 2-27
Vanity......................................................... 2-26
Warning ....................................................... 2-7
Loading information, Vehicle ........................ 10-12
Loading tips .................................................. 10-13
Lock, Door ........................................................ 3-2
Locking with
Inside lock knob .......................................... 3-3
Key .............................................................. 3-3
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-4
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
Lubricant, Capacities and recommended ....... 10-2
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11-3

M
Maintenance
General ................................................ 9-2, 9-3
Item .................................................... 9-3, 9-10
Periodic........................................................ 9-5
Precaution ................................................... 8-2
Seat belt .................................................... 1-25
Manual
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-2
Operation, Air conditioner ......................... 4-11
Transmission, Driving ................................ 5-10
Meter
And gauge ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
Mirror............................................................... 3-13
Inside ......................................................... 3-13
Outside ...................................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
NNew vehicle, Break-in ..................................... 5-14
OOdometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Automatic transaxle ................................... 8-10
Brake ......................................................... 8-12
Engine ......................................................... 8-8
Filter recommendation............................... 10-4
Power steering .......................................... 8-12Opener operation
Fuel filler lid ............................................... 3-11
Trunk lid..................................................... 3-10
Operating tips, Automatic air
conditioner ........................................ 4-5, 4-6, 4-11
Operation, Cruise control ................................ 5-13
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-14
Overheat ........................................................... 6-9
P
Parking
Brake ......................................................... 5-12
Brake and brake pedal .............................. 8-20
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Pedal
Brake ......................................................... 8-20
Clutch ........................................................ 8-21
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-26
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Seat operating tips ...................................... 1-4
Steering ..................................................... 5-17
Steering fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window ...................................................... 2-22
Precaution
Maintenance ................................................ 8-2
On child restraint ....................................... 1-25
On cruise control ....................................... 5-13
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-7
When starting and driving ........................... 5-2
Pregnant women, Seat belt ............................ 1-19Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio............................................................... 4-12
With cassette player .................................. 4-13
With cassette player and compact disc (CD)
player ......................................................... 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-18
Rear
Door lock, Child safety ................................ 3-4
Window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-14
Recommended
Fuel/lubricant ............................................. 10-2
SAE viscosity number ............................... 10-6
Recovery, Freeing a stuck vehicle ................. 6-12
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............................ 10-6
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 10-9
Release
Hood ............................................................ 3-9
Trunk lid....................................................... 3-9
Remote keyless entry, Multi-remote
control ............................................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-18
Restraint, Child ............................................... 1-25
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
Rotation, Tire .................................................. 8-33
SSafety
Belt ............................................................ 1-17
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11-4

Child seat belt ........................................... 1-18
Defects, Reporting................................... 10-18
Towing ..................................................... 10-14
Seat................................................................... 1-2
Heated ....................................................... 2-18
Seat adjustment
Front manual ............................................... 1-2
Front power ................................................. 1-4
Seat belt.......................................................... 1-17
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-5
Extender .................................................... 1-25
Maintenance .............................................. 1-25
Operation, Three-point .............................. 1-21
Precautions................................................ 1-17
Warning light and buzzer ............................ 2-8
With retractor, Three-point ........................ 1-20
Without retractor, Two-point ...................... 1-23
Selecting correct set of seat belt .................... 1-23
Servicing air conditioner ................................. 4-12
Setting, Clock.................................................. 2-25
Shoulder belt height adjustment (For front
seats) .............................................................. 1-22
Side air bag system ........................................ 1-13
Sound system, Audio system ......................... 4-12
Sound, Buzzer ................................................ 2-11
Spark plug....................................................... 8-16
Specifications .................................................. 10-7
Speedometer and odometer ............................. 2-4
Starting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-4
Jump ............................................................ 6-7
Manual transmission ................................... 5-5
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
Push ............................................................ 6-9The engine .................................................. 5-6
Steering
Power ........................................................ 5-17
Wheel ........................................................ 3-13
Storage ........................................................... 2-19
Stuck, Vehicle recovery .................................. 6-12
Sun shade....................................................... 2-24
Sunroof ........................................................... 2-24
Supplemental
Air bag system .......................................... 1-12
Air bag warning label ................................ 1-15
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-15, 2-8
Restraint system.......................................... 1-7
Restraint system, Precautions .................... 1-7
Side air bag system .................................. 1-13
Switch
Front fog light ............................................ 2-16
Hazard warning ......................................... 2-17
Headlight ................................................... 2-15
Ignition ......................................................... 5-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defoggor .................................................... 2-14
Turn signal................................................. 2-16
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant ................ 2-5
Theft warning .................................................. 2-11
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-2
Three-point type seat belt with retractor......... 1-20
Tire .................................................................. 8-31
Chain ......................................................... 8-33
Changing ................................................... 8-33Equipment, Cold weather .......................... 5-20
Flat............................................................... 6-2
Placard .................................................... 10-11
Pressure .................................................... 8-31
Quality grading ........................................ 10-17
Rotation ..................................................... 8-33
Type........................................................... 8-32
Tires, Specifications ........................................ 10-8
Top strap child restraint .................................. 1-34
Towing
A trailer .................................................... 10-13
Safety ...................................................... 10-14
Your vehicle............................................... 6-10
Trailer, Towing .............................................. 10-13
Transmitter
Integrated HomeLink
............................... 2-27
Multi-remote control..................................... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 10-9
Tray ................................................................. 2-19
Trunk
Lid ................................................................ 3-9
Light ........................................................... 2-27
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-16
Two-point type seat belt without retractor (Center
of rear seat) .................................................... 1-23
Type of tire...................................................... 8-32
U
Underbody, Cleaning ........................................ 7-3
Unfastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-21
Two-point ................................................... 1-24
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11-5

Uniform tire quality grading........................... 10-17
VVanity mirror light ............................................ 2-26
Vehicle
Identification .............................................. 10-9
Loading information ................................. 10-12
Ventilator ........................................................... 4-2
Viscosity number ............................................ 10-6
WWarning
Buzzer, Seat belt ......................................... 2-8
Flasher switch ........................................... 2-17
Label, Air bag ............................................ 1-15
Light ............................................................. 2-7
Light, Air bag...................................... 1-15, 2-8
Light, Brake ................................................. 2-8
Light, Door open.......................................... 2-8
Light, Low fuel ............................................. 2-9
Light, Seat belt ............................................ 2-8
Theft .......................................................... 2-11
Warranty, Emission control ........................... 10-18
Washer switch, Windshield ............................. 2-13
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights, Vehicle ............................................. 10-8
Wheel .............................................................. 8-31
Wheels, Specifications .................................... 10-8
Window ........................................................... 2-22
Power ........................................................ 2-22
Washer fluid .............................................. 8-13Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-13
Windshield wiper blade ................................... 8-18
Winter equipment ............................................ 5-20
Wiper
Blade ......................................................... 8-18
Windshield ................................................. 2-13
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11-6

FUEL RECOMMENDATION:Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.For additional information, see ªCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10.
Technical and consumer informationº section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:IAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
IAPI certification mark
ISAE 10W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for
ambient temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section for engine oil and
oil filter recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBreak-in scheduleº Information
found in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recommen-
dations for the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in vehicle damage
or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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