Do it yourself NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G Owner's Manual

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.
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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.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
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TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGIThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the follow-
ing conditions have been met:
a) the engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
b) the vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
c) the automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC).
IThe fluid can be checked at fluid tempera-
tures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC) using the
COLD range on the dipstick after the en-
gine is warmed up and before driving. How-
ever, the fluid should be re-checked using
the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range. Move the
selector lever to P (Park) position after you
have moved it through all ranges.3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is at the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
IDo not overfill.
IUse only NISSAN Matic D (Continen-
tal US and Alaska) or genuine auto-
matic transmission fluid (Canada).
Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent
may also be used. Outside the conti-
nental US and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission
fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot be
read. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
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Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD range at
fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).IDo not overfill.
IUse type DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent.
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.
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POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID8-12
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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.Type B:
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole of the cap (as shown above),
then remove it from the tank. If there is no fluid
in the tube, add fluid. 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.
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
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WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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IKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a
solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
IIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (Ð) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch or
rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your
hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
IKeep the battery out of the reach ofchildren.
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
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BATTERY8-14
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If jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
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DRIVE BELTS
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Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.Be sure to use the correct wrench to
remove the plugs. An incorrect wrench
can cause damage.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS1. Remove the rocker cover ornament using a
suitable hexagon wrench. (Front side)
2. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
3. Loosen the ignition coil fixing bolts. And
remove the ignition coil to give access to
the spark plugs.
4. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug
wrench.
The plug wrench has a rubber seal that
holds the spark plug so that it will not fall
when it is pulled out. Make sure that eachspark plug is snugly fitted into the plug
wrench.
5. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug wrench and install them. Turn
each plug in several full turns by hand, then
tighten with a spark plug wrench to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb
(20 to 29 N×m)
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6. Holding the ignition coil, re-connect each
ignition coil to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
7. Tighten all ignition coils.
Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the con-
ventional type spark plugs since they will last
much longer. Follow the maintenance sched-
ule but, do not reuse them by cleaning or
regapping.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.
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The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte-
nance intervals. See ªPeriodic maintenance
schedulesº in the ª9. Maintenanceº section for
maintenance intervals. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.IOperating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others to
be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air, it stops flame if theengine backfires. If it is not there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with the
air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in serious injury.
CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
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AIR CLEANER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES8-18
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