stop start NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come 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 somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern 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
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities andtransportation services to the supply of lubri-
cants, 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 tech-
nician 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 seat 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.
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Engine oil pressure warning light
Low washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator light
Charge warning light
or
Brake warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)
Cruise indicator light
Seat belt warning light
Low fuel warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Supplemental air bag warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
engine off and check the alternator belt. If the
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND BUZZERS
Instruments and controls
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the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourselfº section.IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer. However if the light illumi-
nates while starting the engine, it does not
indicate a system malfunction.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for 2
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic fail-safe mode. This system al-
lows the vehicle to be driven even in the event
of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into third gear.
See the ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for fail-safe before visiting
your NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls
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FUEL FILLER CAPThe fuel filler cap is a screw-on ratcheting
type. Tighten the cap clockwise until ratcheting
clicks are heard.
Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.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
sparks near the vehicle when refuel-
ing.
IFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn, and wait for any
hissing sound to stop to prevent fuel
from spraying out and possible per-
sonal injury. Then remove the cap.
IDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically.
Continued refueling may cause fueloverflow, resulting in fuel spray and
possibly a fire.
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.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
IIf fuel is spilled on the car body, flush
it away with water to avoid paint dam-
age.
ITighten until the cap clicks. Failure to
tighten the fuel cap properly may
cause the
Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) to illuminate. If this oc-
curs, it will be necessary to take your
vehicle in for service by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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Air recirculation buttonOFF position:
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment.
Use the off position for normal heater, or air
conditioner operation.
ON position (Indicator light ON):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the air recirculation button to the ON
position when driving on a dusty road or to
avoid traffic fumes and for maximum cooling
when using the air conditioner.Air conditioning buttonThis button is provided only for vehicles with
air conditioner.
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push the air
conditioning button to turn on the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light will come on when
the air conditioner is on. To stop the air con-
ditioner, push the switch again to return it to
the original position.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
HeatingThis mode is used to direct hot air from the
floor outlets. Some air will also come from the
defrost vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position for normal heating.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
For quick heating, move the air recirculation
button to the ON position. Be sure to return the
air recirculation button to the OFF position for
normal heating.
VentilationThis mode directs outside air from the side and
center vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defoggingThis mode is used to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
ITo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn on the fan control dial to 4
and the temperature control lever to the full
HOT position.
IWhen thebutton is pushed, the air
conditioner will automatically be turned on
to defog the windshield, and the air recircu-
late mode will automatically be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
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Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.If the system is turned off by pushing the
POWER/VOLUME control knob with the cas-
sette tape still in the player, the tape will
resume playing when the system is turned
back on.
Precautions on cassette tape player
operation:
ITo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends that you use cas-
sette tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
ICassette tapes should be removed from
the player when not in use. Store cas-
settes in their protective cases and away
from direct sunlight, heat, moisture or
magnetic sources.
Direct sunlight can cause the cassette to
become deformed. The use of deformed
cassettes may cause the cassette to jam
in the player.IDo not use cassettes that have peeling
or loose labels. If used, the label could
jam in the player.
IIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette hubs
and rewind the tape firmly. Loose tape
may cause jamming and wavering
sound quality.
IOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
gather a tape coating residue as the tape
passes over the head. This residue ac-
cumulation can cause a weak or waver-
ing sound and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape.
If the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be disas-
sembled for cleaning.
PLAY/STOP:
IWhen this button is pushed with the system
turned off and a tape loaded, the system
will come on and the tape will play.
IWhen this button is pushed with either the
radio or compact disc turned on and the
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
will automatically be turned off and the tape
will play.While the tape is playing, pushing the TAPE
button stops the tape. Pushing the button
again allows the tape to play.
FF (Fast Forward), REW
(Rewind):
Push the FF button to fast forward the tape. To
rewind the tape, push the REW button. Either
the indicator light
,
,
or
will come on when the FF or REW func-
tion is started.
APS (Automatic Program
Search) FF, APS REW:
When the APS FF button is pushed while the
tape is being played, the next program will
start to play from the beginning. Push the APS
FF button several times to skip through pro-
grams. The tape will advance the number of
times the button is pushed (up to nine pro-
grams).
When the APS REW button is pushed once,
the program being played starts over from the
beginning. Push several times to fast rewind
programs. The tape will go back the number of
times the button is pushed. Either the indicator
light
,
,
or
will come on
when the APS FF or APS REW function is
started.
This system searches for the blank intervals
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between selections. If there is a blank interval
within one program or there is no interval
between programs, the system may not stop in
the desired or expected location.
PROG (Program):
Push the PROG button to change the tape
side while the tape is being played.
The cassette tape will automatically change
directions to play the other side when the first
side is completed.Dolby NR (Noise Reduction):
Push the Dolby NR
button for Dolby NR
encoded tapes to reduce high frequency tape
noise. The indicator will come on.
Dolby noise reduction manufactured under li-
cense from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Cor-
poration. Dolby NR and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Metal or chrome tape usage:
The cassette player will be automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal or
chrome cassette tape.TAPE EJECT:
When this button is pushed with the tape
loaded, the tape will be ejected.When the tape is ejected while it is being
played, the system will be turned off.
Compact disc (CD) player operationIDuring cold weather or rainy days,
the player may malfunction due to the
humidity. If this occurs, remove the
CD and dehumidify or ventilate the
player completely.
IThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
IThe CD player sometimes cannot
function when the compartment tem-
perature is extremely high. Decrease
the temperature before use.
IDo not expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
IDo not use an 8 cm CD adapter as this
will cause malfunction.Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and insert the compact disc into the slot with
the label side facing up. The compact disc willbe guided automatically into the slot and start
playing.
After loading the disc, the number of tracks on
the disc and the play time will appear on the
display.
If the radio or tape is already operating, it will
automatically turn off and the compact disc will
play.
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.If the system has been turned off while the
compact disc was playing, pushing the
POWER/VOLUME control knob will start the
compact disc.
8 cm diameter compact discs can also be used
without an adapter.
PLAY/STOP:
When this button is pushed with the system off
and the compact disc loaded, the system will
turn on and the compact disc will start to play.
When this button is pushed with the compact
disc loaded but the tape or the radio playing,
the tape or radio will automatically be turned
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off and the compact disc will start to play.
When this button is pushed while the compact
disc is playing, the compact disc will stop
playing. When this button is pushed with the
compact disc stopped, the compact disc will
start to play.
FF (Fast Forward), REW
(Rewind):
When the FF or REW button is pushed while
the compact disc is being played, the compact
disc will play while fast forwarding or rewind-
ing. When the button is released, the compact
disc will return to normal play speed.APS (Automatic Program
Search) FF, APS REW:
When the APS FF button is pushed while the
compact disc is being played, the program
next to the present one will start to play from its
beginning. Push several times to skip through
programs. The compact disc will advance the
number of times the button is pushed. (When
the last program on the compact disc is
skipped through, the first program will be
played.) When the APS REW button is
pushed, the program being played returns to
its beginning. Push several times to skip back
through programs. The compact disc will go
back the number of times the button is pushed.
PROG (Program):
When the PROG button is pushed while the
compact disc is being played, the play pattern
will change as follows:
ALL: All the programs will be played repeat-
edly in sequence.
1: Only one program (the one being played
when the PROG button is pushed) will be
repeated.
RANDOM: Programs will be played at random,
not following the sequence on the compact
disc. The same program may be repeated
twice.
(no mark): All the programs will be played in
sequence and stop when the last program is
finished.
When the compact disc is ejected, the
play pattern will automatically change to
ALL.
CD EJECT:
When the CD EJECT button is pushed with the
compact disc loaded, the compact disc will be
ejected.
When this button is pushed while the compact
disc is being played, the compact disc will
come out and the system will turn off.If the compact disc comes out and is not
removed, it will be pulled back into the slot
to protect it. (without 8 cm diameter com-
pact discs)
DISC indicator light:
This light comes on when the compact disc is
loaded.
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IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals 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 three way cata-
lyst, causing 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 in-spected promptly by 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.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVERFailure 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. See
ªSeat Beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section. And
also instruct your passengers to do so.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVINGNever drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
Starting and driving
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IIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.Do not operate the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R, N, D,
2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) posi-
tion to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
INever shift to P or R while vehicle is
moving. This could cause an
accident.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving
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