1996 NISSAN MAXIMA coolant temperature

SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
ODOMETER
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
TRIP ODOMETER
The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the RESET but-
ton.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the coolant temperature.
The coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
SIC0171SIC0172SIC0173
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button to the ªONº position. Be sure to
return the air recirculation button to the
ªOFFº position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
ªOFFº position.
2. Push the ª
º button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the ª
º button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
When the ª
º button is pushed, the airconditioner 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 com-
partment to improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
Operating tips
IKeep the windows and sun roof closed
while the air conditioner is in operation.
IAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This will
allow the air conditioner to cool the interior
more quickly.
IThe air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at least
once a month. This helps prevent dam-
age to the system due to lack of lubrica-
tion.
IIf the coolant temperature gauge exceeds
the HOT position, turn the air conditioning
off. See ªIf your vehicle overheatsº in the ªIn
case of emergencyº section for additional
information.
AIR FLOW CHART
The chart below shows the switch and lever
positions forMAXIMUM and QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.
The air recirculation switch should be in
the ªOFFº position for normal cooling,
heating and defrosting.
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maximum position ªº.
IAs soon as possible after the windshield is
clean, push the AUTO button to return to
the auto mode.
IWhen the DEF ª
º button is pushed,
the air conditioner will automatically be
turned on at outside temperatures above
35ÉF (2ÉC) to defog the windshield, and the
air recirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
Manual fan speed control
Push the fan control button ªº to manu-
ally control the fan speed.
IPush the AUTO button to return to auto-
matic control of the fan speed.
Air recirculation button
Push the air recirculation button ªºto
recirculate interior air inside the vehicle. The
indicator light on the switch will come on.
Push it again to draw outside air into the
passenger compartment. The indicator will go
out.IThe air recirculation button will not be acti-
vated when the air conditioner is in DEF
mode.
Manual air flow control button
ªMODEº
Pushing the manual air flow control button
selects the air outlet to:
: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors.
: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors and foot outlets.
: Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
To turn system off
Push the OFF button.
Operating tips
IWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tem-
perature warms up, the air flow from the
foot outlets will operate normally.
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ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªChanging Engine Cool-
antº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, Nissan rec-
ommends the use on all four wheels of
MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires.
Please consult your Nissan dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
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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.
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:
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the gearshift
lever to neutral (automatic transmission to
ªPº).
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 ªmaximum
hotº and fan control to ªhigh speedº.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.4. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water.
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair
or clothing to come into contact with, or
to get caught in, the running fan, belts,
or motor fan.
The fan motor can start at any time when
the coolant temperature is high.
If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
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The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system additives
are not necessary.
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol anti-
freeze with the proper mixture ratio of
50% anti-freeze 50% softwater.
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeSoft water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solutions
may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure
cap. Use a NISSAN genuine cap or its
equivalent when replacement is required.
Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. See precautions in ªIf Your Vehicle
Overheatsº found in the ªIn case of emer-
gencyº section.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below ªMINº, add coolant up to the ªMAXº
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the
coolant level in the radiatorwhen the engine
is cold.If there is insufficient coolant in the
radiator, fill the radiator with coolant up to the
filler opening and also add it to the reservoir
tank up to the ªMAXº level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
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6. Start the engine, and warm it up until the
radiator fan operates. Then race the engine
2 or 3 times under no load. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge for signs of
overheating.
7. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
ªMAXº level.
8. Check the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block for any sign of
leakage.CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. 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 5
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
SDI0138SDI0115
ENGINE OIL
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SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles x 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km x 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenanceDrive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-31U00 or equivalent)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance See NOTE (5)
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
(6) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
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