1996 NISSAN MAXIMA engine overheat

Nissan supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that rec-
ommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends maycause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
Nissan does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-KnockIndex) number in these high altitude areas
[over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as: Colorado,
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ªspark knockº. (ªSpark
knockº is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the ªHOTº position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).
IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently.
See the Maintenance schedule.
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Engine ............................................................... 9-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-10
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-10
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-36
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-22
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
Fusible links .................................................... 7-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-3
Glove box lock .................................................. 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-15
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-13
Headlights ....................................................... 7-22
Heated seat .................................................... 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4
Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-36
Installing license plate .................................... 9-11
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-14
Interior light ..................................................... 1-21J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-6, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ash trays .................. 1-17
Cornering light ........................................... 1-14
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Headlights.................................................. 7-22
Interior light................................................ 1-21
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-22
Trunk light.................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Clock.......................................................... 1-21
Door lock operation ..................................... 2-6
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ................................. 2-6
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock............................................. 2-8
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Trunk lid lock ............................................... 2-9
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Foldable outside mirrors............................ 2-36
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-36
Outside mirror remote control ................... 2-36
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Multi-remote control system.............................. 2-5
O
Odometer .......................................................... 1-4
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Opener cancel lever for trunk lid .................... 2-10
Opening the driver's and front passenger's
window .............................................................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control ......................... 2-36Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-8
P
Panic alarm operation ....................................... 2-6
Parking
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 4-15
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Pocket ............................................................. 1-17
Power
Power antenna .......................................... 3-22
Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Power window ........................................... 1-19
Precautions ....................................................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ..................................................... 5-8
R
Radio............................................................... 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ............ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) ............... 3-16
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-23
Radio operation ......................................... 3-17
Rear seat ........................................................ 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 1-12
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-5Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-6
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety................................................ 2-23
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-18
Seat belt
2-point type without ................................... 2-27
3-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 2-25
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-28
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Seat belts .................................................. 2-23
Seats ............................................................... 2-12
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-14
Speedometer .................................................... 1-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Jump starting ..................................... 5-6, 7-13
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-8
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-35
Sunroof ........................................................... 1-20
Supplemental restraint system (Air bag
system) ........................................................... 2-17
Switch
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Recommended fuel:
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 further details such as gasohol, see ªFuel
recommendationº in the ªTechnical and con-
sumer Informationº section.
Recommended engine oil
specifications:
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 ªEngine oil and oil filter recommendationº
in the ªTechnical and consumer informationº
section.
Tire cold pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE Informa-
tion found in the ªStarting and drivingº section
of this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow
these recommendations may result in vehicle
damage or shortened engine life.(page)
IIn case of emergency .......................... 5-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start,
overheating, towing)
IHow to start the engine ....................... 4-1
IMaintenance schedule......................... 8-1
IDo-it-yourself operations .................... 7-1
ITechnical and consumer
information ........................................... 9-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
Z01.2.1/A32-DX